I write in support of Steve Pearson and his current development of Orcas Rental and Saw.

I live on Lovers Lane. From the front porch of my house, I look across Clyde and April Duke’s yard to Orcas Rental and Saw, where I am pleased to contemplate a structure that uses historically referenced design and local and recycled materials to honor the character of Eastsound Village.

From the beginning of his current project, Steve has been open with me about his vision for the corner. As well, he has included me in that vision. Knowing that I am an avid organic gardener, he asked me to design and build a garden for the corner. I envisioned a garden that would demonstrate how residents with limited resources of time, money, land, and experience, could use organic practices to grow flowers, fruit, vegetables, and herbs to feed their bodies and souls.

As I worked away at the corner, tilling, planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting, passers-by, many of them residents of nearby Bonnie Brae, stopped to ask questions and comment on the progress of the garden. As seeds became vegetables and flowers, neighbors shared their pleasure in watching the garden grow and noted how healthy and beautiful everything looked. Many asked how they could create similar gardens. Some asked if I would help them develop a garden. As flowers began to bloom, and vegetables grew to harvest stage, people stopped again and again to say, “I love this garden. Thank you for making this garden.”

Each Tuesday during harvest time I took a laundry basket of vegetables to the Food Bank. Employees of Orcas Rental and Saw took home fresh vegetables. April Duke harvested lettuces and herbs. I took home my share too. Our little corner garden delighted, inspired, and fed quite a few people, just as I hoped it would.

I believe that a neighborly development is one that reflects the history and aesthetics of the village and honors values of community and sustainability. With each year, I plan to grow the corner garden into an increasingly mature and diverse planting that will continue to delight, inspire, and feed islanders. I can’t think of a better “screen” than that.

Margaret Payne

Orcas Island