When K.O. Clark of Rockaway Beach enrolled in the Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener Program, the goal was to learn more about gardening. What emerged was something much bigger: a deeper understanding of science-based gardening, lasting friendships, renewed excitement for the future and a stronger connection to both community and the environment. For K.O., gardening has become a source of joy, resilience and purpose—and the Master Gardener Program has opened doors that never seemed possible before.
Learning, laughing and growing
“This has been such an invigorating and inspiring course to take,” K.O. said. “There are so many really wonderful takeaways, I couldn’t narrow it down to one. I have learned so much, but I have laughed even more!”
Each week, the learning continued long after class ended.
“The best part is going home after each class and spending the whole week working in my garden on whatever I learned that week,” K.O. said. “I dream about Scott’s salmon and Sami’s noodles.”
Being surrounded by fellow gardeners became one of the highlights of the experience.
“Being around other gardeners has been so refreshing, finding other people who are into this and even introducing me to more that I didn’t know I loved!” K.O. said. “I feel really excited about my future as an herbalist.”
Discovering the science behind gardening
One of the biggest transformations was learning to approach gardening through research-based information.
“I’m really proud of having made the switch to evidence-based information and practices,” K.O. said. “What we become naturals at doing over the course is finding where the science-based information and answers are.”
Learning about integrated pest management has also changed how K.O. gardens.
“I’m equally proud to be a gardener who is aware of the steps of integrated pest management and how to keep our environment and other creatures as safe as possible. That’s huge to me.”
More than classmates
The friendships formed during the program have become just as meaningful as the gardening knowledge.
“I have met ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE, which I absolutely love,” K.O. said. “We have formed connections that I hope will last. I want to continue building on our relationships over everything gardening and beyond.”
The friendly competition doesn’t hurt either.
“I’m gonna beat Scott in a zucchini contest one of these years,” K.O. laughed.
Looking ahead, K.O. sees a lifelong future with the program.
“I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Master Gardeners for a long time. I hope to be like some of the hardies who have paved the way for so many years before me. I’m not going anywhere.”
Gardening as a foundation
For K.O., gardening has become essential to maintaining balance through life’s challenges.
“Absolutely, I don’t know what I’d do without gardening,” K.O. said. “Between taking care of my grandmother, studying for my degree and just doing life…it can be really hard on the mental and emotional state.”
“Gardening keeps me at a proper baseline,” K.O. said. “It’s the safest addiction—as long as I’m not growing stinging nettle.”
Caring for community and the environment
Since becoming certified, K.O. has already begun seeing the impact of being a Master Gardener volunteer.
“Since I’ve gotten my certification, I’ve been approached by a ton of people in the community who want help with their yards, making them beautiful and functional,” K.O. said.
The program has also reinforced how closely gardening is connected to environmental stewardship.
“A few of our classes were on how important it is that we understand what’s going on in nature all around us,” K.O. said. “Weeds like Japanese knotweed getting out of hand and impacting the environment, water contamination, chemical leaching…all of this is critical.”
“I do hope anyone with good sense can understand that we can use more people in the world that care about the world and want to do what’s necessary to keep our communities and planet safe, beautiful, livable and thriving.”
Feeling welcome
One aspect of the program that left a lasting impression was the diversity of people involved.
“I’m really grateful for the diversity in the rooms,” K.O. said. “As a person of color, it felt really good to see so many people from all kinds of backgrounds and ethnicities teaching and learning.”
“I will keep coming back to support all the work that everyone at OSU Extension is doing. I am so grateful for what OSU has done in our community and look forward to doing more courses with the Extension office in the future.”
Extension General Agriculture Educator serving Malheur County
When Russell arrived in Malheur County in 2023, he discovered that the county did not yet have a Master Gardener program. After conducting a needs assessment and finding strong community interest, he helped launch the program in 2024 with its first group of 10 Master Gardener volunteers.
I spoke with Russell about starting a new Master Gardener program, gardening in Oregon’s high desert, and the volunteers and community partners helping build the program.
Quick Facts
Position: Extension General Agriculture Educator
Region: Malheur County
Malheur County Master Gardener program launched: 2024
Favorite insect: Monarch butterfly
Beginner plant recommendation: Mint (in a container)
Background
Russell’s agricultural education began in his home country of Barbados, where he attended a technical school and earned a diploma in agriculture. He continued his education at university, earning a bachelor’s degree in general agriculture and a master’s degree in tropical crop protection with an emphasis in plant pathology. After completing his graduate degree, Russell went into teaching and taught high school agriculture for nearly nine years.
His experience in agriculture and education eventually brought him to Oregon. When he arrived in Malheur County in 2023, he began looking into the Master Gardener program and realized the county did not have one. He saw an opportunity to provide education about sustainable gardening while also giving community members a way to give back. After conducting a needs assessment and receiving generally positive feedback, the program launched in 2024 with 10 members in its first cohort.
Gardening in Malheur County
Malheur County is a large county with gardening conditions that differ from many areas in Oregon. The region is semi-arid and high desert, with hot summers and cold winters. Russell says gardeners typically focus on drought-tolerant plants and practices that help retain moisture and reduce the effects of high summer temperatures.
Some of the strategies he highlighted include:
Using mulch to retain moisture
Selecting plants suited to the region
Using efficient irrigation practices
Considering drought tolerance when selecting plants
Compared with Western Oregon, Malheur County is much drier, making moisture retention and plant selection an important step for gardeners.
Favorite Garden Lesson
Russell’s most memorable recent garden failure involved growing peppers in a greenhouse. Through a partnership with Treasure Valley Community College, the Master Gardener program has access to greenhouse space during the winter and early spring. The group used the greenhouse to start a large number of pepper plants, including plants connected to a seed-starting workshop. Until the mice found them.
“The mice just came in and ate all of the peppers.”
Although some plants had been covered, the mice were still able to get underneath the coverings and eat many of the seedlings. For Russell, it was a particularly frustrating setback after the time and effort invested in starting the plants. However, as any Master Gardener knows, when things don’t go as planned, it’s time to make adjustments.
“I think going forward, we should cover them.”
Supporting Volunteers
Russell says one of the things he appreciates most about his volunteers is their dedication to the new program. Some volunteers give significant amounts of their time to community activities, including work in the community garden and at the farmers market. He also appreciates the role volunteers play as advocates for the program. Through word of mouth, they help spread awareness of the Master Gardener program and its work in the community.
“The program is new, but it’s definitely one for the future.”
Community Partnerships
Russell highlighted two major partners: the Oregon Food Bank – Southeast region and Treasure Valley Community College. The Master Gardener program has a relationship with the Oregon Food Bank – Southeast region to distribute produce grown in its demonstration garden. Volunteers clean the produce before donating it, and the food bank distributes it to food pantries throughout Malheur County.
The partnership has also expanded to include volunteer participation and outreach. The regional manager volunteers in the demonstration garden, and the organization helps promote opportunities for community members to volunteer.
Treasure Valley Community College provides greenhouse space that the Master Gardener program uses during the winter and early spring. The college also uses the demonstration garden as a teaching tool for a course held there.
Quick Questions
Favorite insect
Russell chose the monarch butterfly because of its beauty.
“When you see them, they just… it’s a representation of beauty.”
He also noted that declining monarch populations make seeing them especially meaningful to him.
Plant recommendation for beginners
Russell recommends mint for beginning gardeners because it grows quickly, is low maintenance, and does well in the region’s conditions.
“Mint is very, very forgiving.”
There’s one important caveat: mint can be aggressive. His recommendation is to grow it in a container rather than directly in the garden, because its roots can eventually spread and overrun the surrounding area.
More work from Russell Smith-Ollivierre can be found here: [click here]
This is part of a series of stories we are featuring about the people of the OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer program in celebration of our 50th anniversary. With +1,800 amazing volunteers and 30 faculty and staff we hope you are as inspired as we are by their dedication joy and impact that they make across the state.
If you’d like to share your Master Gardener story, we’d love to hear from you! Submit your volunteer story here: https://beav.es/mgstory
Associate Professor of Practice based in the Lane County Extension Office
Since joining Oregon State University Extension in 2019, Erica Chernoh has worked with Master Gardener volunteers in Lane County to support sustainable gardening education and community outreach. Before coming to Extension, her career included teaching at a community college, working with farmers overseas, and supporting agriculture through the organic industry.
I spoke with Erica Chernoh about her path to horticulture education, what makes the southern Willamette Valley a great place to garden, and the volunteers who make the Master Gardener program possible.
Quick Facts
Position: Associate Professor of Practice in Horticulture
Region: Lane and Linn County
Years with Extension: Since 2019
Favorite insect: Syrphid flies (hover flies)
Beginner plant recommendation: Zucchini, radishes, beans, or peas
Background
Erica’s interest in gardening began at home, where she helped care for fruit trees with her dad.
“I just remember always having fruit trees and… working with my dad, pruning them.”
She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical geography, but while in college she found herself drawn toward agriculture. Working at her university’s student farm and taking soil science classes inspired her to pursue horticulture.
After college, Erica joined the Peace Corps and served in Guatemala in an agricultural program, working as an integrated pest management (IPM) volunteer. She later worked in the organic industry before earning a master’s degree in horticulture from the University of California, Davis.
Throughout her career, education has remained a common thread. Before joining Extension, she taught at a community college and worked with farmers through international development programs. She says the Master Gardener program offered another opportunity to share her enjoyment of gardening and horticulture with others.
Gardening in the South Willamette Valley
The southern Willamette Valley offers gardeners a long growing season and some of Oregon’s most fertile soils. According to Erica, the region avoids some of the challenges faced in other parts of the state, such as the harsh winter freezes common in Central Oregon or the persistent coastal rainfall. Those conditions allow gardeners to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, making the area an excellent place for home gardening.
Favorite Garden Lesson
Like every gardener, Erica has had her share of setbacks.
Living in the South Hills of Eugene, she says deer are one of her biggest gardening challenges. She also remembers unsuccessfully trying to grow passion fruit while living in California.
“We all have garden fails every year, right?”
Whether it’s deer, slugs, cabbage moths, or simply trying a plant that isn’t suited to the location, she says gardening always provides opportunities to learn.
Supporting Volunteers
Erica says she’s continually impressed by the dedication of Master Gardener volunteers and the time they invest in serving their communities. She especially appreciates their curiosity and willingness to keep learning.
“They’re lifelong learners.”
Whether researching a new plant problem at the plant clinic or learning about an unfamiliar species, volunteers bring an enthusiasm that she says is contagious. Erica also values how connected volunteers are within the community.
“I learn from our volunteers a lot of times.”
Community Partnerships
Erica highlighted several long-standing partnerships that help expand gardening education in Lane County.
One is with GrassRoots Garden and Food for Lane County. GrassRoots Garden, an urban farm that grows food for the local food bank, was started by Master Gardener volunteers about 35 years ago. Volunteers continue to support the site by maintaining compost facilities and herb beds, while Extension also teaches pruning classes there.
She also recognized the City of Eugene as an important community partner. Together, Extension and the city maintain compost facilities at community gardens and use those spaces to offer composting workshops for the public.
Quick Questions
Favorite insect
Erica’s favorite insects are syrphid flies, also known as hover flies. She appreciates them because they’re pollinators, beneficial insects, and often mistaken for bees.
“They’re kind of like a Swiss army knife of insects in a way. And they’re just really cute”
Plant recommendation for beginners
In midsummer, Erica’s first recommendation is zucchini. She also suggests radishes, beans, and peas as good options for beginning gardeners, noting that they’re generally easy to grow, provided slugs don’t get to them first.
This is part of a series of stories we are featuring about the people of the OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer program in celebration of our 50th anniversary. With +1,800 amazing volunteers and 30 faculty and staff we hope you are as inspired as we are by their dedication joy and impact that they make across the state.
If you’d like to share your Master Gardener story, we’d love to hear from you! Submit your volunteer story here: https://beav.es/mgstory
Associate Professor of Practice in Horticulture serving Klamath, Harney, and Lake counties
For the past 10 years, Nicole has served gardeners across Klamath, Harney, and Lake counties, providing research-based horticulture education for home gardeners, commercial growers, and Master Gardener volunteers. Her career in horticulture spans decades, from floral design and botanical gardens to Extension, where she continues to help gardeners adapt to the unique challenges of south-central Oregon.
I spoke with Nicole about her journey into horticulture, what makes gardening in her areas unique, and why she enjoys working with Master Gardener volunteers.
Quick Facts
Position: Associate Professor of Practice in Horticulture
Beginner plant recommendation: Leafy greens for vegetable gardens; iris for perennial gardens
Background
Nicole’s interest in gardening began by following her grandfather through the vegetable garden, asking questions as he worked.
“I just had a really special affinity for my grandfather… if he was doing it, I wanted to be doing it too.”
She credits those early experiences with inspiring her career in horticulture and even dedicated her graduate thesis to him.
Her path into horticulture wasn’t traditional. While in high school, she attended a vocational horticulture program, where she discovered a talent for floral design and began working in the industry at just 16 years old. By age 19, she was managing the floral department of a garden center.
Rather than attending college immediately, Nicole spent years working in horticulture before earning her bachelor’s degree in horticulture and master’s degree in entomology from the University of Tennessee.
Looking back, she says waiting to attend college was the right decision for her.
“It’s different for everybody. We all have our own different paths.”
Gardening in South-Central Oregon
Gardening in Klamath, Harney, and Lake counties means learning to work with a challenging climate.
According to Nicole, gardeners commonly face:
Short growing seasons and late spring or early summer frosts
Cool nighttime temperatures, even during the hottest part of summer
Large swings between daytime and nighttime temperatures
Low humidity and limited summer precipitation
Many warm-season vegetables struggle under these conditions because cool nights repeatedly slow their growth, even when plants appear healthy.
Nicole says this is where Master Gardener volunteers make an important difference by helping gardeners understand local growing conditions and sharing practical strategies, such as season extension techniques and watering in the morning.
“There’s just so many pressures on being successful in some kinds of gardening, and actually, you know, that’s one of the important ways that Master Gardeners can help in my community, is by sharing that information.” explained Nicole.
Because many new residents have gardened successfully elsewhere, she often helps people adjust their expectations for gardening in south-central Oregon.
Favorite Garden Lesson
Even experienced horticulturists learn by trial and error. Shortly after moving to Klamath Falls, Nicole filled her new garden with plants purchased at the local Master Gardener plant sale. While she was away at a meeting in Corvallis, a mid-June freeze killed the tender plants. Earwigs finished off many of the survivors.
“$200 worth of my very first plants that I planted here.”
The experience quickly showed her why gardening in the region has a reputation for being challenging.
Supporting Volunteers
For Nicole, one of the most rewarding parts of the Master Gardener program is seeing the different strengths each volunteer brings. She enjoys learning from volunteers’ diverse backgrounds and perspectives and says the educational experience goes both directions.
“It’s not a one-way street with the trainings in the Master Gardener program. We all learn from each other.”
She also values the long-term relationships that develop through volunteer service and says people who are passionate about gardening and willing to volunteer their time have become some of her favorite people to work with.
Community Partnerships
Nicole works with several community partners to expand gardening education throughout the region. This year the program began offering plant clinics at independently owned local garden centers, meeting gardeners where they’re already shopping for plants.
She also highlighted long-standing partnerships with the local museum, which shares space for classes and research projects, and the local Native Plant Society. According to Nicole, collaboration with the Native Plant Society has strengthened both organizations.
Quick Questions
Favorite insect
Nicole’s favorite insect is the big-eyed bug (Geocoris punctipes), a generalist predator that was the focus of her graduate research. She studied whether the insects could be reared successfully on an artificial diet and compared their ability to control aphids with insects collected from the wild.
“I call it the insect that put me through grad school.”
Plant recommendation for beginners
For beginning vegetable gardeners, Nicole recommends starting with leafy greens because they are generally more reliable than fruiting crops, which often drop their fruit when stressed.
For ornamental gardens, she recommends iris, which she says performs consistently well despite the region’s unpredictable weather.
When it comes to trees, her advice is less about species and more about care. Gardeners should plan to water newly planted trees thoroughly for their first three years, she says, because the region receives too little growing-season precipitation for trees to become established without consistent irrigation.
Nicole has created some helpful resources which are available to gardeners for free online, including the YouTube series Pruning With The Pros. This video series walks the viewer through a variety of challenges common in mature landscapes and offers suggestions on how they might be remedied.
This is part of a series of stories we are featuring about the people of the OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer program in celebration of our 50th anniversary. With +1,800 amazing volunteers and 30 faculty and staff we hope you are as inspired as we are by their dedication joy and impact that they make across the state.
If you’d like to share your Master Gardener story, we’d love to hear from you! Submit your volunteer story here: https://beav.es/mgstory
One of the reasons Amy Howes joined the Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener Program was to become more connected to the Central Oregon community while learning more about horticulture. What Amy didn’t expect was how quickly those connections would grow. In just a few months, the program has opened doors to new friendships, mentors and opportunities to serve, reinforcing that being a Master Gardener volunteer is about much more than plants. It’s about building stronger communities through shared knowledge, relationships and a love of gardening.
Finding community through gardening
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the 2026 Deschutes County Master Gardener trainee cohort,” Amy said. “One of the reasons I joined the program was to become more connected to my community while deepening my horticultural knowledge, and I never imagined how quickly those connections would begin to grow.”
In just a few short months, Amy has met educators, horticulturists, volunteers, nursery professionals and community leaders who all share a common goal of helping Central Oregon become a healthier, more resilient and more connected place.
“What has been especially rewarding is seeing how willing people are to share their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm with others,” Amy said.
That spirit of collaboration has already led to opportunities Amy never expected, including becoming involved with the High Desert Horticultural Center and learning more about its vision for expanding horticultural education and creating a future native botanic garden in Central Oregon.
“The experience has reinforced something I suspected when I applied: that the Master Gardener Program is about much more than plants,” Amy said. “It’s about people, relationships and finding meaningful ways to contribute to the community.”
Creating opportunities to connect
Amy says the program has expanded the sense of what’s possible.
“I joined hoping to learn more about gardening, but I have also found mentorship, inspiration and new opportunities to serve,” Amy said. “The connections I’ve made through the Master Gardener Program are already opening doors I never expected, and I’m excited to see where those relationships lead.”
Why Master Gardener volunteers matter
Amy believes the need for Master Gardener volunteers continues to grow because people are looking for meaningful ways to connect—with nature, their communities and one another.
“We live in a world where so much of our time is spent indoors and online, yet some of the most meaningful learning still happens when people get outside, get their hands in the soil and share knowledge with others,” Amy said.
Whether answering questions at a plant clinic, supporting a demonstration garden, teaching a class or simply talking with a neighbor, Master Gardener volunteers help make research-based horticultural knowledge more accessible while encouraging stewardship of the places people call home.
“Small actions, multiplied across a community, can have a remarkable impact.”
Share your story
We’d also love to hear from you.
Whether you are currently volunteering or were part of the Master Gardener Program in the past, your story matters. What has this program meant to you? What are you proud of? How has gardening, volunteering or being part of this community shaped your life?
Horticulture Professor and Extension Horticulturist serving Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer program, we’re featuring stories about coordinators and volunteers. Let’s get to know Amy Jo Detweiler and hear about her path to Extension, what makes gardening east of the Cascades unique and the volunteers who continue to inspire her.
For more than 27 years, Amy Jo has helped gardeners across Central Oregon navigate some of Oregon’s more challenging growing environments. As the Extension horticulturist serving Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties, she works with Master Gardener volunteers to answer gardening questions, maintain demonstration gardens and provide research-based education throughout the region.
Quick facts
Position: Horticulture Professor and Extension Horticulturist
Region: Central Oregon—Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties
Years with Extension: 27.5 years
Favorite insect: Western swallowtail butterfly
Beginner plant recommendation: Lettuce or carrots for vegetables penstemons for perennials and crabapples for ornamental trees.
Background
Amy Jo didn’t originally plan on a career in horticulture. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology with a human health emphasis and initially considered a career in healthcare. That changed after spending a summer working as an outdoor adventure guide.
“After being outside for a couple of months… I realized I really wanted to be working more in an outdoor environment with something related to nature and biology.”
She returned to school to study landscape horticulture at Colorado State University, where she also worked in a nursery and gained firsthand experience helping home gardeners. When an Extension position opened in Central Oregon, the similarities between Colorado’s high desert climate and Central Oregon made it an ideal fit.
Although she hadn’t previously managed volunteers, she was excited to combine horticulture education with community engagement.
Gardening in Central Oregon
Gardening in Central Oregon comes with unique challenges. The region sits in the rain shadow of the Cascade Range, receiving a very small amount of rainfall especially during the growing season.
According to Amy Jo, gardeners contend with:
Short growing seasons (as little as 90 days in some areas)
Sandy, volcanic soils that drain quickly
Irrigation needs throughout the summer
Frost that can occur nearly any time of year
“We can get frost any day of the year. There’s been snow on the Fourth of July.”
These conditions make plant selection and water management especially important for local gardeners.
Favorite garden lesson
Even experienced horticulturists have garden failures. One of Amy Jo’s favorite trees, the Vanderwolf pine, refused to thrive after being planted in one of the demonstration gardens. Despite multiple attempts, the tree never established successfully.
After the original tree failed to establish, another Vanderwolf pine was planted in a different location. This time, it thrived.“It’s all learning.”
The experience reinforced one of gardening’s most important lessons: sometimes success depends as much on the site as it does the plant.
Supporting volunteers
After nearly three decades with Extension, Amy Jo says one of the most rewarding parts of her job is watching volunteers dedicate their time to helping others learn. Some Master Gardener volunteers in Central Oregon have served alongside her for more than 25 years. That is much longer than the average volunteer commitment.
Just as meaningful are the friendships that develop through the program.
“I didn’t anticipate the relationships that come out of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program.”
Over the years, she’s watched volunteers become lifelong friends, creating connections that extend well beyond the garden.
“The western swallowtail butterfly just really does bring me joy to see that in the garden fluttering around”
Amy Jo also enjoys observing the wide variety of native pollinators that visit demonstration gardens, from tiny native bees to flies and other beneficial insects.
Plant recommendation for beginners
For beginning vegetable gardeners, Amy Jo recommends starting with lettuce or carrots because they’re easy to grow from seed and give gardeners a good chance of harvesting something successfully.
For gardeners interested in perennials, she recommends penstemons, noting that many native species perform well in Central Oregon and help attract native pollinators.
For those looking to plant an ornamental tree, Amy Jo suggests crabapples, which she says establish well and perform reliably in the region.
This is part of a series of stories we are featuring about the people of the OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer program in celebration of our 50th anniversary. With +1,800 amazing volunteers and 30 faculty and staff we hope you are as inspired as we are by their dedication joy and impact that they make across the state.
If you’d like to share your Master Gardener story, we’d love to hear from you! Submit your volunteer story here: https://beav.es/mgstory
Across Oregon, something powerful is happening in gardens, classrooms and community spaces.
The Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener Seed to Supper program continues to grow — not just in numbers, but in depth, reach and impact. In 2026, the program is evolving in meaningful ways, while staying rooted in its purpose: helping people who are food insecure learn to grow and prepare their own food.
And this year, that work feels especially alive.
What’s new in 2026
This year marks an important step forward for Seed to Supper, with new tools and content designed to make learning more accessible, engaging and relevant.
A new activity library is now available to instructors statewide — something the program has never had before. Each session now includes multiple hands-on activities, contributed by facilitators and coordinators and informed by national resources. These activities are helping bring adult learning to life in new ways.
In response to participant feedback, a new container gardening component has also been introduced. This addition reflects a key reality: not everyone has access to land. Container gardening opens the door for more people to grow food in small spaces, making the program more inclusive and practical.
At the same time, a fully updated curriculum has been developed and is currently going through peer review — ensuring the program continues to be grounded in research-based, high-quality education.
And while these updates are being rolled out, classes across the state are already putting them into action.
Umatilla County’s Siembra la cena class of 2026
Umatilla County: building connection through culture and community
In Umatilla County, Seed to Supper reached an important milestone this year: the first Spanish-language class offered in the region.
Facilitated by volunteer Rocio Arias Hansen, the class brought together 17 participants, with 15 completing the program. Participants ranged in age from 19 to over 70 and traveled from Hermiston, Umatilla and the Tri-Cities area.
“All participants were Hispanic,” Rocio shared. “And yes, this is the first time this course has been offered in Spanish through our Eastern region.”
The program was deeply rooted in partnership. The Migrant Education Program and the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides provided classroom space, helped recruit participants and contributed food and raffle prizes.
“I am very grateful for their unconditional support,” Rocio said.
“Our culture deeply values gathering and spending time together — this is about more than gardening.”
—Rocio Aria Hansen
The response from participants was clear: they wanted more.
“They would like more hours to cover the topics in greater depth, more hands-on classes, and additional trainings like this one,” she said. “There were also many messages of appreciation for the program and for the opportunity to learn.”
But what stood out most was what happened beyond the classroom.
“To maintain the group’s enthusiasm, I reached out to the community garden coordinator to request space where participants can continue meeting,” Rocio explained. “Starting after the second week of May, we will meet once a week to check on our plants.”
She added, “Our culture deeply values gathering and spending time together, and this will be a great opportunity to strengthen that sense of connection and foster unity within the group.”
For Rocio, the experience was transformative.
“I believe this is just the beginning of something very important for our Hispanic community. They clearly demonstrated both interest and need, which motivates me to continue this work.”
Jackson County: meeting people where they are
In Jackson County, the program is taking place in a very different setting — but with the same core purpose.
Classes are being held at Rogue Retreat sites, including The Crossings, serving people who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity and working toward stability.
Facilitator and Master Gardener Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic described the environment as one of support and rebuilding: “People are working to reconnect with family, find jobs and secure housing. This class becomes part of that journey.”
The program is designed with intention, adapting to the realities of participants’ lives.
For example, lessons include recipes that don’t require cooking — recognizing that not everyone has access to a kitchen.
“They’re really interested in things like microgreens and sprouts,” Grace said. “And we’re focusing on foods that are fresh, simple and accessible.”
“This class becomes part of people’s journey toward stability.”
—Grace Florjancic
Each session includes shared meals, often using Food Hero recipes, creating space for conversation and connection alongside learning.
The physical space also supports hands-on learning, with raised garden beds, classroom areas and even an outdoor kitchen.
“It’s nice that with the great structure of the program, it’s also customizable to what the class may be most interested in, or specific to their needs,” Grace said.
Participants are actively engaged — planting peas and spinach, exploring soil and composting, and building knowledge they can use right away.
“We’ve got an excited crew,” she said.
Josephine County: responding to need with creativity and scale
In Josephine County, demand for Seed to Supper exceeded expectations.
“We shot for a class of 18, but we got 31 — not counting the kids,” shared facilitator and Master Gardener volunteer Isaiah Davidson. “We have about 35 people total.”
Recruitment was intentional and direct.
“I got in my truck one day and brainstormed: housing services, food access points, women’s shelters, check cashing places — where do people go who need this?” he said.
The result was a diverse group of participants, many connected through social services or court-mandated programs.
And the response?
“Everybody loves it.”
The program has been supported by strong community partnerships, including donations from local businesses providing compost, materials and plant starts.
Participants who didn’t have space to garden were given access to raised beds, including newly renovated community garden plots.
“We took a community garden that needed help and created space for students to grow,” Isaiah explained.
“We asked: where do people go who need this? And we went there.”
–Isaiah Davidson
The impact doesn’t stop when the classes end.
“We’ll be there all summer,” he said. “Showing up once a week so people can ask questions and keep learning.”
For Isaiah, who completed Master Gardener training in 2023, the experience has been deeply personal.
“It’s been a learning experience — I’ve never done this before. But as the weeks go on, I get better.”
And the need is clear.
“We’re looking at running it twice a year, based on the demand.”
Columbia County: expanding access and growing participation
In Columbia County, a simple shift led to the biggest Seed to Supper turnout the program has ever seen.
Master Gardener coordinator Janhvi Pandey and her team have long focused on making the program accessible by offering classes in five locations — St. Helens, Scappoose, Vernonia, Rainier and Clatskanie — reducing the need for participants to travel long distances.
“The goal is simple: make the program easy to access by bringing it closer to where people live,” Janhvi shared.
This year, they made one key change. Instead of separate flyers and registrations for each site, Janhvi created a single, combined flyer with all class schedules and one registration link.
“I did it just to streamline everything,” she said. “But it turned out to be a big hit.”
The result was their highest participation ever — 79 registrations, far exceeding expectations.
Participants were also given flexibility to attend sessions at different locations if needed, making it easier to stay engaged throughout the course.
Strong partnerships continue to be at the heart of the program. This year, collaborations included local food banks in St. Helens and Rainier, the Scappoose Public Library, Clatskanie Farmer Collective, Community Action Team and local churches. These partnerships helped reach more people and provide additional support, including gardening supplies, plant sale coupons and a class from Certified Master Food Preservers on how to use and preserve what participants grow.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.
“They made it feel like I can do it,” one participant shared.
Others described the course as “easy to understand and follow along — even with literally no experience,” and appreciated the practical handouts and resources that made gardening feel achievable. Across evaluations, participants reported increased confidence and a strong intention to grow their own food.
“The class didn’t want it to end — so we extended it.”
—Janhvi Pandey
At each site, hands-on learning has been a highlight.
In St. Helens, participants have been germinating seeds and tending early crops — including a surprising success with strawberries.
“Strawberries can be difficult from seed, so I warned the class we might not see success,” the facilitator said. “But here we are.”
In Rainier, participants didn’t want the program to end after six weeks.
“The class didn’t want it to end,” the facilitator shared. “So we extended it by two additional weeks to spend more time in the garden.”
For Janhvi, these moments reflect what makes Seed to Supper so impactful: removing barriers, meeting people where they are, and building confidence through shared learning.
This year’s changes made the program more connected, more flexible and more accessible — and the response from the community shows just how much that matters.
Growing more than food
Across all of these stories, a few things stand out.
Seed to Supper is not just a gardening program.
It is:
• a bridge to community • a response to real, immediate needs • a space for learning, connection and dignity • a way to share knowledge that can change daily life
It is also a program shaped by the people who lead it — volunteers, staff and partners who are deeply committed to meeting communities where they are.
And in 2026, with new tools, expanded content and growing partnerships, that impact is only increasing.
Master Gardener associations play an essential role in supporting the Master Gardener program—through time, energy and fundraising. That shared support is what allows the program to grow, reach more communities, and continue its impact across Oregon.
This store was created in response to what volunteers have asked for—high-quality, garden-inspired items they can wear and use with pride. But it’s more than that. Every purchase directly supports the Master Gardener program—helping fund training, resources and statewide initiatives that make all of our local work possible.
It’s an easy way for both associations and individual volunteers to give back to the program we’re all part of—without organizing a fundraiser, managing inventory, or taking on extra work.
Whether it’s a hat for the garden, a tote for the market or a shirt that starts conversations, these items help build visibility, pride and connection—while supporting the future of the program.
10 ways chapters can support the program through the store
Looking for simple ways to share this with your volunteers and community? Here are a few ideas:
Include the store in your next newsletter Add a short blurb and link encouraging volunteers to shop and support the program.
Share on social media Post a favorite item and remind followers that purchases support the Master Gardener program.
Add a QR code at events Display a sign at plant sales or workshops: “Support the Master Gardener program—shop here.”
Feature a “product of the month” Highlight one item in your communications to keep the store top of mind.
Encourage volunteers to wear merch at events Visibility builds interest—and often leads to more purchases.
Include in new members orientation Let trainees know this is one way to support the program from the start.
Recognize volunteers with merch Instead of (or alongside) traditional gifts, encourage purchases that support the program.
Pair with existing fundraising efforts Promote the store as an additional way to give—especially for those who prefer a tangible item.
Share photos of volunteers wearing merch Create a “Master Gardeners in the wild” moment and build excitement.
Mention it in meetings and announcements A quick reminder goes a long way in building awareness and participation.
Supporting the Master Gardener program doesn’t always have to be complex. Sometimes, it can be as simple as what you wear, carry, or gift—while helping ensure the program continues to grow for years to come.
The Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener webinar series is back for 2026, offering another season of free lunchtime classes designed to inspire gardeners, volunteers and plant lovers across Oregon and beyond. Beginning in June, this popular online series explores everything from pollinator-friendly landscapes and seed libraries to creative volunteer outreach ideas and thriving houseplants — all presented by engaging speakers from around the state.
Webinars take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. Pacific, running from June through September 2026. Each session is free and open to the public, and OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers can earn one hour of Continuing Education credit for attending.
2026 webinar lineup
June 9: Totally buggin’: Creating beautiful landscapes that support beneficials
July 14: Chard catalog: Sharing through seed libraries
August 11: What’s on the table? Ready-to-go activity kits for volunteers
September 8: Epiphyte club: Houseplants for health and happiness
Participants can attend live on Zoom or watch the webinars streamed live on the program’s Facebook page. Recordings will also be posted to the website approximately two weeks after each live presentation, making it easy to catch up later.
Whether you’re interested in supporting pollinators, sharing seeds with your community, discovering new outreach ideas or improving your houseplant game, this series offers practical gardening inspiration and connection throughout the summer.
This has been nearly a year in the making. Because this is the first effort of its kind within OSU Extension, we took the time to build it thoughtfully—and to do it right. We partnered with Overture Promotions, an OSU-approved vendor authorized to produce items using OSU branding. (That matters, because products featuring the OSU name and Master Gardener identity must be created through approved channels.)
Just as importantly, we wanted these to be items you’d actually want to wear and use—not throwaway promotional pieces, but well-made products that hold up in the garden, in your daily life and out in the community.
And in this milestone year, it felt especially important to do it now. As we celebrate 50 years of the Master Gardener Program, volunteers finally have the opportunity to wear and share the 50th anniversary mark with pride.
What you’ll find in the store
The current collection includes:
50th anniversary t-shirts and sweatshirts
Official OSU Master Gardener fleece vest and jacket (including Columbia Sportswear options)
Three different hat styles
Tumblers, tote bags, and a denim apron
You’ll also find designs inspired by our work and values, including Garden Future and native plants.
Coming later this month:
50th anniversary patches and magnets
Sticker packs
We’ll continue to introduce new items throughout the year, including seasonal designs and limited-edition t-shirts.
Why it matters
Every purchase supports the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program—helping sustain training, outreach and community education across Oregon.
These items are a way to:
Represent the program in your community
Start conversations about gardening
Celebrate your role as a volunteer
Share your passion with others
You might wear your gear alongside your volunteer badge at an event, or use it at home in your own garden. Either way, it’s a visible way to show what this program means to you.
Share it and shape it
The store is open to the public, so we encourage you to share it widely with your networks: beav.es/gardening
We also want this to reflect the creativity of this community. If you have ideas for products or designs, we’d love to hear them: mastergardener@oregonstate.edu
For Master Gardener Associations, this may also be an opportunity to support your members—consider purchasing items like stickers or magnets to share with your volunteers.
And if you’ve ever stood behind a table at an event, you already know: a good apron goes a long way. Having your own means you can use it both at home and while volunteering.
Thank you for being part of this program—and for helping grow it into what it is today.
