Gardens are a go.

At least as far as the San Juan County Planning Commission is concerned.

The commission last week included gardens on the list of “allowed activities” within wetland buffers and, according to long-time Commissioner Barbara Thomas, made significant changes to a series of proposed regulations that will dictate the future use and protection of local wetlands.

Thomas, a commission member since the early 90s, said rules approved by the commission on Friday differs substantially from those proposed by the planning department. Gardens are one example.

“It’s still a site-specific ordinance for wetlands and for buffers,” she said. “But it’s not the same ordinance that came to us.”

The commission meets Thursday, in Friday Harbor, to determine the “facts and findings” to back its approval of wetland section of the county critical areas ordinance. The commission’s recommended wetland rules will then go to the County Council for a final decision.

Up next for the planning commission is the Fish and Wildlife section of the CAO, which, according to Chairman Brian Ehrmantraut, will get under way sometime in May.