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Shelly Patterson has been an avid gardener for over 30 years, so when she arrived on Anarchist in 2019, she found it humbling to recognize the new challenges of gardening on the mountain; and educational to learn more about the local vegetation and growing conditions.
“Bees often fly right past my gardens and head for the abundance of wildflowers growing here. I realized that I need to learn more about them and how to adapt my gardens accordingly.”
Shelly will introduce you to native edible plants (such as berries and leaves) that can be used in cooking, teas/tisanes, and share gardening tips. She hopes you will try gardening and learn from her experiences. She will write this series from her quiet mountain paradise.
Wendy Shah is gathering wonderful stories about growing, harvesting and canning the abundance of crops grown on the mountain.
Mar 5, 2026
by Shelley Patterson
Out walking here on Anarchist Mountain, as the snow recedes quickly but true spring growth still feels out of reach, I’ve been noticing low-lying clusters of burgundy, red, and lime-green glossy leaves exposed now on the damp…
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Feb 3, 2026
By Shelly Patterson
Living on Anarchist Mountain, we are surrounded by a diverse forest that changes with each season. One tree stands out this time of year because it appears lifeless. Scattered generously across the mountain, larch trees now look…
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Jan 1, 2026
By Shelley Patterson
I must admit, these dense and prolific shrubs have often annoyed me. More than once I’ve tripped over their tangled branches, or attempted to pull one out only to discover that the roots simply refuse to budge.And…
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Dec 2, 2025
By Shelly Patterson
As this unusually mild fall lingers on Anarchist Mountain, many of us have found ourselves gifted with a little extra time—time to clear away low branches, tidy up deadfall, and dream up fresh ways to welcome the…
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Nov 4, 2025
By Shelly Patterson
Autumn on Anarchist Mountain carries its own kind of beauty — the air crisp, the colors shifting, and flashes of red berries dotting the hillsides. Among the most striking are the rose hips, the hardy fruit of…
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