Views of Sequim, the Olympic Peninsula. . .and beyond
The temporary former location of the Sequim Farmer’s Market has taken on a new life. “Whimsy Park” is something of a popup park that has transformed a previously bare lot on Washington Street. A mural that was incomplete several months ago is now enhancing a space with picnic tables, a small stage, and straw bale seating.
Landscaping has been installed and wood chips soften the look of formerly bare soil. The space is inviting, colorful, and far more welcoming than it previously was.
Today is the second and last day of the Dungeness Bonsai Society annual bonsai fest, its 41st. If you’re local and would like to walk through a miniature forest of trees as art, it’s worth a trip to the Sequim Pioneer Park. The Satsuki Azalea above, over 20 years old, is one of the showiest examples of the art.
Bonsai artists confine trees in small pots and manipulate them through pruning and shaping. The effect, over time, is to create a gorgeous miniature tree.
This Japanese garden juniper is from 20 to 25 years old. Its owner began training its growth habits in 1994. This is a discipline of great patience.
There are more than 50 trees on display today, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park is located at 387 East Washington Street.
Now that we have the Coastal Farm and Ranch store those of us who aren’t farmers or ranchers can indulge in cowboy or cowgirl fantasies. In addition to a big selection of hats there are also plenty of boots.
I haven’t had a pair of western boots in a long time. But these fancy ones are eye candy.
I have so many other things on my shopping list these aren’t going to be anywhere near the top. But it’s fun to look.
You can usually get what you need in Sequim or in Port Angeles. But if you want a lot of choices or need a specialty something it’s time for Internet browsing or an hour’s trip to Silverdale or beyond. But travel time’s been cut down with the arrival of a new Coastal Farm and Ranch store. It’s got a lot of stuff. I’ve never seen an entire wall of mens’ jeans.
There’s plenty of guy stuff. Fishing gear. Barbecues. Guns. Plus animal supplies. Saddles. Fencing. It’s almost overwhelming at first. Really. An entire isle of canning supplies?
It occupies the site of two former stores, Staples and Del’s Feed. It’s nice to see a revival of some local retail. The QFC shopping center was looking sort of quiet.
The local papers recently announced that two new stores are scheduled to open next year: a Michael’s crafts and Ulta, a retailer of all things beauty and cosmetics. Above is the empty space they’re supposed to occupy. On the left is our local Ross store. On the right is Home Depot. And, as you can see, not much is going on yet, though in the foreground the parking area is paved, striped, and ready to go.
Our local Costco has cornered the market on shopping carts. At times it really does need most of them.
On a grey day this striking glass art brightens a corner in the Sequim Civic Center lobby. The piece was commissioned by friends and family in memory of Bobbi Burkett, wife of Sequim’s former City Manager Steve Burkett. The work was designed and constructed by artist Bob Rigg of Seattle Glassblowing Studio.