Stop and Stare
August 29, 2023
To stop and stare at the plants and trees in the orchard is not only a connection with nature, it is a pathway for better plant care. In recent years, I walked briskly past the plants, like a race horse with blinders on, to…
FECO’s Watershed and its History
July 23, 2023
Eight walkers joined Nancy Helm to learn about the watershed that FECO drains into and to hear about the people who historically used the Ravenna Creek area. Participants added to the history walk with information about native…
State of the Onion – 2023
June 28, 2023
The State of the Onion - 2023
To offer a quick snapshot of the State of the Onion at FECO, we will get the perspective of a few of our residents.
from the voice of the newly hatched Southern Green stink bug ( Nezara…
God Save the King
May 27, 2023
Fruiting spurs on apple trees push out six buds in the spring. The center bud blooms first and will become the largest fruit - the King Blossom! When we thin fruitlets, we usually save the King and discard the others.
There…
Wapato – Against All Odds
April 26, 2023
Hang on to old wash basins, especially if they have a small leak. You never know when you might need to make a water garden!
I am intrigued by wild native plants* that served as food for the Coast Salish Peoples. The food…
The Lovely Lacewing
March 19, 2023
I approached a bush bean plant last year and spotted an insect on a leaf. I waved my hand to shew it away! Then I saw another, but this time I looked closer. A lacewing!
"Come back!", I yelled to the first one, in vain.
How…
Practical Planting Precursers and Phenology
February 17, 2023
If you love nature and are looking for a field of study, consider Botanical phenology. Check out the programs at the University of Arizona, Brandeis, or Northwestern.
Phenology involves noting the dates of seasonal events…
January in the Orchard – Is Anything Happening?
January 13, 2023
Today. Rain. Relative humidity 92%. Many of you would not be thrilled to get out and be active today. However, some of our nature friends are thriving this month. What? Who!
A slow walk at the orchard reveals a lot of…
The Way of Non-Attachment
December 27, 2022
Our FECO project is quite unique. Our volunteers don't have their own garden plots. They don't come to grow food and take it home with them. Most growing areas are dedicated to a Food Bank. Food of lesser value goes to the…