“I became a Master Gardener as soon as I could when I retired to Oregon. I had been a gardener for many years and was lucky enough to garden in a couple of very different climates, but I knew I wanted to be a better gardener and I wanted to share what I knew with others. I am particularly interested in gardening with native and edible plants so I knew I needed to learn about gardening in the Willamette Valley to be successful in my own garden and to help others. The MG program provided excellent training and an opportunity to be of service.
What I appreciate most as a MG is the opportunity to share my knowledge of and my enthusiasm for gardening with others. I’m very proud to work with a group of people who care so much about providing excellent advice to people about their garden problems. It’s very satisfying work.
So many people are aware of the changing climate, they want to use native plants in their gardens and they want to be better gardeners, but they don’t have the access to the information they need or the time to find it. MGs provide a way to help them access the information they need and achieve their goals. We’re urban and suburban gardeners too so we understand their problems and I think that provides a sense of community with the folks who call us. We help our neighbors and our larger community become better gardeners. I hope too that MGs remind people of the value of volunteering and contributing to our communities.”
—Sharon Roberts, Lane County Master Gardener
This is but one of the many stories of the OSU Extension Master Gardener program we’re sharing this month in honor of Dam Proud Day. On April 26, Beavers everywhere will come together to support the things we do best: transformative educational experiences and life-changing research.
We are excited to be raising support specifically for our Seed to Supper program and updating our foundational resource, the “Sustainable Gardening Handbook” to reflect current knowledge. Please join us in gathering your friends and colleagues to give to support the Master Gardener Program on Dam Proud Day, at any donation level. See you (online) April 26th!
