Orcas Island Garden Club newsletter

At first glance, the garden seems still—though the hellebores would certainly disagree, standing boldly and unapologetically in bloom. Beyond them, much of the landscape appears to be waiting. Yet beneath the surface, steady and purposeful work is underway. Roots are anchoring and reaching. Nutrients are traveling unseen pathways. Snowdrops, small and determined, are pushing upward toward the light. Even the tiniest mushroom emerging from mossy ground is contributing to the health of the whole, enriching the soil and supporting the life around it. What looks dormant is, in fact, a community alive with cooperation, patience, and preparation.

This rhythm mirrors our garden club during the winter months. While activities may seem slower on the surface, there is energy, connection, and intention behind the scenes. We’ve gathered for book club on rainy evenings, pressed dried flowers at the library, and continued planning for the seasons ahead. Preparations are underway for this year’s garden tour, we are expanding our networks to bring future educational opportunities to our meetings, and we are thoughtfully tending and reshaping the library garden. All of this work—both visible and unseen—moves us forward together.

None of this happens without our members and volunteers. Like the garden itself, our club thrives because of patience, cooperation, and a shared sense of community. Each contribution, whether offered quietly or out in the open, strengthens the whole. Laura and I are deeply grateful for the time, care, and commitment you bring to this group. Your generosity and willingness to support one another create a welcoming, resilient community, and we appreciate you more than we can easily express.

With this shared sense of purpose, Laura and I would love to spend more time connecting with you. Please join us on Monday mornings for coffee at the Orcas Hotel at 10:00 a.m. except for the third Monday of the month when we have club board meetings. Come as you are—whether you bring ideas, questions, or simply yourself. We look forward to tending the relationships that keep our garden club strong, connected, and growing.

Make it easier for people to remember your name and make connections at the garden club gatherings. We’ll even keep them for you so you won’t have to remember them! The cost is just $15 per name tag. Coming Back – Carol Kulminski Interviewed by Robin Sullivan Carol proudly describes herself as a wannabe Super-Ager, and after spending time getting to know her, it’s easy to see why. She radiates energy, kindness, and curiosity, and she’s someone who clearly has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Carol began her professional journey as a sixth-grade public school teacher in Encinitas, San Diego, where she inspired young minds for many years. At age 55, looking for a change, Carol, and her husband Bogdan, took a leap of faith and moved to Orcas Island. Together, they purchased a charming 1910 farmhouse and ran the Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast for 12 years. Throughout her time on Orcas Island, Carol became involved in community. She joined the Garden Club in 2010 and proudly served as its President from 2011–2012. After eventually selling the Blue Heron, her community involvement only continued to grow. Carol worked at the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Church, and volunteers at the Orcas Island Historical Museum, where she has served on the board as secretary and President. Today, Carol still works part time and remains incredibly active through volunteer work with her church. Most recently, she launched a heartfelt business focused on reselling gently used clothing, donating 50% of the proceeds to Not I, But We (notibutwe.com)—an organization that supports women in South Africa who have been victims of human trafficking. If you have clothing to donate, Carol would love to hear from you at carolk180@gmail.com. We are so happy to welcome Carol back as a valued member of the Orcas Island Garden Community. We are deeply grateful that she continues to share her time, heart, and boundless energy with all of us. “A garden is always on the move, and even when you think you have it right, nature has a way of throwing all your plans aside.” Carolyn Beck from ‘The Art of the Edit’ Gardens Illustrated Issue No 359