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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.
Sep 23, 2026
By Shelly Patterson
It’s here — autumn, fall, whatever you call it! Cooler evening temperatures, recent rain and a hubbub of activity as the forest gets its cues to prepare for winter.
The larch trees will soon begin their spectacular…
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Jul 23, 2026
By Shelly Patterson
When I first arrived on Anarchist Mountain in 2017 and walked the property we now call home, Mullein didn’t interest me in the slightest. To me, it was simply a weed.* It grew everywhere—fields of tall, sturdy…
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Jun 29, 2026
by Shelley Patterson
Last year I wanted to write about the beautiful Indian Paintbrush that we have here on Anarchist Mountain. Somehow though, I missed the chance to photograph it before its brief season was over. This spring, however, I…
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Jun 29, 2026
by Shelley Patterson
Spring has arrived on Anarchist Mountain, bringing bursts of colour and life back to the hillsides. One of the most striking sights right now is the bright yellow Arrowleaf Balsamroot.
These sun-like flowers rise on sturdy stems…
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Jun 29, 2026
by Shelley Patterson
Spring on Anarchist Mountain doesn’t arrive all at once—it reveals itself in quiet, remarkable moments.
What I’ve learned in my short time here is that assumptions don’t hold much weight. Not about flora, not about fauna, and…
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