The Big Dark officially ended on Feb. 15, with the return of 10-hours-of-light days. Plants take notice of this cue. Bulbs are sprouting, and tree buds are swelling in the possibly fickle warmth we’ve had recently, tickling us into thinking it might be time for spring.
When spring arrives, many gardeners anticipate the growing season by learning about new plant varieties, studying gardening techniques and taking classes to up their game.
February is a great time to plan ahead for the rich variety of garden-related events coming to our region. There’s sure to be something useful for nearly every type of garden and gardener, from master gardeners to novices and everyone in between.
Megan Ellingsen and Emma Ellingsen, 14, shop for plants at Kent’s Garden & Nursery. (Noah Harper/Cascadia Daily News)
Northwest Flower and Garden Show
Feb. 18–22
Seattle Convention Center, 705 Pike St., Seattle
“Spring Parade” is this year’s theme for the 20 display gardens and 115 speakers with talks, classes and hands-on learning activities. Thousands of specialty garden items will be offered in the marketplace. Regarded by many gardeners as the “ultimate annual event” to experience at least once, this event inspires experts and beginners alike. Info: gardenshow.com
Note: At 7 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, a bus option sponsored by Whatcom Master Gardeners departs from 1225 Civic Field Way, Bellingham, returning at 7 p.m. Info: whatcommgf.org.
10th Annual Whatcom Farm Show
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28
Northwest Washington Fairgrounds,1775 Front St., Lynden
This free local event is sponsored by the Whatcom Conservation District and includes hands-on workshops, farm experts, live animals, kid-friendly activities, local exhibitors and local food. The event celebrates farmers, homesteaders, and people who want to learn more and connect to the growers of our local food. Info: whatcomcd.org.
Washington Farm Forestry Online-Only Tree Sale
Open until 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, or until tree seedlings sell out
Northwest Washington Fairgrounds,1775 Front St., Lynden
This sale of 15 varieties of seedlings sized 2 to 24 inches is sponsored by Washington Farm Forestry, Whatcom Chapter, to support education about the benefits of trees and to “bring more green to our little corner.” Pickup is 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 14 at Northwest Washington Fairgrounds (1775 Front St., Lynden). Info: wafarmforestry.com.
Annual Native Plant Sale and Celebration
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 21
Pioneer Park, 2002 Cherry St., Ferndale
This family-friendly, free event promotes conservation knowledge, restoration goals, and shared stewardship of our cost, as well as exhibitors and vendors, food and beverages. A selection of 40 native plants will be available at low cost for individual purchase. Come earlier for better selection, or online pre-orders are available until March 6. Info: whatcomcd.org.
Whidbey Gardening Workshop
All day Tuesday, March 21
Oak Harbor High School, 1 Wildcat Way, Oak Harbor
“Celebrate the Promise of Spring” is the Whidbey Island Master Gardeners’ theme for this year’s annual event. The event offers classes, demonstrations, make-and-takes, and book signings from notable garden experts as well as a well-stocked marketplace. Info: whidbeygardening.org
38th Annual Fairhaven Plant & Tree Sale
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28
Hillcrest Church Parking Lot (corner of Old Fairhaven Parkway and 14th Street)
Large variety of plants and garden items from local and regional growers, with the proceeds supporting local nonprofits. Info: fairhavenneighbors.org
White Barn Dahlia Tuber Sale
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28
7474 Noon Road, Lynden
White Barn Floral is hosting its third annual in-person multi-farm tuber sale on March 28. Unsold tubers will be available online after the sale. Info: whitebarnfloralco.com
Vancouver Spring Seminar
All day Saturday, March 28
Michael J Fox Theatre, 7373 MacPherson Ave., Burnaby, British Columbia, or online
“Cultivate Joy” is the Vancouver Master Gardeners’ big annual event for those who can attend in person. An online option includes a month of access to all the event recordings. Info: mgabc.org/vancouver
Whatcom County Dahlia Society Tuber Sale
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4
Bloedel Donovan Park, 2214 Electric Ave.
On the first Saturday of every April, the Whatcom County Dahlia Society offers its annual tuber sale — and best of all, dahlias of just about every variety will be available for just $6–10. Proceeds benefit local growers as well as the Whatcom County Dahlia Society. Info: whatcomcountydahliasociety.com.
Annual Whatcom County Home and Lifestyle Show
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 24-26
Northwest Washington Fairgrounds,1775 Front St., Lynden
The Building Industry Association of Whatcom County (BIAWC) presents the area’s most anticipated spring trade show, sponsored this year by Judd and Black Appliance, celebrating 45 years serving Whatcom County. The largest home show north of Seattle, this year’s event is free again this year and features workshops, speakers, demonstrations, kid activities, food trucks, a barbecue competition and more. Info: biawc.com
Birchwood Garden Club Plant Sale
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2
Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave.
The Birchwood Garden Club is active since 1931, and membership is open to all residents of Whatcom and Skagit counties. Their annual plant sale is slated for Saturday, May 2 at the Bellingham Library, and payment is accepted in the form of cash or check only. Info: birchwoodgardenclub.org.
35th Annual Whatcom Master Gardener Plant Sales
Dates and times vary
Whatcom Master Gardener Foundation’s “early bloomer” sale (featuring bulbs and other early bloomers, veggie and flower starts, and perennials) is scheduled for April 11 at Hovander Homestead Park (5299 Nielsen Road, Ferndale).
The online sale runs 9 a.m. May 2 through 9 p.m. May 3 (with pickup at the Main Sale on Saturday, May 9 at Hovander Homestead Park). It will include a wide selection of veggie and herb starts, dahlias, day lilies, baskets and bonsai.
WMGF’s main sale runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at Hovander. Shoppers can expect thousands of plants including veggies, herbs, berries, a large variety of perennials, hostas and shade plants, natives, peonies, dahlias, day lilies, baskets and bonsai. Other resources include an Ask a Master Gardener table, Plant Clinic table and more.
Finally, WMGF has a Father’s Day sale from June 13–21, also at Hovander Homestead Park. Info: whatcommgf.org.
Marie Metivier-DeMasters is a Whatcom County master gardener and professional writer. She lives in Bellingham in a kitchen garden filled with beds, berries and a small orchard. A gardening column will appear monthly.
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