This July, food licenses will be granted to individuals baking or processing up to $15,000 of low-hazard food items a year from their home kitchens. Previously, no matter the dollar amount sold, the goods had to be made in a commercial kitchen, which is costly to construct, and in many places, not available to rent. The draft rule outlining this new cottage food law will be the subject of a public hearing on May 22 in Olympia.

Pickled vegetables are not allowed under the law. PHOTO BY ROBYN BRADLEY

The cost of a cottage foods license is $30, with an additional public health review fee of $75 and a kitchen inspection fee of $125, for a total of $230. Foods must be sold directly to customers, face-to-face, with no Internet sales or business across state lines.

Only non-potentially hazardous foods will be allowed to home processors; no foods that support the growth of dangerous bacteria like botulism will be permitted. Nothing a cottage food processor brings to market can require temperature control, either by refrigeration or heating. This means that all forms of meat are prohibited, as are most forms of dairy; a few exceptions apply to baked goods containing dairy and some frostings that are stabilized by high sugar content.

Cottage food processing kitchens do not need to have stainless steel surfaces or separate ovens, and three-compartment sinks are not needed as long as the home has a dishwasher for sanitizing. However, food requiring refrigeration must be stored in its own designated refrigerator, all counter tops must be non-porous and easily sanitized, kitchen floors must be free of carpeting and rugs, pet crates or litter boxes are prohibited in the kitchen, and the kitchen sink must never be used to clean pet boxes or pans, whether during processing hours or not.

The cottage licensee is the only person allowed to oversee the kitchen during processing hours, and no domestic use of the kitchen is allowed while processing is underway. The licensee and all helpers must have valid food-handler’s permits.

The application will require cottage food processors to submit several different kinds of information including all recipes and procedures, a diagram of the processing kitchen, and a written plan illustrating how pets and children under 6 will be kept out of the kitchen during processing hours. This can be by closing doors, putting up gates, leaving pets outside, or only processing when children are in the care of others. Applicants must also submit to an inspection of their kitchen by a WSDA agent and agree to allow inspectors to visit during their normal business hours, announced or unannounced.

When selling to the public at farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and bazaars, the cottage foods permit must be prominently displayed. Food should be prepackaged with the name of the item, the cottage processor’s name and address, and ingredients must be listed in the familiar format, in descending order by weight, with allergens listed per federal guidelines, “Contains: wheat, eggs, soy.” The label must also contain the wording, “Made in a Home Kitchen Not Subject to Standard Inspection Criteria” in the equivalent of at least 11-point type. Baked goods can be sold in bulk as long as they are kept in a sealed container while on display and have an ingredient list available for customers to review before purchase.

The permits expire on January 31 of the year following issuance; however, all permits granted in 2012 will be valid until January 31, 2014. If the cottage licensee decides to add new products or change any of their recipes during the year, a new application must be completed and a $75 application fee and $30 review fee paid. If there are changes to the kitchen premises, the whole process will need to be started over; application, fees, and inspection.

A public hearing will be held in the WSDA Olympia office on May 22 at 1 p.m. to review and finalize the draft rule. The WSDA will hear public comments at this time on any aspect of the rule, including questions and clarifications of any of the exceptions and allowances (for example, stove-top baked goods such as tortillas are not listed as prohibited, but do not fall under the category of permitted oven-baked goods). If no changes are to be made, the rule will be adopted and available for permit applications on July 1. When enacted, WSDA representatives recommend applying as soon as possible as they expect a backlog of applications and may not be able to approve permits for up to four weeks.

View the full draft at tinyurl.com/cottagefoods/. Written comments should be sent to: Julie Carlson, WSDA Food Safety and Consumer Services Division Coordinator, at jcarlson@agr.wa.gov or PO Box 42560, Olympia WA 98504-2560.

Published in the May 2012 issue of Grow Northwest magazine.

Correction: In the print article, the sidebar showing some of the foods permitted and prohibited contained an error. Infused vinegar with no garlic is permitted. Infused oils are not allowed.

“There is nothing on this plate that isn’t good,” said one of my dining companions at A’Town Bistro the other day. I had to agree, not just about her plate but about everything I’ve tried there. For a restaurant that’s only been open a few months, it’s a remarkable achievement.

Gâteau au chocolat. PHOTO BY JESSAMYN TUTTLE

Located in the space formerly occupied by La Vie en Rose bakery in downtown Anacortes, the bistro is cozy and welcoming. Despite having little daylight, thanks to the deep, narrow shape of the room, the feeling is bright and comfortable with a definite Northwest vibe. A long curving bar offers access to the extensive array of beers on draft (order a flight to try several at once), plus a well-chosen selection of wines from Washington, California and Europe.

The menu at A’Town features a selection of European-style bistro classics, like moules frites and French onion soup, plus some unusual twists like the Scotch egg or the wild boar burger. There’s a wide price range in the large plates, from a $13 plate of pasta to a $28 ribeye steak, plus a nice selection of small plates for sharing or for those (like me) with smaller appetites. Ingredients are from local and organic sources as much as possible, and the restaurant expects to increase their use of local produce even more once the farmer’s market opens.

Regardless of provenance, the food is excellent. The wild boar burger, one of their most popular items, was juicy and delicious. French onion soup was brought to the table dangerously hot, as it should be, and not too salty. The beet salad was a nicely composed plate of greens, roasted golden beets, apple, herbed cheese and hazelnuts. Mussels were perfectly cooked in a bright, flavorful broth with bits of spicy Spanish chorizo, one of my favorite shellfish preparations. Halibut and chips, while priced a little higher than usual for a fish-and-chips plate, were perfectly done, and the fries were cut small, very crispy, and dusted with truffled parmesan salt, giving them an especially savory aroma. The most impressive item we had at dinner was the steak, which was cooked (as requested) medium rare, and was absolutely tender while still having great beef flavor. Its accompaniments, a few smashed and roasted young potatoes and a pile of Brussels sprouts, were well chosen.

The dinner menu. PHOTO BY JESSAMYN TUTTLE

Sunday brunch is just as satisfying. When we visited recently the dining room was far from full, but they deserve to have a line out the door for food like this. Several items from the lunch and dinner menu made reappearances, but there were plenty of egg dishes, including a really fine ham shank benedict, and a plate of biscuits and gravy that my husband declared the best he’d ever had. I was thrilled to see pho on the brunch menu, and it lived up to expectation: rice noodles in savory broth redolent with star anise, with paper thin slices of beef cooking in the soup. Adornments of cilantro, jalapeño, basil, and sprouts came on a separate plate, plus bottles of hoisin and Sriracha sauce. It was spectacular.

And there is dessert, of course. The list is short: simple crème brûlée, gâteau au chocolat, and a cheese plate – all bistro classics. We tried both the brûlée and the gâteau, and they were absolutely perfect, which is no mean feat for either dish.
Prices may seem high to some guests, but I think you’re getting what you pay for at A’Town Bistro.

A’Town Bistro is located at 418 Commercial Avenue in Anacortes, and can be reached at (360) 899-4001. For more details, visit atownbistro.com.

Published in the May 2012 issue of Grow Northwest magazine.

Slow Food and Nourishing Traditions with Gigi Berardi: Tuesday, May 1. Enjoy a workshop featuring slides of Slow Food centers in northern and central Italy, narration by Gigi Berardi, Huxley professor and coordinator of the Resilient Farm Project. Learn about opportunities for Slow Food study in Europe and in Bellingham. Light refreshments to be provided by Charles Claassen of the Book Fare Café. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $6 students, $8 members, $10 non-members/ Downtown Co-op /register at Co-op. 360-734-8158

Gardening with a Purpose: Tuesday, May 1. Great ideas to help beautify your yard and put the rain to work: rain barrels, terraces, soil amendments, buffers and more! Stillaguamish room, City of Arlington Utilities Building, 154 W Cox Avenue. Free, register at http://bit.ly/scdwkshp.

Moon and Astrological Gardening with Diane Johnson: Tuesday, May 1. 6:30 p.m. Free. Room 309, Skagit Valley Co-op, Mount Vernon. Call (360) 336-9777.

Birchwood Garden Club’s May Meeting:  Wednesday, May 2. Cleo Pirtle, manager of Bakerview Nursery, will lecture on “The Art of Buying at a Nursery.”  7 p.m. Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. Visit birchwoodgardenclub.org/

Garden Art Fair: Friday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Depot, 611 R Ave, Anacortes. Free admission. For more information, contact nicolej@cityofanacortes.org.

Planning a Four-Season Veggie Garden: Friday, May 4. Master Gardener Peter Heffelfinger will help you get a fresh-picked harvest year-round from your garden. 6 to 7:30 p.m., Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Class fee $5. Reservations required: (360) 466-3821.

Snohomish Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale: Saturday, May 5. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McCollum Park, 600 128th St E, Everett. 5,000 tomatoes available, as well as 4,000 herb and vegetable starts. Trees, berries, and more. Specialty vendors.

Growing Tomatoes: Saturday, May 5. Growing tomatoes with Kess Blaswich. Skagit Farmers Supply, Stanwood store, 12:30 p.m. Call (360) 629-7033.

Gluten Free Baking: Saturday, May 5. Learn and taste gluten free flours and ingredients. Find out how to use them to help your goods turn out the way you’d like them to turn out. Led by Sandy Nelson, of Specialty Cooking.  9:30 to 11 a.m. $10 per person. Registration required. Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-op, 2804 Grand Avenue, Everett. Call (425) 259-3798.

Hay 101: Saturday, May 5. Discussion on hay selection, testing and the importance of having hay tested, how the tests are done and the results. Live hay judging and vendors discussing how to balance hay rations with feed for equine and livestock. Skagit Farmers Supply, Mount Vernon location. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. Call (360) 424-4207.

Procession of the Species: Saturday, May 5. Participants should line up in front of Bellingham City Hall at 3:30 p.m. For more info, visit bpots.org/

Birchwood Garden Club’s 20th Annual Plant Sale: Saturday, May 5. Perennials, annuals, vegetable starts, shrubs, vines, trees, herbs, ornamental grasses and more. 9 a.m. to noon at Bellingham Public Library, downstairs lecture room, 210 Central Avenue. Visit www.birchwoodgardenclub.org.

Solar Energy Workshop: Saturday, May 5. Solarize Stanwood/Camano sponsors a free public workshop about clean green solar energy for your home or small business. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stanwood High School Auditorium, 7400 272nd St NW. Includes on-site tour of the pole-mounted solar panels that power the environmental sciences department. Learn about federal, state and Snohomish PUD incentives, and ask questions of the project’s expert solar installers, Fire Mountain Solar of Mt. Vernon and Whidbey Sun and Wind of Coupeville. Register online at www.solarizewa.org. Solarize Stanwood/Camano is a collaboration of Snohomish County PUD, NW SEED and local community volunteers. For more information, contact Joan Schrammeck at (360) 387-9589 or Joan.Sch@Frontier.com.

Meet Artist Richard Nash: Saturday, May 5. Meet Oak Harbor artist Richard Nash from noon to 4 p.m. Nash will discuss his techniques for botanical drawing and painting and have prints for sale. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon.   Free.  Call (360) 466-3821 or visit christiansonsnursery.com.

Tastes and Tales of a Chocolate Adventure with Theo Chocolate: Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6. North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. Theo Chocolate founder and CEO Joe Whinney takes you on a chocolate-covered journey through the origins of the cacao bean, how chocolate is made and the adventures that Joe experienced since he used the first organic cacao beans in the U.S. in 1994. For more details, visit ncascades.org/.

Rag Tags Workshop: Monday, May 7. Caroline Sumpter, of Rag Tags, will show you how to weave and create beautiful and useful items for gifts, keepsakes, or utility, using items from your recycle bin, unwanted clothing, string or twine. This workshop will demonstrate easy methods of weaving on cardboard sheets or boxes, as well as yogurt containers and oatmeal tubes. Please bring a cardboard sheet at least 8”x8”, a piece of salvaged clothe or clothing equivalent to a small t-shirts, 44” sturdy string, twine, or yarn. 6:30 p.m. Free. This class is suitable for ages 6 and up, 6-10 with adult help. Room 309, Skagit Valley Co-op, Mount Vernon. Call (360) 336-9777.

Living It Up! 40 Plus – Growing Your Independence: Wednesday, May 9. Join Ron Snyder and Cathy Taggett as they share their experiences of what it means to live on a modern homestead, The Circle of Trees.  6:30 p.m. at Bellingham Public Library Dodson Room, Bellingham.

Friends of the Forest Hike: Friday, May 11. This guided hike from 10 a.m. to noon will take participants to Northwest Whistle Lake. Open to seniors and adults.  Lush Spring growth will be at peak as we hike in to Whistle Lake surrounded by blooming native berry bushes. Do you know thimbleberry, huckleberry, salmonberry, elderberry, Oregon grape, salal? For more information, visit friendsoftheacfl.org/.

Big 2-Day Cascadia Stoneware ‘Seconds’ Sale: Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13. Mountainside Gardens features this Mother’s Day weekend sale of locally made pottery. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 6900 Mt. Baker Highway, between Kendall and Maple Falls.

Staying Well & What to do if it Fails: Saturday, May 12. This class covers many common maladies. Learn about natural remedies, from Cecelia Ragsdale, Certified Nutritional Therapist & Licensed Massage Therapist. 10 a.m. to noon. $50 per person. Registration required. Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-op, 2804 Grand Avenue, Everett. Call (425) 259-3798.

Lopez Lamb, Wool and Goat Festival: Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12. Located at the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, Lopez Village. Event starts with Friday evening sheep drive into Lopez Village. Saturday’s lineup include sheep shearing and sheep dog demonstrations, various breeds of sheep and milk and fiber goats on display, sheep-to-shawl and cheese-making demonstrations, and vendors of local fleece, yarn, textiles, meat and other sheep and goat related art. Evening dinner features Lopez lamb and organic produce by Orcas Island chef Christina Orchid, $40 per person. All proceeds from the dinner go to the Lopez Farm-to-School Program. For more information and dinner tickets, contact fibers@islandfibers.com/.

Whatcom Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale: Saturday, May 12. Tomatoes, perennials, herbs and trees for sale. Master Gardeners will be on hand with advice and cultivation tips. Bring questions about plant diseases or pests (in plastic bags) to the Plant Clinic Booth. The Family Activity Table welcomes children to learn about plants and discover the whimsical Children’s Story Garden. Free admission.  Sale proceeds go to support the WSU Whatcom County Master Gardener program. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hovander Homestead Park, Ferndale. Call (360) 676-6736.

Skagit County Master Gardener Foundation’s Annual Plant Fair: Saturday, May 12. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Skagit County Fairgrounds Building F, Mount Vernon. Free admission and parking! Many varieties of tomatoes, vegetable starts, peppers, herbs, annuals, and perennials. Visit the WSU Master Gardener clinic for questions and answers to home gardening issues, as well as educational booths, vendors and garden art.

San Juan County WSU Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale: Saturday, May 12. 9 a.m. to noon at the Mullis Community Senior Center, 589 Nash Street, Friday Harbor. Lots of plant srarts, flowers and more. The animal shelter also on site with their orchid/bake sale fundraiser.

Cascade Cuts Plant Sale: Saturday, May 12. Cascade Cuts opens to the public for a one-day fundraiser for Sustainable Connections. Common and unusual plants, hanging baskets, herbs and more. Parking is limited. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cascade Cuts Nursery, 632 Montgomery Road, Bellingham.

Wild Bird ID: Saturday, May 12. 11 a.m. Wild bird identification and care with John Edison. John will present a bird identification slide show and give tips on housing, feeding and caring for wild birds. Skagit Farmers Supply, Stanwood store. Call (360) 629-7033.

Second Annual Orcas Island Cider and Mead Festival: Saturday, May 12. Northwest hard cider and mead producers including Finnriver, Wescott Bay, Sky River, Alpenfire, Edgemount and Tieton Cider Works will gathering under the tasting tent at the Eastsound Village Green on Orcas Island at Farmers Market Opening Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Orcas Island homebrewers will compete for  “Orcas Best of the Fest.” Anyone over 21 will be able to taste the ciders and meads for an admission fee, proceeds of which benefit the Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria Program. Co-organizers of the event are Ray’s General Store and Pharmacy and the Northwest Cider Association. For more information, visit orcasislandciderfest.org/.

Free Herbal Spiral Workshop: Begins Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to noon.  Shambala Permaculture Farm and Edible Nursery, Camano Island. Join Natasha Clarke for an in-depth study and collaboration, regarding design and implementation of an herb spiral in your own back yard!  Bring your questions and evolve ideas of what herbs might suit your needs and interests. Taste test herbal delights, teas and honey tinctures. RSVP to nancy@ShambalaFarm.com or (360)387-4110.

Anacortes Farmers Market Opening Day: Saturday, May 12.  9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the new plaza next to the Depot Community & Arts Center – 7th Street & R Avenue Community W. Community workshops and live music each week. Visit anacortesfarmersmarket.org/.

Good Food the Movie Screening: Tuesday, May 15. Free screening of Good Food at the North Fork Public Library, followed by a discussion. 7 p.m. North Fork Community Library, 7506 Kendall Road, Kendall. Call (360) 599-2020.

Bicycle Commuting 101: Tuesday, May 15. With Bicycle Alliance instructor Liz McNett Crowl. Get ready for National Bike to Work Day on May 18! This short course on bicycle commuting shares tips and techniques on how to incorporate cycling into your daily routine with confidence. Free. Room 309, Skagit Valley Co-op, Mount Vernon. Call (360) 336-9777.

Know and Grow Workshop: How to Get the Most from Your Vegetable Garden: Tuesday, May 15. Master Gardeners will present a program about successfully growing vegetables for optimal harvest in Skagit County.  This workshop is free of charge and open to the public. Space is limited. 1 to 2:30 p.m. WSU Mount Vernon NWREC.

All About Herbs: Tuesday, May 15. Learn about local edible plants as well as the culinary, nutritional and medicinal uses of herbs from around the world. 6 tp 7 p.m. $5 Co-op Owners/$10 general. Led by Karl Mincin, herapist. Pre-registration and payment required by May 8. Limited space before and after class for free tests. Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-op, 2804 Grand Avenue, Everett. Call (425) 259-3798.

Chinese-Style Home Cooking with Robert Fong: Wednesday,  May 16. Robert demonstrates stir-fry oyster sauce beef and broccoli, local fish and scallions, dark leafy Chinese gai lan and garlic, and mung bean sprouts and ginger. 6:30 p.m. $39 members and non-members/Downtown Co-op. Optional $8 wine fee is payable at class. Register at WCC. Call (360) 383-3200.

Best of Bacon with Mary Ellen Carter: Thursday, May 17. See the preparation of three distinctive recipes. 6 p.m. $39 members and non-members/Cordata Co-op. Optional $7 wine fee is payable at
class. Register at WCC. Call (360) 383-3200.

National Bike to Work Day: Friday May 18. The Skagit Valley Food Co-op in downtown Mount Vernon will be greeting bicycle commuters with a “Celebration Station” in their parking lot, between 7:30-9am for complimentary organic bananas, water, and coffee.  Stop by again on the way home between 4:30-6pm for a free ice cream scoop coupon! Skagit Valley Co-op, Mount Vernon. Call (360) 336-9777.

Sun or Shade Basket Design: Friday, May 18.  Speakers Kathy Hirdler of Floribunda Designs and Lily Hirdler from Christianson’s Nursery will help you create a memorable hanging basket for sun or shade. Bring gardening gloves. 6 to 7:30 p.m., Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. Reservations required: Call (360) 466-3821, christiansonsnursery.com.

Great Pairings – Food And Wine Benefit for Lopez Children’s Center: Friday, May 18. Lopez Island Vineyards presents five of its 2012 released wines paired with five dishes created by five local chefs. $70 per person. 6 p.m., Woodmen Hall. Call (360) 468-3896.

Baby Chick Day: Saturday, May 19. Tons of baby chicks available plus classes and specials for beginners. Time to make your backyard chicken dream a reality. Hannegan Farm and Home, 6931 Hannegan Road, south of Lynden. (360) 389-5268.

Keep Your Septic System Healthy and Save Money: Saturday, May 19. Learn how to avoid problems with your on-site septic system and save money at the Stanwood PUD. 10 a.m. to noon. This class also qualifies for the Septic 101 requirement for Island County residents. Free. Register at http://bit.ly/scdwkshp.

Efficient Rainwater Irrigation Systems: Saturday, May 19. Learn how to minimize your time and water bill by eliminating runoff, evaporation, and creating a watering schedule that is appropriate for your plants and soil. The water sources we will be using in this hands-on in-the-garden demonstration workshop are 275 gallon rainwater cisterns, both gravity and pump fed. 9 a.m. at The Sustainable Living Center, Bellingham. $55 – $65. Call (360) 733-8307.

Real Meals Outdoors: Saturday, May 19. This class covers diet and how to ascertain what we, as individuals, need to eat in order to promote health and vitality. Class notes include lots of healthful food ideas and recipes. Led by Nancy Sosnove, Author and Co-op Owner. 10 a.m. Free. Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-op, 2804 Grand Avenue, Everett. Call (425) 259-3798.

Poisonous Weeds: Sunday, May 20. Free workshop by the WSU Whatcom County Master Gardener program. Come learn which weeds are harmful, how to identify them, and how to manage them. You may bring samples of weeds for identification. Our presenter is WSU Whatcom County Master Gardener, Janis Walworth. Free. 2 p.m. at Hovander Homestead Park, Ferndale. Call (360) 676-6736.

Wild Seaweed Cuisine with Jennifer Hahn: Monday, May 21. Join a culinary exploration of our local wild sea vegetables. 6 to 8:30 p.m. $39 members and non-members/Cordata Co-op/register at WCC, Bellingham. Call (360) 383-3200.

Vermicomposting with Callie Martin: Tuesday, May 22. Learn how easy it is to compost your food scraps by harnessing the work of worms in our upcoming vermicomposting class. Callie Martin is the Waste Reduction Community Education/Outreach Specialist for Skagit County, and lifelong practitioner of healthy soils and organic gardening. Free. 6:30 p.m. Skagit Valley Co-op, Mount Vernon. Call (360) 336-9777.

Creating Kitchen Garden Containers: Friday, May 25. Speakers Kathy Hirdler of Floribunda Designs and Lily Hirdler from Christianson’s Nursery will help you create a “kitchen garden” in a container with edible flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs. Bring gardening gloves. Reservations required. 6 to 7:30 p.m., Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. (360) 466-3821, christiansonsnursery.com.

Memorial Day Weekend Peony Show and Sale:  Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy walking through peony fields and choose a peony in a pot or for digging in the fall. Hundreds of varieties of herbaceous peonies and Itoh hybrids, too. Cut flowers available. Full Bloom Farm, 2330 Tuttle Lane, Lummi Island. Call (360) 758-7173 for more information or visit www.fullbloomfarmpeonies.com.

Arlington Farmers Market fundraiser: Saturday, May 26. Screening of the film FRESH at Olympic Theater in downtown Arlington, 11 a.m. Suggested admission is $10, kids $5, funds go directly toward the operating costs for the market. See freshthemovie.com.

Bite of Orcas: Saturday, May 26. Sponsored by Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce. Kaleidoscope is at it again, preparing for the island’s furry friends parade, starting location is School Road at 10 a.m. for judging. The parade will start at 11 a.m. and end at the Eastsound Village Grounds. There will be kid friendly food (donated by the Lower Tavern) and customized Kaleidoscope t-shirts at the end location. Sample local food, proceeds benefit Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

Additional events and updates are posted online at www.grownorthwest.com. Send your event information to editor@grownorthwest.com.

In its second year, Youth Grown – a program that helps at risk youths gain experience and skills towards finding employment – has become a model of what can happen when non-profits work together to address a need. Local organizations Northwest Youth Services, The Whatcom Volunteer Center and Common Threads Farm & School Collective have pooled their resources to create Youth Grown, a garden that brings together NWYS youth and volunteers. The produce is then sold to restaurants and at Common Threads’ farmers market booth.

Youth Grown participants and volunteers take care of the garden last summer. COURTESY PHOTO

The idea for Youth Grown came to Jason Dallman after he, recently hired as the Vocational Readiness Coordinator at NWYS, began looking for a way to help some of the members (ages 18-24) in the Adult Housing program gain experience while utilizing the plot of land next to the NWYS office. While researching for the project, he learned about Common Threads, a local non-profit that implements and provides resources for gardens at participating schools in Whatcom County.

As the idea progressed, Dallman met with Dan Hammill, the Volunteer Center’s Program Director. One afternoon, as the two met for coffee and tried to form a project plan, Laura Plaut, the founder and director at Common Threads happened to ride by on her bike. The two chased her down and brought Laura into the meeting. Just 26 days later, Youth Grown launched.

“By the seat of our pants we did that and it worked out pretty well,” Dallman said.

Hammill added, “The program demonstrates local non-profits can work quickly to identify problems.”

The program gives participants the chance to gain skills and confidence to enter the work force, and, for some, a stepping stone to enter society. “I would meet with kids individually and they would be in no way ready to start applying for jobs. There was a real big need for a venue that they could do that,” stated Dallman. “It’s kind of a vocational readiness progress – to be involved in something to get self-confidence and get some self-esteem. It’s a place to get some experience and build your resume.”

Program participants must first apply and go through an interview process, though no one has been turned away. They are asked to commit to working three hours a week on Tuesday afternoons for one month. “We try to establish that sort of responsibility and accountability,” Dallman said.

Last year, eight individuals (ranging in age from 18-24 and in the adult housing program at NWYC), worked a total of 162 hours in the garden. Several went on to find jobs, though Dallman doesn’t see this as the only measure of success.
“Some of the coolest things to see – we work with a variety of people with a variety of backgrounds – are giving them an opportunity to be engaged with someone,” Dallman said. For some, just getting them out of their apartment was a success. The program is meant to help young people become engaged in other things in the community.

There is a one-to-one ratio between volunteers and participants, a key ingredient according to Dallman, with 16 volunteers participating last year. “Everyone is out there working together. Modeling of healthy behaviors and how everyone works with each other. It’s a non-threatening environment where they talk to people they wouldn’t normally talk to. It goes both ways. It’s a good community building activity.”

This year’s program began in mid-April and Dallman hopes to expand to 20 participants over the course of the summer. “I’m anticipating that we’ll work with a few of the younger folks. We have some returning folks,” he said proudly. “Last year was a pretty moving experience.”

Not only are the participants benefiting, according to Hamill, but also the volunteers, who include Western students and local residents. “Any time you offer a volunteer the opportunity to work outside, dig in the dirt and work with cool people, it’s a pretty easy sell.” He added, “Volunteers reported that this was one of their favorite programs to be a part of.”

Others in the community have also chipped in to help. Whatcom Community Foundation provided grant funding to buy tools and a shed, and Hardware Sales lent them a tractor at no cost. Part of the Community Foundation grant will also go towards on-the-job training programs in which young adults will have an internship with a local company for six weeks.
According to Tessa Bundy, a garden educator with Common Threads, a variety of vegetables were grown last year. Because the season started late, they were only able to sell their vegetables at the end of September, with produce going to local restaurants Boundary Bay and The Table, as well as the Common Threads booth at the market. Tessa hopes more restaurants will participate this year, including special days with the produce source highlighted on the menu. This year, the vegetables will be available in June at the market stand.

So far, those involved have been thrilled with the response and success of the program, believing it is a model for not only how to help local youth, but how non-profits can work together to tackle local needs. “This is a model that we’re really interested in replicating and expanding because it works so well,” Plaut said.

For more information, call (360) 734-9862 ext.131 or contact jasond@nwys.org. A “Summer Rides: School Garden Tour” will take place Sunday, June 3 at 1 p.m. at the Youth Grown Garden, starting at 1020 N. State St., Bellingham. This bike tour, sponsored by everybodyBIKE and Common Threads, will explore vegetable patches grown by young people at local schools.

Published in the May 2012 issue of Grow Northwest magazine.

The mood in the Skagit Broomworks’ home shop is decidedly jovial as Kevin Miller ties stalks of broom corn to a broomstick and begins weaving the ends into a striking checkerboard pattern, talking about the tradition of broom-making as he goes. “It used to be passed down through the generations as an occupation, but now the only place that’s still true is in some parts of Appalachia. Here in the northwest there are just a handful of us.”

Corn brooms drying. Husband and wife team Kevin and Sarah Miller (below) create old-fashioned brooms by hand. COURTESY PHOTOS

American lore contends that Benjamin Franklin himself plucked a seed from a French corn broom, planted it in his Philadelphia garden, and thus grew the corn broom industry. America led the world in corn brooms for hundreds of years, in no small part thanks to the Shakers. The Shakers originated the tradition of flat-sewn brooms, as opposed to traditional European round brooms, in the early 1800s, widening them into the familiar bell shape we know today.

The Millers love learning American heritage as a part of their profession, and their shop looks the part of the historical enthusiast. All their equipment is either made by Kevin or from restored vintage implements, including the foot treadle table where Kevin wraps and weaves the stalks, a broom press that clamps the fibers so Sarah can sew them flat, and a late 1800s hand-operated corn chopper for precisely trimming the broom’s end when finished. Kevin is proud to say that “the only thing that’s not run by hand-power is a cordless electric drill,” which he uses for just a moment, drilling a hole in the top of the broomstick before knotting a leather hanging strap through it.

Broom corn, which is actually a variety of sorghum, thrives in areas with hot, humid summers, and was once cultivated all over the Midwest. The U.S. corn broom industry has all but disappeared since the rise of foreign manufacturing.

“We were part of the building bust,” Kevin said of the couple’s venture into old-fashioned broom-making, noting former work in landscaping and construction. Once the demand for their labors ran dry, they searched for work they could do on their own terms, eventually becoming fascinated in broom-making. Kevin’s construction background enabled him to build much of their equipment by hand, following the designs of equipment in old books and making some things up as he went along. “We’re still working out some of the details,” he said, as Sarah adjusts an S-hook that isn’t holding tension on his cording quite right. “It’s a work in progress.”

In earning their own living wage, Kevin says they’ve found success in meeting their customers face-to-face, both because they love seeing the people who will be bringing their work home, and also because the customers find it important to see who has done the work and how.

“We’ve started bringing our equipment and tools to market with us so people can see us working on brooms,” said Kevin, noting that before they did, some customers assumed they were an imported product. “Once people see what goes into it, they really connect more with you as an artisan.”

And they get a chance to learn the value of something that might otherwise be seen as a novelty. A good corn broom well-cared for will last decades, the Millers said, and beyond that, they offer free repairs. In this economy, people are buying things that are useful, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, Sarah added.

“We had one customer who told us that he now enjoys sweeping his floor. I love being able to do that for people—just bring a little joy,” Kevin smiled.

“There’s no comparison between a corn broom and a plastic one,” Sarah said, proudly. “Corn brooms work better, last longer, and they’re beautiful. The broom closet wasn’t invented until ugly plastic brooms came along.”

The Millers both believe strongly in spending dollars locally, being sure to shop from other vendors at the farmers’ markets they attend. “I’m OK with spending a few more dollars for honey or eggs,” says Kevin. “It feels good knowing that it’s supporting a living wage.”

The Millers’ brooms are available at the Skagit Valley Co-op in Mount Vernon, online at skagitbroomworks.com, and at regional farmers’ markets and bazaars.

Published in the May 2012 issue of Grow Northwest magazine.

The Lopez Lamb, Wool, and Goat Festival returns for its second year on Saturday, May 12, bringing sheep, goats, demonstrations, and more.

Organizers Maxine Bronstein and her partner, Debbie Hayward, view their involvement with the festival as a natural pairing. As owners of Island Fibers, a small business that focuses on wool-based creations done by hand, they feel the festival shows off what the island has to offer. “We’ve been running our business for about 10 years,” Hayward said. “Lopez Island fleece is just incredible to work with and this festival is a great way to showcase that.”

Sheep are herded to Lopez Village during last year’s event. COURTESY PHOTO

This year, the festival is sponsored by Island Fibers, Saddleback Sheep Ranch, and the Agricultural Resources Committee of San Juan County.

According to Bronstein, Island Fibers purchases over a thousand pounds of wool each year, which is transformed into garments, textiles, and accessories, among other things. Their fleece comes from local farms including Hunter Bay Farm, Saddleback Sheep Ranch, Seaside Sheep Company, Marshfield Farm, Reeve Ohana, One Clay Hill Farm, and Hill Farm.
“The festival also promotes the meat of the animals,” Bronstein said. “It’s actually the main crop of Lopez Island because the farmers take a few extra steps in raising them in order to have better quality animals.”

While Bronstein says she does not own sheep of her own, many farmers on the island have their own flocks that contain between eight and twelve sheep. Since the island is plentiful with sheep, the vast amount of wool is utilized by textile artists so as not to waste the resource. “The climate is just amazing for wool,” she added, “That’s why Lopez Island is such a big textile area.”

The concept of The Lamb, Wool, and Goat Festival sparked during a conversation two years ago during the holiday bazaar held at the local preschool. “Once we decided to do it, a lot of people started to get involved,” Bronstein recalled, “It really took on a life of it’s own.”

Last year’s festival held more than simply sheep-shearing demonstrations. “There was a sheepdog demonstration to show how they herd the sheep and the lambs got to be cute,” Bronstein said. “But one of the most fun parts is when they herd the sheep through town to come to the festival.” On Friday evening, Don Burt Jr. of Saddleback Sheep Ranch drives a flock of sheep into Lopez Village, which Bronstein said is a sight to behold. “They all come through the main road.”

While these events will happen again at this year’s event, the biggest change to this year’s lineup is the inclusion of goats. “We’ll have a few different breeds to show,” Bronstein said. “And, of course, there will be baby goats.”

The addition of goats allows for more demonstrations, from meat-cutting to learning how to make goat cheese.

“We’re including a scavenger hunt for the kids,” Bronstein said, noting the importance of local produce and agriculture for younger generations. “Instead of finding prizes, they’ll have to ask specific questions about sheep and wool.”

Since last year’s festival, others have become interested. “After we added goats we got a request from an alpaca farm from the San Juan Islands,” Bronstein said. “Who knows what sort of animals we’ll have by next year!”

All proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Lopez Farm-To-School Program, which teaches children the importance of local agriculture by funding their own small garden at school. While the event is free, the dinner costs a fee and is prepared by Christina Orchid, a chef from Orcas Island. “We try to include as many local ingredients as possible when putting the dinner together,” Bronstein said. “It will be a festive and bountiful meal.” During the festival, a shawl will be made from raw fleece to be auctioned off at the dinner.

While Bronstein and Hayward are planning the festival, they are receiving help from the community as well. “It’s just one of those projects where everyone’s helping out,” she said. “We get asked about including different events and we’re happy to include everyone.”

The festival will take place on Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lopez Center For Community And The Arts in Lopez Village. For more information, call Island Fibers at 360-468-2467 or visit islandfibers.com.

Published in the May 2012 issue of Grow Northwest magazine.

Farmers Markets allow you a shopping experience that brings you face to face with the farmer, grower, maker or crafter whose livelihood is based around the item you are purchasing. They give you a look at the local talents and trades within a community, and provide you with a good chance to stumble upon a local vendor who may not get a lot of exposure elsewhere. They are a one-stop shop for local goodies, dotting our beautiful corner of the Northwest. Some are big, some are small. Some have been around for years, some are just beginning.

Anna Martin of Osprey Hill Farm in Acme at her booth at the Bellingham Farmers Market last year. PHOTO BY CYNTHIA ST. CLAIR

Following is a list of markets in communities across Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Snohomish and Island counties. Please note as of press time, a number of local markets were finalizing details for the 2012 season. If you need more information, contact the farmers market prior to your visit. Additional local market information will be posted in our online feature as it is confirmed and submitted. Lastly, for information about markets in other areas of Washington State, visit www.wafarmersmarkets.com.

Enjoy all the farmers markets this season!

WHATCOM

Bellingham/Fairhaven: The Bellingham Farmers Market is held each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Depot Market Center, Railroad & Chestnut, and Wednesdays (on a smaller scale) in June through September from noon to 5 p.m. at the Village Green. The Saturday market features approximately 100-plus vendors, buskers and organizations. Events include monthly Chef in the Market and Kids in the Market series, as well as weekly entertainment from local buskers. For more information, visit bellinghamfarmers.org.

Blaine Gardener’s Market: This market opens for the season on Saturday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held each Saturday at H Street Plaza overlooking Drayton Harbor. For more information, call Carroll at (360) 332-4544.

Ferndale: Located on the Riverwalk Park along the Nooksack River, the market is open every Saturday through mid-October. A mix of vendors are on site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (360) 384-3042 for more information.

Lummi Island: The market will be held Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting May 5 through Labor Day weekend. Located at 2106 South Nugent Road, next to the Islanders store and within walking distance of the ferry.

Lynden: Hosted by Five Loaves Farm, this market is at a new location this year. The market will be held Thursday afternoons from 2 to 6 p.m. from June 21 through Sept. 20 at the Centennial Park lot in downtown Lynden, corner of 4th and Front. A small vendor fee of $9 per week beginning in July will help pay for promotional and organizational costs. The location is across from the new Jensen Art Center. For more information, contact Dave Timmer at (360) 961-4061 or  dave.timmer@arocha.org.

Point Roberts: The market starts for the season on June 2 outdoors at the Community Center, 1487 Gulf Road, and alternating every other Saturday throughout the summer. A meeting will be held May 5 at 11 a.m. for anyone interested in participating. Contact Naomi at saturdaymorningmarket@gmail.com.

Victory Market: Local vendors come together Saturday mornings at the corner of Hannegan and Smith roads in Bellingham.

SKAGIT

Anacortes: The ,arket will be held Saturdays starting May 12 through October from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the new Depot Plaza next to the Depot Arts Center, 7th & R Avenue. In addition to vendors, offerings include new community workshops and live music each week. New this season is the addition of a Wednesday market from June 20 through Sept. 5, open from 4 to 7 p.m. For more information, contact Market Manager Keri Knapp at (360) 293-7922 or visit www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

Bow Little Market: The market will be held Thursdays, June 28 through Oct. 4,  from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Belfast Feed Store, 6200 N. Green (south of Bow Hill Rd. along Old Hwy 99). New this year is music most weeks, as well as a children’s tent with children’s vending area, and special kids’ activities offered between 2 and 3 p.m. Special events include the Harvest Market on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the  Belfast Feed Store and the Holiday Festival on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Beau Lodge, 17581 Wood Road, Bow. For more information, contact Patty Sweaney at (360) 724-3333 or bowlittlemarket@yahoo.com, or visit bowlittlemarket.wordpress.com.

Concrete: The Concrete Saturday Market will be held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Concrete Senior Center, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The Concrete Senior Center is located just off Highway 20 at milepost 89. Seasonal events include kids activities and local music. For more information, contact concretesaturdaymarket@gmail.com.

Mount Vernon: The market opens for the season on Saturday, May 26 and features two locations. The Saturday Market is held in downtown Mount Vernon at Gates and Main Street by the Skagit River. The Wednesday Market is held in a smaller setting at the Skagit Valley Hospital, 1415 Kincaid Street. For more information, visit www.mountvernonfarmersmarket.org.

Port Susan: The Port Susan Farmers Market will open on Friday, Aug. 10 in downtown Stanwood, a project of the Port Susan Food & Farming Center. The new market will be open 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday evenings on the grassy area behind Viking Village on 88th (across from the Legion Hall)  and will culminate with a 2-day market on Sept. 21-22 during the annual Harvest Jubilee celebration. For more information, contact Leslie Collings at (360) 202-3932 or visit www.portsusanfoodand farmingcenter.org.

Sedro-Woolley: The market will be held Wednesdays starting May 23 through mid-October from 3-7 p.m. at Hammer Heritage Square, corner of Ferry and Metcalf Streets. For more information, visit sedrowoolleyfarmersmarket.com or contact manager Jeremy Kindlund at sedrowoolleyfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

SAN JUAN

Lopez Island: The market will be held Saturdays May 21 through Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lopez Village. For more information, visit lopezfarmersmarket.com or contact Lopez Island Farmers Market Association, P.O. Box 841, Lopez Island, WA 98261.

Orcas Island: The Market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday from the first weekend in May to the last weekend of September on the Village Green in Eastsound. During October and through most of November, the Market meets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oddfellows Hall, on Haven. For more information, visit orcasislandfarmersmarket.org.

San Juan: Open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to  1 p.m. at the Brickworks building, Sunshine Alley and Nichols Street in Friday Harbor. In addition to vendors, local entertainment is performed by the Market Band or other musicians. For more information, visit www.sjifarmersmarket.com.

SNOHOMISH

Arlington: Opens for the season on Saturday, July 1 and will be held each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Legion Park, 114 N Olympic Ave. A fundraiser will be held Saturday, May 26 at Olympic Theater in downtown Arlington. A screening of the film FRESH will start at 11 a.m. Suggested admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Funds go directly toward the operating costs for the market. Contact Audrey Houston at (425) 330-6105. For more information, visit arlingtonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.

Bothell Farmers Market: The market will open for the season on Friday, June 1 from noon to 6 p.m. at Country Village Shops, 23718 Bothell Everett Highway. In addition to vendors, opening day will feature pony rides and a special planting table for kids provided by Piper’s Creek Nursery. Held each Saturday through the summer.

Darrington: The open air market will be held Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from June through September at Seeman Street, Darrington. For more information, call (360) 436-2167.

Edmonds Museum: The Garden Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May 5 through June 23. The Full Market is open Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from June 30 through Oct. 6. For more information, contact Neil Landaas at (206) 412-4630 or email rockfish5@seanet.com.

Everett: The market opens for the season on Sunday, June 3. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will be open every Sunday through Oct. 7. Located in the parking lot at the Marina, Port Gardner Landing, 1600 Marine View Drive, Everett. For more information, visit everettfarmersmarket.net or call (425) 258-3356.

Granite Falls: The market on Getchell is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., June through September, at 8416 SR 92, corner of Hwy 92 and Getchell (84th St NE). Contact hope@marketongetchell.com.

Mountlake Terrace: Open for the season Friday, June 1. Hours are 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday evenings through Sept. 28. Located at 23208 56th Ave W. For more information, visit mltfarmersmarket.com.

Mukilteo: Open Wednesdays 3 to 7 p.m. from June 6 to Sept. 26. Located in Old Town Mukilteo near the Ferry at Lighthouse Park. For more information, contact Cherri Paul at (425) 418-6064 or visit mukilteofarmersmarket.org.

Snohomish: Open for the season on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to dusk from May 3 through Oct. 11. Located at 1st Street and Cedar Avenue. For more information, visit snohomishmarkets.com.

South County: The South County Community Farmers Market meets Wednesdays 4 to 8 p.m. from June through September. Located one mile east of Thrasher’s Corner at the intersection of Maltby Road and 39th Ave. S.E., Snohomish. For more information, call (425) 770-8507.

Willis Tucker: The Farmers Market at Willis Tucker opens for the season on Friday, June 1. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. each Friday through Sept. 14 on the front lawn of Willis Tucker Park, 6705 Puget Park Drive, Snohomish. For more information, visit marketatwillistucker.wordpress.com/.

ISLAND

Bayview: Open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 27 at SR 525 and Bayview Road, Whidbey Island. For more information, visit bayviewfarmersmarket.com or call (360) 321-4302.

Coupeville: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October at Alexander & 8th Street (behind the library). For more information, call Pat Tennant at (360) 678-4288.

Oak Harbor Public Market: Open Thursdays 4 to 7 p.m. from May 17 through Sept. 24. Located in the Tree Park next to the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center on Highway 20. For more information, contact oakharbormarket@yahoo.com.

South Whidbey Tilth: Open Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  through October, at  2812 Thompson Road and State Route 525. For more information, visit southwhidbeytilth.org or call (360) 730-1180.

Have information you’d like to share with Grow Northwest? Send to editor@grownorthwest.com.

Published in the May 2012 issue of Grow Northwest magazine

Butterflies and hummingbirds are one of the most popular and welcome attractions in the backyard garden. Their brilliant colors and characteristic movements dazzle our senses. So how do we attract butterflies and hummingbirds to our gardens?
With all gardening endeavors, I always say, “know your plant.” And to know your plant is to know it in two ways. First, understand its growth habit, or what the plant does over the course of one year. And second, understand its  native habitat, or where the plant is found, out there in nature. When we put these two ideas together, we realize that the goal for any type of gardening is to reproduce the native habitat of the plant to get the desired growth habit, while having lots of fun. The same principles apply when attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to our landscape.

Plant flowers that provide a nectar source for butterflies. FILE PHOTO

Butterflies
Butterflies are famous for their unique lifestyle in which an adult butterfly produces an egg which become a larva, or caterpillar. The caterpillar pupates, or forms a cocoon from which the mature adult butterfly emerges.

To attract butterflies, we must provide plants that serve as (1) nectar (food) sources for adult butterflies, and (2) host plants as food for caterpillars. Some butterflies do not eat nectar sources, while others may eat sap, fruit, or even be attracted to dung.

Many different plants attract many different butterflies. Providing several different types of nectar plants, blooming at various stages during the year is a great way to attract butterflies. Try to have lots of plants as nectar sources in late summer and fall, when butterflies are most numerous.

Some of the more popular plants that provide nectar sources for adult butterflies include perennials like Dianthus, Jupiter’s Beard, Columbine, Astilbe, Wallflowers, Candytuft, Scabiosa, and Penstemon as well as annuals like Marigolds, Alyssum, Dame’s Rocket, Tithonia, Cosmos, Verbena, and Snapdragons. (There are numerous lists one can find to attract specific butterfly species.)

Many perennials in the aster family attract adult butterflies like Echinacea, Blanket flowers, Coreopsis, Aster, Yarrow, Black-Eyed Susan, and Joe Pye Weed, Cupid’s Dart, and Shasta Daisy.

Garden herbs provide nectar sources too, such as  Borage, Bee Balm, Oregano, Marjoram, Lavender, Rosemary, and Sage.
Common shrubs that attract adult butterflies include Caryopteris, Lilac, Summersweet, Escallonia, Hebe, Mock Orange, Potentilla, and Spiraea. A few of the common trees that also attract them are Maple, Apple, and Willow.

Butterflies will also hang around in your garden if they have plants to lay eggs on for their caterpillars to feed on. Caterpillars will eat their host plant and remain until they form cocoons, which stay on the plant until the adult emerges. Caterpillars eat quite a lot and can leave a plant looking pretty haggard. This is a necessary part of attracting all life cycles of butterflies – one person’s garden pest is another person’s garden treat.

Perennials like Mallow, Hollyhock, Yarrow, Bleeding Heart, Penstemon, Common Rue, and Veronica, as well as annuals such as Snapdragon, Sunflower, Alyssum, and Nasturtium, serve as host plants for caterpillars.  Milkweeds (Asclepias), some annual and some perennial, act as both a host for some caterpillars, especially Monarchs, and nectar sources to other adult butterflies.  Fennel and dill specifically attract swallowtails.

Shrubs as well serve as host plants like Spiraea, Rose of Sharon, and Viburnum along with native shrubs including Flowering Currants and Ocean Spray.

Common trees that act as host plants for some butterflies include Birch, Dogwood, Flowering Crabapple, Pine, Poplar, Paw Paw, and Willow.

Sunny meadow-like areas protected from lots of wind will attract many butterflies. Leaf-litter, rock crevices, brush, and damp places in general provide conditions most appealing.

A butterfly house is basically a box like a bat house but with narrower slits to allow in butterflies but exclude birds and bats. They provide protection from predators and cold and windy weather.  They are easily constructed and many creatively decorated butterfly houses can be purchased.

Puddling is when butterflies, often males, hang around on the wet edge of sandy spots or mud puddles. They receive many nutrients and salts from the water on the edges of wet areas. You can create a puddling area by filling a bowl or shallow saucer with sand; keep the sand constantly wet.  Decorate your puddling dish with colorful rocks or beach glass.

An excellent reference for the butterfly gardener is thebutterflysite.com. This is a thoroughly informative website packed full of information on all aspects of butterfly gardening. You can also find many books on attracting butterflies including the tried and true Sunset Western Garden Book.

Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds have a somewhat simpler life cycle than butterflies. Like all animals, they need food, water and shelter.
Flowers are one of the most important components of attracting hummingbirds, as they provide nectar as food.  Hummingbirds ingest half their weight in one day, so they move around a lot looking for nutrition. We need to provide a plentiful source of flowers blooming at various times in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Hummingbirds typically return to the Pacific Northwest in early Spring when native food sources like Flowering Currants are blooming. Anna’s Hummingbird is the only native hummingbird that may last throughout the winter in the less cold areas of our region.  Anna’s hummingbird is also the only hummer in which males have a ruby-red head.

Many flowering perennials provide a nectar source for hummingbirds like Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, Columbine, Red-flowering Heuchera, Penstemon, Pineapple Sage, Anise Hyssop, Lavender, Foxglove, Phlox, Delphinium, Red Hot Poker, and Lupine. Annuals that attract hummingbirds include Flowering Tobacco, Fuchsia, Petunia, Impatiens, and Geraniums. Vines such as Honeysuckle, Trumpet Creeper (Campsis), Scarlet Runner Bean also work well.

Lots of flowering shrubs provide excellent nectar sources for hummingbirds.  Hardy Fuchsia, Abelia, Strawberry Tree, Cotoneaster, Rose of Sharon, Beauty Bush, Lilac, Weigela. Also try natives shrubs like Flowering Currant, Salmonberry, and Elderberry.  With just these shrubs listed here, you will have flowers to attract hummingbirds from early Spring through mid-Fall.

Water is just as important to hummingbirds as for any other animals. However, unlike larger birds, hummingbirds seldom take advantage of bird baths or large water features in the landscape. In nature, hummingbirds often receive their water from cool mist in the air. Try a garden hose with a misting attachment or a misting water feature.

Hummingbirds need tall spaces to perch and nest in your garden. Provide taller shrubs like some of those listed above which will provide shelter from predators and places to nest and perch.

Whether you are planting a new tree or gathering together a few annuals for containers, have some fun and choose plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The addition of flowers as nectar sources will surely add more color to your landscape.

Chuck has been gardening for over 30 years, has a Master’s Degree in Botany, and helps others solve their gardening dilemmas. He can be reached at orchidfruit@hotmail.com.

Published in the May 2012 issue of Grow Northwest magazine.

The event will include free samples, demos and displays of foods in categories throughout the center. A number of vendors will be on site, as well farms throughout the region including: Aldrich Farms of Bellingham, Chinook Farms of Snohomish, Garden Treasures Organic Farm of Arlington, Klesick Family Farm of Stanwood, Ninety Farms of Arlington, Willie Green’s Organic Farm of Monroe, and Rubberneck Farms of Edmonds, and local farmer’s markets. There will also be demonstrations by farm and garden professionals including WSU Snohomish County Extension to show how to grow food and where to purchase locally grown food. Experts and resources will be available to help both children (with help from Imagine Children’s Museum and Readers to Eaters) and adults to learn everything about growing, cooking, and preserving food.

For more information, email foodrevsnoco@edcc.edu, go to www.edcc.edu/foodfest, or connect with Food Revolution Snohomish County on Facebook. The Celebration of Food Festival is sponsored by Cascade Harvest Coalition, Cedar Grove Composting, Central Market, City of Lynnwood, Edmonds Community College, Sno-Isle Food Co-op, Verdant Health Commission, and Whole Foods Market Lynnwood.