Category: Merchandise

Posted on

10 ways chapters can support the Master Gardener program through the new merchandise store 

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.

We’re excited about this simple way to do that: the official OSU Extension Master Gardener merchandise store.

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.

Visit the store and shop here: beav.es/gardening 

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.

Posted on

Introducing the official Master Gardener merchandise store

For years, we’ve heard it from Master Gardener volunteers across Oregon:
We want something we can wear proudly. Something that represents what we do.

Today, we’re excited to share that it’s here.

We’ve officially launched the Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener merchandise store—a place where volunteers and gardeners alike can find high-quality, garden-inspired items that reflect the pride, knowledge, and community of this program.

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.