The amazing abundance of Sievert and Barb’s dahlias just keep giving with this warm dry weather, so making the most of the odd changes we are having weather wise, I can keep the house filled with wonderful color.
I’m loving this brilliant colored Nerine I added a couple years ago – this being the first year it bloomed – I now plan to repeat this long blooming fall bulb at the base of all the Lonicera ‘Baggesen’s Gold’ / boxwood edge which have a sweep of Salvia ‘Indigo Spires; threaded through. It’s simple, low maintenance and always looks good.
UPCOMING CLASSES in October & November
October 22 – Bojagi – The Art of Korean Patchwork – SOLD OUT
Taught by textile artist Patti King, this class is always popular. This one filled fast so we have another scheduled for January 7 2023 – see below.
October 29 – Ramillete Paper Crafts – Ornaments, Cards , Hangings
Ramilletes are an old hispanic tradition, used to decorate alters, parties and homes, in place of flowers that were often not abundant. I have been making both hangings & cards for years as well as introducing Italian crepe paper and German dresden medallions to make more three dimentional ornaments.
The class will start with the basics of cutting the shapes that are used with all card stock and papers supplied. You can then decide to make a hanging, cards or ornaments.
German Springerle & Gingerbread Cookies
November 12th – 1 – 5 pm
This yummy and delightful class will be held at Tekla Cunningham’s historic reserve home in Coupeville ( where there are also incredible restored barns in which she will hold concerts ).
Tekla is a wonder, not only a well known accomplished musician but a devoted baker. We will be making two kinds of dough, the traditional anise flavored one ( which can also be used for ornaments ) and a gingerbread dough that works well with the molds.
Some of you may have attended some of the many concerts put on by Whidbey Island Music Festival over the years. The past two summers we’ve hosted garden concerts in my gardens, so it’s very exciting for me that Tekla wants to teach a baking class!
Winter Market Coming Up
November 25, 26, 27
December 3 & 4
So many wonderful artists and craftspeople are participating this year so mark your calendars! A very small selection of photos below of some of the work.
Jewelry ( a number of different artists ) woodwork, paper crafts, wreaths, jams, dried fruitcake, ceramics, ornaments, garlands, soaps, salves, educational childrens felt books, blacksmith items, Whidbey honey and more…
Don Wodjenski @wodjenskicreative- woodwork
Lori Kane @ritual_mischief with salves, balms, soaps
Nina Alderete @ninaaldereteart – small painting / collages
Hai Anh Vu @littlebeanstoychest – Educational interactive felted books for young children
Steph Terao @stephterao – Ceramics
Joey Guerra @joeyguerrablacksmith – Blacksmith
Mikal Robinson @feralfinearts – jewelry and felted items
Elsa Laymen – Whidbey honey and jewelry
Hilton Herrin – Mini paintings pen and ink / water color
Fabulous chocolates handmade by Aubrie Day @muse.chocolateco
Elegant and environmentally helpful jewelry by Kimber Leblicq and women from Mali @kimberelements
Plantswoman / flower grower Ida Gianopulus @lonecreekfarm dried wreaths & garlic delights.
Leah Nguyễn @planetpaintpeople with block printed towels, napkins, clothes and tee shirts.
There will be more photos of other artists in the next newsletter for the Winter Arts & Crafts Market – just mark your calendars so you don’t miss this fun seasonal event. Bring the joy of local makers work into your celebrations.
Classes thus far for 2023
Bojagi – The Art of Korean Patchwork – Patti King instructor
January 7th 2023 – 10 am – 4 pm
Patti is offering a second class in the new year as the one coming up filled up so fast. Already 4 people are registered – limited to 10. Click link to register
Inside Wonders of Burke Museum Ornithology – Dr Sievert Rohwer & others
date to be determine – winter 2023
As you may know I’ve been volunteering at the Burke Museum in the biology dept and get to see amazing things as well as pick up fascinating information on nests, egg color & brood parasitism, hummingbird tongues and flowers and much more. This will be a behind the scenes experience hearing from accomplished scientists about how the collection inspires understanding of the world. You’ll get to see things never on display but more wonderful will be the information the collections unlock.
Feral Foods of Whidbey Island – instructor Erin VanHee of Trillium Medicine
May 6, 2023
Erin taught the Softening Trauma with Rose class this summer to a large group of women. She’s a wonderful teacher and an old herbalist friend so I’m so glad she’ll return for a few more classes in spring / summer. This class is not posted yet but just hold the date.
Secret Medicine Plants of the Perennial Garden – Erin VanHee
June 24, 2023
When Erin was here teaching in July she noticed the abundance to plants I have in my garden that can be made into herbal tinctures, salves, teas etc. Great to learn about what’s growing around us that can benefit us in other ways be side beauty. Also not posted yet on the website.
Earthen Plasters, Paints & Pigments – 2 day class – instructor Kaili Plummer-Slate , assistant Victor Einseman
summer 2023 – TBD
Let’s hope the rains bring a relief to the firefighters as well as all the plants and animals.
Best to all,
Mary Fisher
7568 Cultus Bay Rd
Whidbey Island
Clinton WA
www.cultusbaygardens
@cultusbaygardens