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.”
Great reading about you K.O.! Your enthusiasm is inspiring and I hope you stay with Master Gardeners for years and years. You’re well on your way! Best to you!