“A light exists in spring, not present in the year, at any other period, when March is scarcely here.”
-Emily Dickinson
Springing back to in-person volunteer service!
With spring quickly approaching we are incredibly excited to be able to start a gradual resumption of our in person, Master Gardener volunteer activities. Please look for announcements in the coming months as we resume our in-person helplines, Speaker’s Guild and Master Gardener tabling at community events.
In addition, if you are aching to get your hands in the soil and spend time with your fellow Master Gardeners, be sure to visit all of our supporting Master Gardener association webpages for details about their education/demonstration gardens.
Welcome to 2022 Cohort
Last month, with eager anticipation and excitement, we launched our 2022 OSU Master Gardener training Cohort for the metro area. We are pleased to welcome 140 trainees from Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties. This year the training is a combination of online modules and remote webinar ‘Q and A’ sessions. In addition, trainees have the opportunity to participate in hands-on training workshops. A big shout out of thanks to all the Master Gardener associations and volunteers who have developed and are leading the instruction of these workshops to the new Master Gardener trainees. You have created a stellar line-up of educational offerings to support trainees in their journey to serve the community as garden educators!
Perennial Master Gardeners, as you start volunteering in-person this spring and summer, be sure to extend a warm welcome to both our 2020 and 2022 Cohort members as you meet them at events.
Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series Launches for 2022
The Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series offers Master Gardener continuing education opportunities (1 hour), focusing on an array of subjects. Whether you want to learn better irrigation techniques, understand if clearing leaves in the fall is really good for garden insects or not, or if you get excited for all things roses, there’s a webinar for you!
The closed-captioned webinars are broadcast via Zoom and streamed via our Facebook page the second Tuesday of the month, at noon, February through November 2022. This series is open to the public and OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers receive 1 Continuing Education Credit for each class. All webinars are recorded and will be available to view on our website within two weeks of airdate.
March is Women’s History Month: A message from fellow Master Gardener, Celina Ratliff.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, metro area OSU Master Gardener and state-wide OSU Master Gardener DEI Task Force member, Celina Ratliff, has compiled and shared a variety of inspiring, informative resources highlighting gardening and landscape accomplishments of women. See her letter to fellow Master Gardeners and her list of recommendations in the most recent OSU Extension Master Gardener News blog.
By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Service Staff-retired, OSU MasterGardener
A Note from Margaret: Please considering joining us for our twice-monthly Zoom meetings; the first and third Mondays,from 1-3 pm!
Tri-county Master GardenerSTUDY GROUP
The MG Study Group is a self-organizing collection of seasoned and new MGs (and everything in between) who love to learn!
We serve allthree counties via our Zoom meetings: Clackamas, Multnomah & Washington.
We meet twice a month to develop our skills in identifying and understanding insects, spiders, and plant diseases and disorders, etc.
Meetings are based on group participation.
All interested OSU MGs and interns are welcome. (We are not open to the general public)
Attendance is not required; join us when we can!
On first Mondays we generally conduct an informal show-and-tell session, where MGs share samples of insects, spiders, plants for identification and/or diagnosis by the group. This is a great deal of fun and no advance work is required except for collecting a sample. (If you don’t have a sample-no problem! Join us anyway).
The third Monday is a more formal session based on a Study Guide you receive about a week ahead. Study Guides are developed voluntarily by attendees about subjects that are of interest to them and to share with the group. Upcoming Study Guide session topics for 2022: Bullies in the Garden-Invasive and Overly Enthusiastic Plants, Summer Heat Woes, Downy Mildew, Pruning, Blackberries, Best Garden Practices, and a Group Diagnostic practice.
VIDEO: Managing Moss in Lawns. (Alex Kowalewski, OSU via youtube) https://bit.ly/3HVDhij
PUBLICATION: Managing Moss in Lawns in Western Oregon. (Brooke Edmunds, Alec Kowalewski, OSU) (View or download a pdf.) https://bit.ly/3LOd2Np
Practical Lawn Care for Western Oregon. (Doug Vonderberg, Alec Kowalewski, OSU) https://bit.ly/34Kd202
Great information about dogs and lawns: “Dog Spots! No, not dalmatians but dead spots in the lawn. With the low rainfall and lack of irrigation pet owners may be seeing dog injury to their lawns. Urine damage can be mistaken for symptoms of several patch-type diseases. Samples of the dead grass placed in a plastic bag will release ammonia, which can be detected by smell. Other chemical injury such as fertilizer spills or salt spills can cause similar symptoms but do not release an ammonia odor. Female dogs are usually more damaging as they urinate on the ground, in the same spot and tend to empty their bladders more completely than males. And FYI, yes, this is research-based info!” (PNW Plant Disease Management on Facebook) More information:https://bit.ly/3GZbTPq
Spruce cones could scrub carbon emissions as effectively as costly chemicals. “A new material to capture carbon dioxide comes from a surprising green source: spruce cones.” (Prachi Patel, Anthropocenemagazine.org) https://bit.ly/33t3ciA
Western monarch populations grew over 100-fold in 2021. Why? “The beloved butterflies had fallen to critical levels in recent years. Experts weigh in on what might be causing their remarkable return.” (Alissa Greenberg.pbs.org) https://to.pbs.org/3GMJdc1
Where Giant Honey Bees Rest Their Wings During Annual Migration. (Ed Ricciuti, Entomologytoday.org) https://bit.ly/3GqcZ75
This Insect Has The Only Mechanical Gears Ever Found in Nature. “The small hopping insect Issus coleoptratus uses toothed gears on its joints to precisely synchronize the kicks of its hind legs as it jumps forward.” (Joseph Stromberg, smithsonianmag.com) https://bit.ly/3qvaSJX
VIDEO: Watch roots from different plants compete for prime real estate underground. Mathematical modeling and greenhouse studies show complex interactions keep roots productive. (Elizabeth Pennisi, Science.org) https://bit.ly/3GmNK5C
“The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within.”
William Cullen Bryant
OSU Master Gardeners Impact Our Communities
Last month we highlighted the steadfast commitment of metro area Master Gardeners to serve the community and build their knowledge and skills as we navigated through another year of challenges.
Now read those highlights in the 2021 OSU Master Gardener Impact Report, and see the resolute spirit the OSU Master Gardener Program has throughout the state, to grow knowledge and grow reach, all in the midst of challenging times.
Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series Launches for 2022
It’s a new year and a new slate of free online learning webinars with Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series. Whether you want to learn better irrigation techniques, understand if clearing leaves in the fall is really good for garden insects or not, or if you get excited for all things roses, there’s a class for you!
Metro area Master Gardener, Dennis Brown, kicks off the series on Tuesday, February 8, 12noon Presenting: ‘The Science and Practice of Seed Starting: Secrets to success when growing by seed’
The closed-captioned webinars are broadcast via Zoom and streamed via our Facebook page the second Tuesday of the month, at noon, February through November 2022. This series is open to the public and OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers receive 1 Continuing Education Credit for each class. All webinars are recorded and will be available to view on our website within two weeks of airdate.
OSU Master Gardener Program’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Task Force
The first cohort of the statewide OSU Master Gardener Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) Task Force was launched last year. The Task Force includes over two dozen Master Gardener volunteers from around the state and seven Master Gardener program staff and faculty.
Read about the professional training and work of the Task Force Group in the 2022 OSU Master Gardener Impact Report which includes testimonials from Task Force Members.
Applications Being Accepted for 2022 JEDI Task Force Members
Applications for the second cohort of Master Gardener JEDI Task Force Members are now being accepted. Click here to submit your application. Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2022. We are specifically seeking applications from Master Gardener volunteers, across the state of Oregon, who are
committed to advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with in the Master Gardener program.
wanting to deepen their own understanding of inequities, historical racism, and colonialism within horticulture, Land Grant Institutions, and Oregon.
able to make a 12 month commitment (April 2022 – March 2023), of 4-6 hours per month, for Task Force work.
willing to be a bridge between the Task Force, and their local Master Gardener group, to ensure that the work that we do on the Task Force is brought back to county Master Gardener Programs.
JEDI stands for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity. Sometimes, we call ourselves the DEI Task Force. Sometimes, we call ourselves the JEDI Task Force, because frankly, the word ‘JEDI’ is both more representative of what we are trying to do, and is also more fun to say.
Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. […] You only need a heart full of grace.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
New Year’s Greetings and Gratitude
With another year of challenges in our rear-view mirror, we extend our utmost gratitude for the on-going support and service of metro area OSU Master Gardeners. You have remained strong in your commitment to serving your community and expanding and strengthening your knowledge through continuing garden education.
In 2021, metro area Master Gardeners took part in over 3,000 hours of continuing garden education opportunities. With Oregonian’s steady demand for gardening guidance, metro area Master Gardeners answered nearly 6,000 questions via our remote helpline, virtual community events and OSU’s ‘Ask Extension’. Once again, you dug deep into your community and home gardens, and our supporting county association gardens, by growing and donating nearly 12,200 lbs. of produce to area food pantries. Despite the challenges of 2021, metro area Master Gardeners volunteered over 15,000 hours in service to your community! Kudos to one and all!
2022 Master Gardener Training We are entering the coming year with excitement as we get ready to welcome a new Master Gardener training class. Our 2022 Master Gardener training will be a combination of online modules, webinars and outdoor hands-on workshops. Training will commence mid-February. Look to meet and welcome new trainees at Master Gardener events in the spring and summer of 2022.
OSU Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Events
Movie and Discussion: The Ants and the Grasshopper, and a climate change discussion for gardeners with Vivek Shandas
Gardeners in Oregon saw what climate change looks like last summer: widespread leaf scorch and leaf drop from trees, bees at risk from heat stress, and plants succumbing to a record-breaking “heat dome”. Dr. Vivek Shandas saw it too, and on the hottest day of the year he set out with his son to measure air and ground temperatures in some of Portland’s most vulnerable communities. His research on climate adaptation and climate justice shows that how people fare during extreme heatwaves is in large part dictated by where they live. Halfway around the globe, Anita Chitaya lives with climate change in Malawai, as a farmer and community activist. She traveled to America to speak with farmers, growers, community organizers, and politicians about climate change and how we can work together to reduce its rapid trajectory.
Join the OSU Master Gardener Program for the 40th anniversary of OSU’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Gather virtually to reflect upon environmental justice as a component to achieving social justice. We will watch the documentary that chronicles Anita Chitaya’s story, “The Ants and the Grasshopper”. Afterward, stay for a live discussion with Dr. Vivek Shandas about climate change effects on vulnerable communities, the intersection of climate change and social justice, and what role gardeners can play to promote healthier living environments for all.
‘The Ants and the Grasshopper’ Film Screening and Post Film Discussion When: Monday, January 17, 2022, 6pm movie, 7:15 pm discussion Where:Online, via Kinema
About the movie, The Ants and the Grasshopper : How do you change someone’s mind about the most important thing in the world? Anita Chitaya has a gift: she can change farmers’ minds about what to grow, she can change what people love to eat, and she can even persuade men to fight for gender equality. Now, to save her home in Malawi from extreme weather, she faces her greatest challenge: persuading Americans that climate change is real.
About Dr. Vivek Shandas: Vivek Shandas is a Professor in the College of Urban and Public Affairs at Portland State University. His work focuses on developing strategies for addressing the implications of climate change on cities. His teaching and research examine the intersection of exposure to climate-induced events, governance processes, and planning mechanisms. As the Founder and Director of the Sustaining Urban Places Research (SUPR) laboratory at PSU, he brings a policy-relevant approach to research, including the evaluation of environmental stressors on human health, developing of indicators and tools to improve decision making, and the construction of frameworks to guide the growth of urban regions. Over the past several years, research from the SUPR Lab has appeared in the Smithsonian Magazine, National Public Radio, Washington Post, Minnesota Public Broadcasting, NY Times, Qatar Times, and several other national and international media.
About this event: The OSU Extension Master Gardener program is sponsoring this event as one small part of OSU’s 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration. This event is open to all gardeners, including Master Gardener volunteers, and is intended to provide an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, and our programmatic commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as climate change.
How to access this event: Tickets are free but require registration. Once you register at Kinema you’ll be provided sign-in information from Kinema. You must view the movie and discussion through Kinema at the time this event is scheduled.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service – Ways to Serve from Home
In 2022, commit to exploring how gardeners can align to combat climate change. Here are some practical ideas for steps gardeners can take, from OSU horticulturist Brooke Edmunds
Commit to learning how those most vulnerable to climate change intersect with that reality, and the need for environmental justice. Determine what role you can take to elevate and support the voices of impacted communities.
Support our OSU Extension Food Hero and Grow This! program, by signing up to provide guidance and advice to participants of the Grow This! Oregon Garden Challenge. Find details in our December newsletter.
Make seed tape or mason bee houses to donate to your local community garden or school garden. Scroll down in this newsletter to see the ‘How do I create seed tape’ video from fellow Master Gardener, Dennis Brown
Make your vegetable garden plan to include growing fresh veggies and herbs for donation to your local food pantry
If your Master Gardener Association hosts an annual plant sale, include plant donations to local organizations who support under-served community members. Donate garden tools and seeds to organizations who support a community garden or support gardeners in under-served communities.
Metro area Master Gardener Recognized for Service
OSU Master Gardener, Rhonda Frick-Wright
Last month, at OSU staff’s annual Extension Service Conference, metro area Master Gardener, Rhonda Frick-Wright was presented with the OSU Extension Association ‘Ask Extension’ Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of her service answering questions via Ask Extension. Sandy Reichhuber, OSU Extension co-coordinator for Ask Extension, presented the award and stated “Not only does Rhonda know what she is talking about, she answers questions in a graceful easy-to-understand and knowledgeable way.”
Of course, we in the metro area Master Gardener program know Rhonda as a valued, generous volunteer and we are delighted that Rhonda was given a celebratory shout-out for her service educating Oregonians.
Congratulations and utmost thanks Rhonda for your committed service!
Pre-order OSU Master Gardener’s New Book
In our December Newsletter we shared the exciting news…fellow OSU Master Gardener, Elizabeth Price, has written a book ‘Native and Ornamental Conifers of the Pacific NW’ that OSU Press will be publishing in the spring of 2022.
More good news! You can now pre-order Elizabeth’s book! Use Promo Code SP22 when you order online, for 20% off and free shipping (offer expires May 15, 2022).
The book is an outcome of the outstanding conifer ID workshops Elizabeth has led over the past 10 years for the metro area MG Study Group. It will serve as such a valuable resource for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of conifers in the Pacific NW.
New Year – Garden Plans – DIY Projects
As we embrace winter, our thoughts move towards gardening plans and ‘hope of spring’. If this year’s gardening plans include starting your own plants by seed, here are some great DIY project videos presented by fellow OSU Master Gardener, Dennis Brown.
By Margaret Bayne, OSU Extension Service Staff-retired, OSU MasterGardener
Floribunda Rose ‘Mardi Gras, Oregon State University
Plant lists that shouldn’t exist. (Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU; gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/3oM7NEo
The contrarian rosarian–debunking rose mythology. (Jim Downer, U of CA; gardenprofessors.com) https://bit.ly/3dH9KLI
Why insects are more sensitive than they seem. (Zaria Gorvett, BBC) https://bbc.in/3oKm3xe
NEW PUBLICATION: A PNWBBA Guide to Habitat Management for Bumble Bees in the Pacific Northwest. (Downloadable PDF) (Rich Hatfield, Kurt Merg, and Joel Sauder, Xerces Society) https://bit.ly/3GE2OeL
NEW PUBLICATION: The Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas: Summary and Species Accounts-A collaboration between the Xerces Society, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. (Downloadable PDF) (Rich Hatfield, Leona Svancara, Leif Richardson, Joel Sauder, and Ann Potter; Xerces Society) https://bit.ly/3GE7FNo
Genetic Analysis Reveals the Origins of the World’s Most Common Honeybee Species. “The western honeybee hailed from western Asia seven million years ago, ending the contentious debate over where these buzzy critters originated.” (Rasha Aridi, Smithsonianmag.com) https://bit.ly/3IRPYMa
Myth Busting for Extension Educators: Reviewing the Literature on Pruning Woody Plants. (Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU & Jim Downer, U of CA; Journal of the NACAA) https://bit.ly/3q6R3XZ
Prevalence of Different Horticultural Taxa of Ivy (Hedera spp., Araliaceae) in Invading Populations. “‘English’ ivy (Hedera spp.) is a complex of invasive plant pests that are separated into several distinct taxa. To better understand the invasion by ivy of Pacific Northwest native forests, we investigated the taxonomic identity of 58 selected invasive populations in the Pacific Northwest.” (Midori M. Clarke, Sarah Reichard, Clement W. Hamilton; via researchgate.net) https://bit.ly/3rVtpjB
Giant Hornet – Oregon Department of Agriculture
Symptoms and Signs for Plant Problem Diagnosis – An Illustrated Glossary. A great resource for diagnosticians! (Janna Beckerman and Tom Creswell, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University) https://bit.ly/3ygsrPU
“Your Christmas tree may be adorned with lights and glitter. But 25,000 insects, mites, and spiders are sound asleep inside the tree.” (University of Bergen via Sciencedaily.com) https://bit.ly/3dHMQnx
Why Giant Hornets Rub Their Abdomens on Beehives Before Attack. (Paige Embry, Entomologytoday.com) https://bit.ly/3rTWqw5
VIDEOS:
Basics of Tree Identification-Twigs (Mo_Plant_Daddy_ via Youtube.com) https://bit.ly/3oNyQzc
Basics of Tree Identifcaiton-Leaves (Mo_Plant_Daddy via Youtube.com) https://bit.ly/3GyW9Th
Binomial Nomenclature: sp. vs. spp. (Mo_Plant_ Daddy via Youtube.com) https://bit.ly/3IJHnuC
Are the honeybees raised in urban environments beneficial or detrimental? As a native species. (Jeanine Farley, Cabridgeday.com) https://bit.ly/30mOiZr
MORE ABOUT BEES…The Truth About Honey Bees. “Raising nonnatives does not “save the bees”—and may harm them.” (Laura Tangley, nwf.org) https://bit.ly/3n4rPZW
Garden Logic – understanding correlation and causation in our gardens and landscapes (Linda Chalker-Scott, WSU) https://bit.ly/2YAAsC1
Pitcher Plant Moths and their Pitcher Plant Homes. (Indefenseofplants.com) https://bit.ly/3n0KntY
Jumping Spider
Spiders on Tiny Treadmills Give Scientists the Side-Eye. “Jumping spiders see more in their periphery than previously known.” (Maddie Bender, scientificanamerican.com) https://bit.ly/3qnFi0V
MORE ON SPIDERS…Spiders are much smarter than you think. “Cognition researchers are discovering surprising capabilities among a group of itsy-bitsy arachnids.” (Betsy Mason, knowablemagazine.org) https://bit.ly/31VfPBX
Beetle Proves It’s Possible To Survive Millions Of Years Without Having Sex. (Rachael Funnell, Iflscience.com) https://bit.ly/3oAp4z9
Winter garden the moon thinned to a thread, insects singing.
~Matsuo Bashō
Year closes with hearty gratitude!
As winter approaches and the year comes to a close, we extend our hearty gratitude to all our metro area OSU Extension Service Master Gardener volunteers, for your commitment to serving our communities as garden educators. In the midst of such challenging times, you have continued to serve by guiding and educating neighbors in sustainable gardening practices, answering gardening questions online, serving on the state-wide, metro area and/or county association’s diversity, equity and inclusion advisory groups, growing thousands of pounds of produce for donation to area food banks, providing community members with seed kits, creating and building educational signage, kiosks and compost bins, plus reaching thousands of Oregonians remotely through educational webinars. Kudos to one and all!
Our gratitude extends further…
Thank you Catalina and Jenifer!
We are truly grateful to OSU Extension Office Specialists Catalina Santamaria and Jenifer Halter for their valuable support to our metro area Master Gardener Program.
As many of you are aware, Jenifer has been supporting Master Gardeners since she joined the Washington County Extension office five years ago. We are delighted that since this fall, Jenifer is also providing administrative assistance to the metro MG program.
Catalina and Jenifer provide attentive service to both clients and Master Gardeners and take care of so many vital behind-the-scenes details for our MG program. We are fortunate to have both as part of our metro MG team and extend our utmost thanks for all they do!
2022 Master Gardener Training Applications Being Accepted
We are busy making preparations and eagerly looking forward to our 2022 metro area OSU Master Gardener Training. State-wide the Master Gardener Program has updated and redesigned how we deliver the program. It is reflective of the community’s needs for flexible learning and volunteer opportunities to serve as a garden educator. Training will be a hybrid format with online courses and hands-on outdoor workshops in the garden!
Applications are now being accepted! If you know anyone who loves learning about gardening and has a desire to share their knowledge with the community as a garden educator, please direct them to our ‘Become a Master Gardener’ webpage to apply. Applications are being accepted through December 31, 2021.
Sign up to be a Grow This! Oregon Garden Challenge Champion in 2022
Love to grow veggies? Master Gardener volunteers are needed to provide advice for participants of the Grow This! Oregon Garden Challenge.
The details of the Grow This! Champion program:
Must be a current Oregon Master Gardener volunteer (or a Master Gardener representing a county demonstration/educational garden).
Sign up today (as of 1/10/2022 applications are still being accepted). When signing-up indicate that you are a Master Gardener when asked about your gardening experience.
You will be mailed 5 seed packets free of charge (cilantro, green onions, kale, mesclun lettuce mix, zinnias) to plant in your garden.
Must agree to give feedback on your growing process and results at least once—but as often as you want—during the Challenge. Feedback could include suggestions, comments, challenges and solutions, stories, photos, drawings or videos that we can share with others (with or without your name). You will receive an invitation to join our private discussion group—just for Master Gardeners—which will have monthly prompts and requests for your feedback.
Report your active time spent on this project as Master Gardener volunteer hours (report as ‘community science’).
Metro area Master Gardeners Awarded Director’s Coins
OSU Extension Director, Dr. Ivory Lyles (center) with Director’s Coin Recipients, OSU Master Gardeners, Claudia Groth (left) and Sue Ryburn (right), Not pictured, OSU Master Gardener, Susan Albright
OSU Extension Service Director Dr. Ivory Lyles recently visited the Washington Co. Extension office as part of his tour around Oregon during his first 100 days. The meet and greet with Extension staff and stakeholders also included Dr. Lyles and Regional Director, Angela Sandino, awarding metro area Master Gardeners Susan Albright, Claudia Groth, and Sue Ryburn with OSU Extension Director’s Coins. The coins were presented in recognition of their valuable contributions towards the mission of OSU Extension and the Master Gardener Program.
Congratulations Claudia, Sue and Susan! We are grateful for dedicated service and many contributions.
Susan Albright
For 10years, Susan Albright has prioritized education as an OSU Master Gardener, developing quality educational resources, education-focused special events, and hands-on garden classes at the Washington County Master Gardener Association (WCMGA) gardens. She has been a key-leader in establishing and growing the educational outreach programs and educational features at the Association’s Jenkins Estate and PCC Rock Creek Gardens. She has led the WCMGA to develop community partnerships. Susan is currently serving on the Extension Advisory Committee (ECAN) for Washington County Extension.
Claudia Groth
Since 1989, Claudia Groth has provided unwavering community service as an OSU Master Gardener. She has taught innumerable classes for the metro area Master Gardener Program. She is a sought after instructor who travels the state presenting to other county Extension programs, along with presenting engaging, research-based garden information to the community-at-large. As a leader, Claudia guides and encourages her fellow Master Gardeners and association members to support the statewide and metro Master Gardener Program, with educational outreach and financial support. Claudia is steadfast in her efforts extolling the value of the Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener Program.
Sue Ryburn
As an OSU Master Gardener, for nearly 10 years, Sue Ryburn holds garden education at the forefront of her service. Sue was instrumental in the establishment of the Washington County Master Gardener Association’s Jenkins Estate Learning Garden and the Education Garden at PCC Rock Creek. Sue has created and delivered stellar educational presentations on a range of gardening topics through the association’s “In the Garden Series.” Sue consistently looks beyond the boundaries of the association to establish valuable community partnerships, with like-missioned organizations.
OSUMaster Gardener’s Book, Going to Press
We are delighted to share exciting news! Fellow OSU Master Gardener, Elizabeth Price, has written a book ‘Native and Ornamental Conifers of the Pacific NW’ that OSU Presswill be publishing in the spring of 2022.
The book is an outcome of the outstanding conifer ID workshops that Elizabeth has led, over the past 10 years, for the metro area MG Study Group. It will serve as such a valuable resource for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of conifers in the Pacific NW. Look for the book, this coming spring, via the OSU Press Catalog.
OSU Master Gardener, Elizabeth Price
Gather
Last month, did you miss the screening and panel discussion of the film Gather? Good news! There are still opportunities to view the film and the informative, post film, panel discussion focused on Native American resilience, plants, and the renaissance of Native food systems.
The film is available for viewing via these streaming services:
Kanopy – If you have a public library card or are a part of a University, you most likely have access to the online streaming service Kanopy, where you can watch it for free.
A recording of the post film conversation featuring Dr. David Lewis and Dr. Samantha Chisholm Hatfield, is posted on the OSU Master Gardener ‘Culture of Gardening’ website. The website hosts many stories of gardeners growing plants to connect with their heritage, culture and identity.
The Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up webinar series has concluded for the year, but you still have the opportunity to view recordings of any of the 11 webinars.
The webinars are a great way for you to super charge your garden knowledge. Each webinar is taught by horticulture experts from around the state, including our very own Weston Miller, who presents: ‘Dirt Gone Bad: When your soil amendment has been contaminated’ and ‘Adapting Your Landscape and Garden for Climate Change’. Every webinar viewed can be counted as 1-hour of Master Gardener continuing education credit.
Look for the featured presenters and topics for the 2022 series, at the link below, in early January.
Leaf falling on leaf, on mounds of leaves, rain splashing in pools of rain…
Gyodai (Cricket Songs)
Help Us Report Your Generous Service
Although volunteer requirements are waived for 2021, due to the pandemic, we still would like you to tell us about your service hours so that we can celebrate and share your contributions with OSU. In lieu of submitting a volunteer log this year, please complete the brief survey that Marcia McIntyre sent via email on October 16.
Please complete the survey to show your continued interest in the OSU Master Gardener Program. We ask that you please submit the survey whether or not you have completed any service or continuing education hours in the past year.
No need to submit a volunteer log sheet this year. Via the survey, you will simply report your total Program and Partner hours, along with your Continuing Education Hours and any produce donations you made to area food banks.
In addition to this survey, we sent, via email, the annual Conditions of Volunteer Service document. To make the process quick and easy, the form was sent on October 18, via DocuSign, from OSU Extension office specialist Catalina Santamaria.
Please answer the survey and return your signed Conditions of Volunteer Service form no later than Sunday, October 31, 2021.
Gather: Film Screening and Discussion
A film screening and discussion about Native American Food Sovereignty Wednesday, November 10, 7PM– Free event. All welcome.
Followed by a moderated panel discussion (beginning at approximately 8:15pm)
The film “Gather” is an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide. Watch the trailer for Gather After the film screening, there will be a hosted panel with Dr. Samantha Chisholm Hatfield and Dr. David Lewis discussing Native American resilience, plants, and the renaissance of Native food systems.
About this online event: Gardens and gardening connect us in many ways: to where we’ve been and to who we are. To grow a plant that is inherent to our identity is a joyful and self-affirming art, whether it’s a food to eat or a flower to use in tradition and celebration. This screening of the film Gather is hosted by The Culture of Gardening, an initiative of the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Taskforce of the OSU Master Gardener program.
The film has closed captioning available in Spanish and in English.
Once you register at Kinema (link above), you’ll be provided sign-in information from Kinema. You must view the movie and discussion through Kinema at the time this event is scheduled. If you’ve seen the movie and would just like to join us for the panel discussion, please register at Kinema and plan to join at approximately 8:15pm.
New OSU Extension Service Director
Dr. Ivory Lyles recently started as the Vice Provost, Division of Extension and Engagement, and Director of OSU Extension Service.
He provides strategic leadership and oversight of the university’s Extension efforts, including the Master Gardener program.
Local stakeholder and staff have already welcomed and met with Dr. Lyles. He understands the value the Master Gardener program brings to the communities of the metro area.
We look forward to working with Dr. Lyles to increase our capacity to serve the community through sustainable gardening educational services.
Master Gardeners Receive OSU Extension Director Coin Awards
Dr. Lyles visited with stakeholders and staff at the OSU Portland Center and Clackamas Extension office in mid-October. Along with Regional Director Angela Sandino, Dr. Lyles recognized Master Gardeners Corinne Thomas-Kersting and Dennis Brown with Director’s Coin awards. This award is a new way for OSU Extension to recognize extraordinary contributions of staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Congratulations to Corinne and Dennis!
The Master Gardener program greatly appreciates their important contribution to OSU Extension’s outreach mission.
Dr. Lyles presenting Corinne Thomas-Kersting with Director’s Coin award.
Corinne Thomas-Kersting
Corinne has been an Extension volunteer for 25+ years.
She started with 4-H with her own kids and led 4-H groups until recently. She took the Master Gardener program in 2014.
Corinne’s 32 year career at Portland Public Schools focused on serving students with disabilities. She is a speech pathologist by training.
She’s carried that same spirit of inclusivity into her work as a Master Gardener volunteer. She spends her volunteer time working with school groups or those serving school groups to educate folks about self-reliance, community service, and research-based horticulture.
Corinne has also served on the board of the Multnomah County Master Gardener Association for 5 years, guiding the chapter to improve the non-profit’s transparency and inclusivity.
Corinne’s passion in her own garden is growing, sharing, and donating produce.
Dr. Lyles presenting Dennis Brown with Director’s Coin award.
Dennis Brown
Dennis originally took the Master Gardener training in 2010 in the Bay Area in California and then again in 2017 here in Oregon.
His environmental consulting career and academic training (BS, MS, and PhD) in horticulture and plant science provide a great foundation to serve as a Master Gardener volunteer.
Dennis’ volunteer service is part of an important partnership with the June Key Delta Community Center, VOZ Worker Rights Education Center, and East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. Dennis and an EMSWCD staff member prepare curriculum and make presentations in English and Spanish focused on horticulture job skills training. Students maintain a native plant landscape and grow food crops. The produce is provided to students and donated to the community.
With COVID, Dennis has stepped in as a presenter for horticulture webinars and has made educational videos.
Dennis’ passion in his own garden is focused on food production and improving soil and water conservation.
Level-Up Series Webinar
Join in the final ‘Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series’ of the year, as Dr. Gail Langellotto and the Garden Ecology Lab present:
Research has suggested that healthy soils can benefit human health, via transfer of beneficial microbes from the soil to the skin. What are the characteristics of healthy soils, and do these characteristics align with the soils tended by Oregon gardeners? This talk will provide an overview of what is known as the ‘hygiene hypothesis’, and how this relates to healthy garden soils. We will present data gathered from the soils of Oregon gardeners, as well as share initial results on a study looking at how garden soils might (or might not) influence the skin microbiome of Oregon gardeners.
Recordings of the entire series can be found here.
Winning photo from metro area Master Gardener
Award winning photo: ‘Frog Bumbles in Zucchini Blossom’ by Heidi Nichols
The OSU Master Gardener Program photo contest winners have been announced and metro area Master Gardener, Heidi Nichols was awarded first place in the Program Priorities category. Heidi’s award-winning photo is titled: ‘Frog Bumbles in Zucchini Blossom’ and it offers delight to viewers. To see the other award winners visit the OSU Extension Master Gardener News blog page.
It was a lovely afternoon—such an afternoon as only September can produce when summer has stolen back for one more day of dream and glamour.
L.M. Montgomery
The waning days of summer usually involve Master Gardeners compiling all their volunteer service hours for submission. Yet, we realize that the ongoing pandemic has brought an array of challenges to so many of our volunteers and it has also severely limited our volunteer service opportunities. Therefore, we have waived all annual volunteer service and continuing education hour requirements for Perennial Master Gardeners for 2021. We have also extended the time period for 2020 Master Gardener trainees to complete their training volunteer service requirement, until September 30, 2022.
Yet it is still important to document all hours that metro Master Gardeners were able to serve since October 1, of 2020, and the many hours of continuing education that you logged via our online offerings. We want to celebrate and share your contributions with OSU. We will be sending you a brief survey in the next week for you to submit your volunteer service and continuing education hours. You do not need to submit a log sheet. Simply answer the survey questions and click submit. We hope you will take a few minutes to complete the survey and show the contributions of service made during such challenging times.
Master Gardener Photography Contest
Join in the OSU Master Gardener Volunteer Photography Contest!
OSU Extension Master Gardeners are invited to participate in a statewide photography challenge and contest.
• How can you capture in photos what you love about the Master Gardener program? • How would you show others what you see about being a Master Gardener?
First-place winners in each of the three categories will receive signed, autographed copies of the books Trees to Know, and Shrubs to Know, plus an OSU Foods of Oregon reusable tote.
All second-place winners in each of the three categories will receive signed, autographed copies of the book Trees to Know, and an OSU Foods of Oregon reusable tote.
Make sure you are taking your photos for the categories! They need to be either people, places, or program priority photos. Here are some examples:
You can get all of the details, including a guide to taking great photos on the program news blog here.
Metro-area Master Gardeners Recognized and Thanked for Service
Each year the three metro area supporting county associations nominate and designate members for special recognition, either through an Oregon Master Gardener Association (OMGA) nomination or by heralding their praise and appreciation.
This year is no different and we would like to extend our hearty congratulations and thanks to the following individuals who are being recognized for their extensive contributions as OSU Master Gardeners! Congrats and utmost gratitude to all!
Two Metro Area Master Gardeners Honored with State Awards!
We are thrilled to share the news that two metro area Master Gardeners were recently designated as the Statewide awardees! Susan Albright as Statewide Master Gardener of the Year and Sue Ryburn as Statewide Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener of the Year. Susan and Sue’s dedicated service has greatly benefited the Washington County Master Gardener Association (WCMGA), the metro area and statewide OSU MG program, and the community as a whole. We are thrilled they have been honored and are grateful for their tremendous contributions to the Master Gardener program!
Susan Albright State Master Gardener of the Year Photo courtesy of Susan Albright
Sue Ryburn State Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener of the Year Photo courtesy of Sue Ryburn
2021 Statewide Master Gardener of the Year
Susan Albright, Washington County: Over the past decade, Susan Albright’s dedication and impact for gardeners in Washington County has been profound. She’s held so many leadership and co-leadership positions they’re too many to list, and her background as an educator has been brought to the forefront of her work as a master gardener volunteer. She’s designed and planted areas of demonstration gardens, provided leadership in establishing educational outreach goals, and developed educational materials for adults and children. She has presented at the statewide level, and is an active citizen scientist, combining forces with Xerces and Oregon Bee Atlas. She has led the Washington County Master Gardener Association through changes and adjustments, all with incredible communication and teamwork. – LeAnn Locher
2021 Statewide Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener of the Year
Sue Ryburn, Washington County: Sue Ryburn may be a tremendous leader, but she’s also a significant doer, working behind the scenes on multiple projects at a time. Whether it’s securing tens of thousands of dollars in grants, establishing multiple education gardens, or developing Washington County’s “In the Garden Series” as a deliverable to gardeners at home during COVID-19, she consistently looks beyond boundaries of the association to establish community partnerships and work collaboratively with program leadership. This commitment to collaboration can be seen in her formation of the Community Collaborators group, made up of organizations with like-minded missions to that of the Washington County Master Gardeners Association. This network and support are invaluable, innovative and exciting work, true to the spirit of everything she takes on. – LeAnn Locher
Clackamas County Master Gardener Association
Special Recognition for Three Dedicated Clackamas County Master Gardener Association Members The Clackamas County Master Gardener Association (CCMGA) is giving special thanks and recognition to three members who have worked above and beyond for their very successful programs during this pandemic year. CCMGA President John Wilbur writes…”We would like to recognize and thank, Nancy Muir and Eve Freeman for Grow an Extra Row (GAER) and Sherry Sheng for the webinars. Both programs were highly successful and made an important impact on the community during these difficult times. We also acknowledge the support and participation of the additional chapter members who assisted in these programs. Thank you all for your efforts.”
Sherry Sheng hosting webinar
Eve Freeman (2nd from left) and Nancy Muir (4th from left) with fellow GAER volunteers
Multnomah County Master Gardener Association
Multnomah Co. Master Gardener Association – Master Gardener of the Year As Multnomah County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden Director, Linda Goldser has helped guide both the Master Gardeners who volunteer in the garden, but also the garden’s future. With vision and planning for post-pandemic work in the garden, she’s moving the chapter forward and ensuring a strong and vital demonstration garden. –LeAnn Locher
Linda Goldser – MCMGA Master Gardener of the Year Photo: John Jordan
Multnomah County Master Gardener Association – Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardeners of the Year
Thanks to the publicity skills of Susanne Cavicchi, the Incredible Edible’s sale is wildly popular and is the Multnomah County Master Gardener Association’s major fundraiser. She edits the newsletter and chairs the communications committee. – LeAnn Locher
Elaine O’Keefe brings significant experience and insight into organizational structure and serves as representative to the OMGA, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. – LeAnn Locher
During the pandemic, Cynthia Chase and her communication skills kept the board moving forward. Her personal fundraising skills have helped raise money for the demonstration garden and she serves as the chapter’s Facebook editor. –LeAnn Locher
Susanne Cavicchi
Cynthia Chase
Elaine O’Keefe
MCMGA Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardeners – Photos;: John Jordan
Multnomah Master Gardener Association – Special Projects Award
Bob Shaw was given a Special Projects Award for his work in the Demonstration Garden. Specifically, for his work in the North Hedgerow area of the garden where he documented the work.
Bob Shaw – MCMGA Special Projects Award Recipient Photo: John Jordan
Washington County Master Gardener Association
Washington Co. Master Gardener Association – Master Gardener of the Year Karen Graham has led the Washington County Master Gardener Association through times like no other, with calm and resolve. With the many challenges that arose through the past several months the association needed to make quick and nimble adjustments. Karen adeptly handled each challenge. She quickly adapted and learned how to keep communication lines open with association membership and members of the public, taking the WCMGA’s Speaker Series and meetings online. The WCMGA has greatly benefited from Karen’s positive, calm, and encouraging leadership.
Washington Co. Master Gardener Association – Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener of the Year In a mere three years, Fran Beebe has wasted no time making significant contributions as an OSU Master Gardener and Washington County Master Gardener Association member. Fran has been instrumental with the WCMGA’s GardenFest fundraiser, potting 100+ houseplants, creating nearly as many terrariums and 30 hanging Kokedams for the sale and was a key contributor to the Propagation Team producing nearly 2000 vegetables and flowering plants. When Gardenfest 2020 was cancelled, Fran helped maintain the propagated plant stock, and, when it was mandated the greenhouses be closed, helped with distribution, donation and foster care for the plants. Fran serves on the Speakers Committee and is a dedicated OSU Master Gardener Helpline volunteer.
Karen Graham – WCMGA Master Gardener of the Year
Fran Beebe – WCMGA Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener
Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series – Autumn 2021
Join the Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series on Tuesday, September 14, 3PM, as Dr. Gail Langellotto, presents, Gardening with Native Plants for Pollinators.
Native plant gardening has been ranked as one of the top three landscape and garden trends over the past few years, in part because of the benefits that it offers to pollinators. However, native plants are not widely planted by home gardeners, and only limited selections can be found at many retail nurseries. This talk will share research conducted by the OSU Garden Ecology Lab for the past four years, and will address questions such as:
Which Willamette Valley native plants are most attractive to pollinators?
Why aren’t native plants more broadly available for purchase?
What native plants are most attractive (according to Oregon gardeners), and which native plant traits gave gardeners concern?
Are native cultivars a good approach to some of the problems associated with the production and sale of native plants?
Do pollinators visit native cultivars as much as they do native plants?
Finally, we will end with our recommendations for native plants that western Oregon gardeners should plant, if they want to support Oregon’s pollinators.
Adapting Your Garden and Landscape for Climate Change, Tuesday, October 13, 3PM Join in as Weston Miller shares strategies to adapt gardens and landscapes to the new extreme weather conditions we are now experiencing in the Pacific Northwest.
Healthy Soils for Healthy People, Tuesday, November 9, 3PM Research has suggested that healthy soils can benefit human health, via transfer of beneficial microbes from the soil to the skin. Dr. Gail Langellotto will provide an overview of what is known as the ‘hygiene hypothesis’, and how this relates to healthy garden soils.
Register for the upcoming webinars or view recordings of past webinars here.
The Culture of Gardening
The OSU Master Gardener Program’sDiversity Equity and Inclusion Taskforce has launched a new storytelling initiative called‘The Culture of Gardening’. This initiative explores and shares the voices of gardeners growing plants to connect with their heritage, culture, and identity. While it’s a project of the OSU Extension Master Gardener program, the stories transcend us, weaving through our communities and identities and include farming, self care, family celebration, recipes, tools, and more.
Tyler and his dog
Gardens and gardening connect us in many ways: to where we’ve been and to who we are. To grow a plant that is inherent to our identity is a joyful and self-affirming art, whether it’s a food to eat or a flower to use in tradition and celebration. Stories are being collected of people all around us, past and present, who do just that: the voices of gardeners growing plants to connect with their heritage, culture and identity.
If you have a story you’d like to share, or know of a gardener who connects with their culture and identity through gardening (they don’t have to be a Master Gardener!, but they should have a connection to Oregon), please contact: LeAnn Locher
SAVE THE DATE! Gather: Film screening and discussion A film screening and discussion about Native American Food Sovereignty Wednesday, November 10, 7PM
The film “Gather” is an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide. Watch the trailer for Gather
Following the film screening, stay for a panel discussing Native American resilience, plants, and the renaissance of Native food systems.
