Category Archives: Gardening

Midge Salter: When Math Becomes Beauty

Originally published in the Bird’s Eye

There are spaces you enter for the first time that feel, inexplicably, like you’ve always belonged in them. Kris Wellstein’s mostly finished greenhouse is one of those spaces. I walked in and immediately had an imaginary martini in hand, a good book, and the sound of rain on glass overhead. Then it became a cocktail party. Then I remembered I was standing in a greenhouse and that the garden part is probably the main point — though I maintain the party potential is significant.

Welcome to the sixth instalment of our Creator Spotlight Series, where we celebrate the artists, makers, and builders whose work shapes life on this island. This month we’re looking at something a little different — the art in building, and the magic that happens when the right person gets handed a vision, a scrim pile, and total creative freedom.

Continue reading Midge Salter: When Math Becomes Beauty

The Evolving Permaculture Design at Rainbow Ridge

The community orchard at the Rainbow Ridge affordable housing complex officially launched with a tree-planting ceremony on Earth Day. In this morning’s interview, permaculture designer Witney Vanderleest discusses her role in the project, the process of planting the first 35 trees, and what the community can expect to see as the site evolves. 

Continue reading The Evolving Permaculture Design at Rainbow Ridge

Wildflower Cidery: A Unique Model For A Small Island

In this morning’s interview we hear from Sara Stewart of Wildflower Produce and Cidery, near the southern tip of Cortes Island.

Sara Stewart: “I’m not a religious person, but when you depend on the natural world you become deeply ingrained in it. I used to think I was building connections with the natural world when I lit a fire on Imbolc (the Ancient Celtic beginning of Spring) and celebrated Soma. I now find that rituals or ceremonies can disconnect you from nature. So I try to cultivate the spirituality of a squirrel. I don’t see wildlife celebrating Imbolc—you just notice what’s happening in your body and respond accordingly.” 

Continue reading Wildflower Cidery: A Unique Model For A Small Island

Spring Gardening Tips & Cortes Museum Hours

On June 6, host Manda Aufochs-Gillespie was joined by gardeners extraordinaire Lucretia, Melanie, Jane, and Erica to talk tips and tricks, spring garden techniques, herbalism, and the museum’s upcoming garden tours. Tune in to hear a dynamic discussion about getting your hands in the dirt!

Continue reading Spring Gardening Tips & Cortes Museum Hours

Cortes Island Museum 2025 AGM

The Cortes Island Museum had their AGM on March 30th.

“We had  52 people come out despite a really nice gardening day. You could see people having conversations and lots of hugs.  Nice to see everybody out after the winter. Coffee and treats were available, a nice wide selection of home baked goods. So it’s like the social atmosphere was really positive,” explained Melanie Boyle, Managing Director of the Cortes Island Museum.

“The museum AGM business meeting takes maybe half an hour and then Iris Steigemann gave a really wonderful visual presentation of her travels in Greenland. Donations are up and membership is up, so we’re very pleased about  those facts.” 

Continue reading Cortes Island Museum 2025 AGM