March Newsletter

Hoh Rainforest ~ Olympic National Park 

Upcoming Classes:

Embroidery

Instructor ~ Sarah Slovensky

June 13

Hello all,

What an unpresidented time we live in – so many changes happening now. One thing we can still take solice in is the leveling and calming aspects that gardening brings into our lives. Since it’s not the right time to socialize try to find  grounding and focus by taking walks, planting seeds or flowers and enjoying the quiet time we are forced to be part of. Maybe even more crafting or baking… 

I’m hoping we can schedule class for May as we have some ideas lined up but will wait a bit to post those until we know if the teachers will feel comfortable flying into Seattle.

We are proceeding with caution for a couple of our upcoming classes.  We will reschedule the Cedar Bark Basketry  – Form to Function which was planned for March 21. 

There are 3 spaces left in that class if anyone is still interested in taking it let me know and once we have the new date it will go up on the website.

Our Spring Nettles – Food & Medicine originally scheduled for April 5th falls too close for the suggested social distancing I feel is important for us to practice, so that class will likely not happen until next spring. Nettles are growing rapidly now and we want to use them when young and tender.

 

Embroidery with Sarah Slovensky will most likely happen since it’s not scheduled until June 13th unless there is a precipitous change in numbers with the virus.

A recent trip to the Olympic Peninsula gave us a chance to go see the largest western red cedar in the world. It’s amazing how there is no bark on the large lower section. Rather hard to tell if there is bark up above where the needles actually.

It’s 4 miles off Hwy 101 if you get a chance to go feel is mass and unknown great age. Puts old in perspective.

The tree is just outside the National Park within the National Forest.

I was shocked when I started eating some cheese and chips in the parking lot and the grey jays just swooped down and landed on my hand – clearly fearless and used to getting easy treats. After filling their bellies they perched quietly in the trees but not until we enjoyed their flying and catching skills.

One of the amazing mosses that are abundant in the rainforest at the Olympic National Park. If anyone knows the name of this let me know – very fern like and growing on the ground.

Another lovely moss – its like a magic fairy land with so much moss and lichens everywhere.

Micacous Pottery – Nancy McCabe

May 2 & 9th

This class is still being planned but I’m not taking registration until we are sure Nancy can travel AND the social distancing has been relaxed.

The class will be over two consecutive Saturdays. On May 2 you will learn how to make slab built or pinch pots depending on your preference. We will work exclusively with micacous clay which we will fire in an open pit the following Saturday. You will go home with one or two pots which you can us inside – perfect for succulents.

Please stay tuned for other options. Stay calm, use precaution and wash hands often.

This too will pass.

Mary