Vertical Divider

Due to the hilly topography and lengthy shoreline, Orcas Island boasts a variety of micro-climates that creates both gardening opportunities and challenges. In past years, in a citizen-science project, club members have charted rainfall and temperatures around the island in order to map the micro-climates. Most of the rain falls in spring and winter. Summers are dry, and water is a precious commodity for many gardeners. While the low-lying valleys typically have good soil, the higher elevations and shoreline areas usually feature thin soil over bedrock or no soil at all. The most damaging garden predators are deer, with bunnies running a close second. (Our members are always interested in deer-resistant plants.) Other member interests include flowers, ornamental trees and shrubs, vegetables, herbs and fruit trees, and organic and sustainable practices.