Leaves are changing, rain is coming, covid still inhibits our movements so all the more reason we need to turn outside when we can to soak in the beauty of the changing colors, scent of the air with Katsura leaves imitating maple syrup and the delicate scent of moist fall air.
It’s a good time to weed a bit and mulch those beds with raked leaves or purchased mulch.
With the large amount of hedge pruning and chipping Tom and I did this summer we have huge piles of course material I’m mulching beds with.
The osmanthus hedge that had been anywhere from 12′ – 6′ are now cut down to about 3′, so when it regrows we can keep it at about 5′. Less impossing and easier to reach for old pruners!
Soft fall color feels even softer on a misty grey day – hydrangeas never cease to delight me with all their colors changes.
‘Ruby Slippers’ is a good name for this oak leaf hydrangea that really puts on a show late summer all the way into the fall and winter. Oak leaf hydrangeas hold their leaves longer than the microphyllas and serratas so you get a longer period of interest when the foliage is so stunning.
New job at Maxwelton beach
I’m working on a new garden design which is located on Maxwelton beach. Using all drought tolerant plants and many broadleaf evergreens like grevillea, arctostaphylos, prostanthera and osmanthus the client will have a low maintenance garden with wonderful texture.
The entrance on the street side has the large wide stones leading up to the steps as seen in the first photo
There is a nice dry stack stone wall which we built so low prostanthera could be planted along with beach strawberry groundcover. The sandy area will eventually have gravel so there is a dry place for them to walk to access firewood they store under the deck.
Miscanthus ‘Little Miss’ gets incredible red tones in late summer and I used it on the water side of the house on each side of the walk that comes off the deck.
Summer and winter blooming Grevillea will anchor the tall house on the street side.
I always enjoy working on a new garden, or helping refurbish and old one. It’s so different than working on a space you’ve occupied for 35 years.
Halloween is always more fun when carving pumpkins with kids! I got to have our grandson Aditieh over recently and not only did he carve both pumpkins ( the tiny one for his baby sister ) but he also made the entire pumpkin pie ( his favorite kind ) by himself with only some verbal help. Even did the crust on his own. It was pronounced perfect by all who got to have some.
Though we can’t host our annual Holiday Open House and Craft Market we are going to offer an on-line Art & Craft Market with a wide seletion from 13 different artists – 6 who have never had wares at any of our sales!! I’m working with a web designer now who will create our on line market – so stay tuned. So,if you’re going to miss coming to the market like we’ve had for years, know you can still find wonderful things on-line. There will be options to pick up your wares at the gardens ( and have a cup of hot cider) or have your order shipped.
If you choose to come pick up items you have ordered online, the potting shed will have festive decor and the scent of pine and hot spiced cider to welcome you. Of course we will limit the entrance to one group ( from your pod ) in the potting shed and one group in the greenhouse so we can all stay safe. Masks are required of course.
Until we have our new webpages up ( hopefully early to mid November ) I’ll share a few photos of some of the artists work who are participating this year.
Nancy Pascoe of HaikuQuilts will offer some of her fabulous zip bags made with Japanese fabrics. We carried them two years ago at our market and they were such a hit. Useful for all sorts of items.
Ceramic wall hangings by Karra Wise.
Shot glasses by Karra Wise – use for anything from wheatgrass to tequilla!
Aprons and masks by Erica Hanson of EHWorks – durable, useful and beautiful aprons for adults or kids in linen and cotton with great pockets.
Finger puppets by Allison Kaplan of Kata Golda will delight most young children and are all handstitched by this productive Pt Townsend artist.
Necklaces & Earrings also by Allison Kaplan of Kata Golda will be offered – wonderful organic shapes reminisant of the natural world feel right at home in the PNW.
Truly fabulous pillows by the talented textile artist Patti King using some of her wonderful stash of fabrics collected over many years.
Kimberly Johnson’s metal sculpture is all inspired by plant materials since she’s an avid gardener. This one is inspired by dandelions.
Dream Tree by Kimberly Johnson – all sculpture is for pick up only at the gardens.
A wide selection of one of a kind clothing by Maemae aka Mary Fisher. Dresses and tops in various colors, primarily cotton with a smattering of linen.
back of a tunic by Mary Fisher
Each garmet has a hand embroidered label just for fun!
The always popular and now much sought after fruitcake – one pound size with a good brandy soak -made with dried fruits and nuts only! Known to convert those who think they distain fruitcake!
Hand dyed towels with a kitchen blessing block print across both ends of the towel by Leah Nguyen of Planet Paint People
Leah will also have offer the same kitchen blessing printed on paper and framed as well as her delightful hand made soaps in a couple great fragrances.
I’ve been at it again creating numerous one of a kind medallion style ramilletta ornaments. I have far too many to show all in the online site. I’ll list a few and if you have desires for others images email me directly.
Low sugar jams from various yummy fruits available again this year.
Hand carved spoons by Tom Fisher as well as other hand carved pieces of art.
There are other artists who will be participating as well but I don’t have their photos yet – just know there will be a really fun selection to choose from.
I hope this online market will help you feel more cheerful and give a taste of what we’ve all come to enjoy during the darker months of the year – gifting our friends and loved ones with special hand made work, enjoying the scents of cider, juniper, pine and fir and slowing down a bit with a hot cuppa whatever makes you happy.
I’ll be thrilled to see anyone who decides to come pick up the wares in the potting shed and encourage you to do so. Hot spiced cider awaits!
Stay Well! Wear a Mask and VOTE!
Mary Fisher
Cultus Bay Gardens