Winter garden
the moon thinned to a thread,
   insects singing.

~Matsuo Bashō

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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!

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Our gratitude extends further…

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!

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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.

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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:

1. Must be a current Oregon Master Gardener volunteer (or a Master Gardener representing a county demonstration/educational garden).
2. 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.
3. You will be mailed 5 seed packets free of charge (cilantro, green onions, kale, mesclun lettuce mix, zinnias) to plant in your garden.
4. 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.
5. Report your active time spent on this project as Master Gardener volunteer hours (report as ‘community science’).

Hope you are able to join in!

Questions? please reach out to Brooke Edmunds, OSU Extension, brooke.edmunds@oregonstate.edu

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Metro area Master Gardeners Awarded Director’s Coins

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.

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Susan Albright

• For 10 years, 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.

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OSU Master 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 Press will be publishing in the spring of 2022. 

The book is organized around jargon-free charts that guide the reader to species identification. Each chart is a photographic matrix of the key features of a group of genera or species, allowing for side-by-side comparison. The charts are preceded by material on the characteristics, botany, and natural history of each group of conifers, all of which is supported by original photographs. Research across many disciplines is blended with direct observation and personal experience, creating a book that goes beyond identification and is both rigorous and engaging.

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. 

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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:

• Amazon
• iTunes
• Netflix
• 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.

You can access the panel discuss recording here: https://beav.es/UDE

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Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series

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.

View the Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series here.

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Leaf falling on leaf,
on mounds of leaves, rain splashing
in pools of rain…

Gyodai (Cricket Songs)

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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.

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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.

Tickets are free but require registration: Register online

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.

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New OSU Extension Service Director

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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.

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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:

Healthy Soils for Healthy People

November 9, 2021, 3PM

Register here

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.

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Winning photo from metro area Master Gardener

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.

If you didn’t enter this year, now is a great time to start taking photos to connect and showcase the OSU Master Gardener Program’s priorities and values.

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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

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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.

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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?

Submit your photos by September 30, to the Master Gardener photography contest!  

FUN! There are prizes for the winners!

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: 

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You can get all of the details, including a guide to taking great photos on the program news blog here. 

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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!

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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

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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.”

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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

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

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.

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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.

Register here.

Coming up in October and November…

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.

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The Culture of Gardening

The OSU Master Gardener Program’s Diversity 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.

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.

Explore these inspiring stories and celebrate the different ways we all come to the garden. Meet Ann, Athen, Charlie, Farah, and Tyler. Check back as more gardeners generously share their voices and their connection to their heritage, culture, and identity through gardening.

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

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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.

About this online event:

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.

Tickets are free but require registration: https://kinema.com/events/gather-l-iq6j

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“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment”

Georgia O’Keefe

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Rosy news…

As we near the start of summer there is promising news! COVID risk levels are lowering in the metro counties and we are receiving encouraging OSU updates with guidelines for resuming some of our Master Gardener activities. We will gradually resume activities as the guidelines and our capacity allows, in the coming months. Watch for updates via email and this newsletter, as we are able to open our program activities.

Help with MG Community Needs Assessment

Help the OSU Master Gardener program in learning the needs of our community.  The program has launched a survey to guide the work of the MG program and to learn the types of gardening information Oregonians want/need to support them in successfully growing plants.  The goal is to hear from 5,000 Oregonians across the state, especially those not currently involved in the Master Gardener Program.

You can help to distribute the survey and earn volunteer hours by sharing the text and accompanying images below, with your own networks! 

Share the survey with 3 of your networks and earn 30 minutes of volunteer service. If you have additional networks on which to spread the word, please count an additional 10 minutes of volunteer service for each share/post.  Keep note of your volunteer time sharing the survey and include those minutes/hours when you report your volunteer service in the fall.

Please share on local metro area networks or those limited to Oregon. Share the survey with any communities who might have an interest in gardening. Here are some suggested networks in which to share the survey…

• Share to your personal and/or professional social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Others
• If you use ‘NextDoor.com’, consider inviting your neighbors to participate in the survey
• If you are part of your area PTA/PTO, ask the organization if you can share the survey link with school parents
• If you are part of a church, club, fraternal organization, or other social group that is not generally associated with gardening, but you know that the members are interested in gardening, please consider sharing the survey with them
• If you volunteer with other organizations that serve clients that may be interested in gardening, please ask them if they can share the survey link with their clients
• Gardening Groups and Clubs: If you are a member of a gardening group or club (online, or in person), please consider sharing with those groups. Before posting on another group’s page or website, make sure that you have permission to post the invitation and survey link.
• Facebook gardening groups (focus on those that are local or limited to Oregon, rather than out of state or national groups)
• Email listserv of gardening groups or clubs (once again, focusing on local groups or limited to Oregon)

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Below is the text and graphic promoting the survey, in both English and Spanish.

What do you want to learn more about growing plants? What information and support do you need for gardening? 

Oregon State University Extension wants to support you getting the kind of information you want and need for growing plants in a home, community garden and landscape setting. Help us craft our future offerings: take a moment to participate in our survey.  https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1RH4CHIopoHN9XM

Below is a jpeg of the graphic in English, to use when posting to social media or sending out emails.

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¿Qué desea saber sobre el cultivo de plantas? 

¿Qué información y apoyo necesita para la jardinería?  

¡Queremos escuchar su opinión! 

El Servicio de Extensión de Oregon State University desea apoyarlo para que obtenga el tipo de información que desea y necesita para cultivar plantas en su hogar, jardín comunitario y paisaje. Ayúdenos a planificar nuestras ofertas futuras: tómese un momento para participar en nuestra encuesta. https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1RH4CHIopoHN9XM

Below is the link to a jpeg of the graphic in Spanish, to use when posting to social media or sending out emails.

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Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series

Although summer has yet to have it’s official start, now’s the time to plan and start winter vegetable crops. This month’s Growing Oregon Gardeners Level Up Series presentation, ‘Winter Vegetables to Grow‘, with Lane Selman, OSU, will offer you a plethora of inspiration to assist your game plan. Lane will take a deep dive into some of the more under appreciated, yet super delicious and nutritious winter vegetables! The webinar will be broadcast on Tuesday, June 8, 3pm

Registration opens on a rolling basis for upcoming webinars throughout the year.

If you find that registration has filled for a class, please check out the presentation live streamed on the OSU Master Gardener Facebook page or look for a recording of the presentation to be posted on the Level Up Series website a few days following.

Preview and register for the Level Up Series classes, and view recordings of past presentations HERE.

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Metro Master Gardener Media Channel

Would you like to review a presentation from our Metro Master Gardener Webinar Series? Or perhaps catch a Chapter Lecture or Speaker Series that you missed? You can access our catalog of inspiring webinars via our metro area Master Gardener Media Channel.

In addition, you can view a great series of mini-videos produced by fellow Master Gardener, Dennis Brown. Dennis created the videos to incorporate into his speaking presentations for the metro MG program. The videos cover: DIY seed tape, DIY seed starting containers, cutting back a cover crop, how to prune a blueberry bush, setting-up seed starting indoors and how to collect a soil sample. Check back later this week for 3 new videos Dennis created: controlling leafminer, planting sweet corn seedlings and planting tomatoes. Thank you Dennis for creating and sharing these informative videos!

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Oregon Master Gardener Mini College – Goes Virtual!

You still have time to catch a great line-up of garden-focused classes from the comfort of your home, by registering for the 2021 Oregon Master Gardener Mini College.  This virtual conference will be held online, July 16 & 17.  Mini College is a great continuing education opportunity, with an outstanding slate of horticulture experts presenting a range of topic.s

Robert Michael Pyle, author, educator and scientist will kick-off the event as the keynote speaker.  In addition, there will be a great array of interactive classes and workshops from leading horticulture experts and educators. Our very own Weston Miller, will be sharing the keys to success for organic vegetable gardening. Other presentations will focus on native plants to consider for attracting pollinators, the promise and pitfalls of biochar, plus a presentation all about mason bees – to name just a few of the topics being presented.

Cost for the two-day event is $49 and is open to Master Gardeners and the public.  So grab a friend, and join-in an enriching garden education opportunity.

OMGA 2021 Mini College (mastergardenerminicollege.org)

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More virtual opportunities with the International Master Gardener Conference!

Every two years Master Gardeners have the opportunity to participate in the International Master Gardeners Conference, which is hosted by a rotation of Extension Master Gardener Programs.  This year the event is being sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension and you have the opportunity to participate from the comfort of your own home!  The Conference is going virtual for 2021!

This educational confluence of horticultural experts and Master Gardeners from the US, Canada and South Korea is taking place September 12 – 17, 2021. Virginia Cooperative Extension is planning “a unique and creative virtual conference that will offer not only the chance to attend live webinars and workshops, but also opportunities to socialize with and learn from EMGs from around the nation, to learn about gardening in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and to participate in interactive activities such as virtual tours of Virginia and small group sessions.” 

Learn more about this exciting educational opportunity and register NOW!

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Elevated Skills Training Remains Open

Did you miss the ‘Elevated Skills’ Master Gardener training classes? Don’t despair the training is still open. Although in-person sessions of the training have passed, you can still take part and explore a subject of interest. Whether that be ‘Community Science’, how to ‘Superpower Your Education Garden’, ‘Garden Woody Plant ID with the OSU Landscape Plant Database’ or the other ‘Elevated Skills’ class offerings.

For Perennial Master Gardeners this training counts as ‘Continuing Education’ hours.

2020 Master Gardeners Trainees, the Elevate training can be counted towards your service hours to meet the requirements to complete the Master Gardener training.

See the entire Elevate course line-up, and register HERE.

Note: The metro area MG program is using a different online tool for our MG Helpline clinic and is not using the ECCO tool being highlighted in the “Learning How to Use the Extension Client Contact Online (ECCO) Tool in Plant Clinic” course.

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Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?
– Neltje Blanchan

Spring greetings Master Gardeners!  Although our in-person volunteer activities remain on hold, there is a plethora of informative and inspiring virtual presentations being offered to Master Gardeners in the following weeks and months.  We encourage all Master Gardeners to take advantage of these valuable continuing education opportunities.

The Culture of Gardening Series

The OSU Master Gardener Program’s ‘Culture of Gardening’ Series kicks off with a special presentation with Abra Lee, “The Work is in Our Hands”, on Tuesday, May 18, 12noon.

Through determination, enthusiasm, and willpower Black women overcame ugliness in America to cultivate beauty in the landscape. This is a discussion of how their self-expression and activism through gardening led to a lasting legacy of community pride throughout generations. 

Abra Lee is a national speaker, writer, and owner of Conquer the Soil,a platform that combines Black garden history and current events to raise awareness of horticulture. She has spent a whole lotta time in the dirt as a municipal arborist, extension agent, airport landscape manager, and more. Lee is a graduate of Auburn University and alumna of the Longwood Gardens Society of Fellows, a global network of public horticulture professionals. 

This presentation is free and open to all OSU Master Gardeners and the public.  Register in advance here: https://beav.es/JCF

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Join-in the OSU Master Gardener Bio Blitz

Grab your camera and join the OSU Master Gardener Program on our iNaturalist project page to capture the insects, birds, wild plants, and other wild organisms in your garden or a nearby community or public garden space. Your efforts will help to document garden biodiversity in Oregon! Learn all the details and register here: https://beav.es/Jyg

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Elevated Skills Training Remains Open

Thank you to all who participated in the state-wide ‘Elevated Skills’ Master Gardener training earlier in the year.  We have received lots of positive feedback from MGs who appreciated the opportunity to focus on skills that can be used in their roles as a garden educator; whether it was learning more about ‘Community Science’, how to ‘Superpower Your Education Garden’, ‘Recipes for a Collaborative Community’, ‘Garden Woody Plant ID with the OSU Landscape Plant Database’ or the other ‘Elevated Skills’ class offerings. 

Did you miss the training?  Don’t despair ‘Elevated Skills’ training is still open for your learning adventure!  Although in-person sessions of the training have passed, you can still take part and dig deep into a subject of interest.

For Perennial Master Gardeners this training counts as ‘Continuing Education’ hours.

2020 Master Gardeners Trainees, the Elevate training can be counted towards your service hours to meet the requirements to complete the Master Gardener training.

See the entire Elevate course line-up, and register HERE.

Note: The metro area MG program is using a different online tool for our MG Helpline clinic and is not using the ECCO tool being highlighted in the “Learning How to Use the Extension Client Contact Online (ECCO) Tool in Plant Clinic” course.

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Metro Master Gardener Media Channel

Would you like to review a presentation from our Metro Master Gardener Webinar Series? Or perhaps catch a Chaper Lecture or Speaker Series that you missed? You can access our catalog of inspiring webinars via the area Master Gardener Media Channel.

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In addition, you can view a great series of mini-videos produced by fellow Master Gardener, Dennis Brown. Dennis created the videos to incorporate into his speaking presentations for the metro MG program. The videos cover: DIY seed tape, DIY seed starting containers, cutting back a cover crop, how to prune a blueberry bush, setting-up seed starting indoors and how to collect a soil sample. Thank you Dennis for creating and sharing these informative videos!

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Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series

The state-wide Level Up series continues with a wealth of timely gardening topics.  After a month that set a record for the lowest rain fall in over 60 years – water conservation is in the forefront of many gardener’s minds. May’s Level Up presentation, ‘Waterwise Gardening‘, with Erika Szonntag, OSU Extension, will cover xeriscape principals and tips for conserving water, while maintaining a beautiful landscape. The webinar will be broadcast on Tuesday, May 11, 3pm

Registration opens on a rolling basis for upcoming webinars throughout the year.

If you find that registration has filled for a class, please check out the presentation live streamed on the OSU Master Gardener Facebook page or look for a recording of the presentation to be posted on the Level Up Series website a few days following.

Preview and register for the Level Up Series classes, and view recordings of past presentations HERE.

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Oregon Master Gardener Mini College – Goes Virtual!

Registration is now open for 2021 Oregon Master Gardener Mini College.  This virtual conference will be held online, July 16 & 17.  With an outstanding slate of horticulture experts presenting, Mini College is a great continuing education opportunity. 

Robert Michael Pyle, author, educator and scientist will kick-off the event as the keynote speaker.  In addition, there will be a great array of interactive classes and workshops from leading horticulture experts and educators. Cost for the two-day event is $49 and is open to Master Gardeners and the public.  So grab a friend, and join-in an enriching garden education opportunity.

OMGA 2021 Mini College (mastergardenerminicollege.org)

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More virtual opportunities with the International Master Gardener Conference!

Every two years Master Gardeners have the opportunity to participate in the International Master Gardeners Conference, which is hosted by a rotation of Extension Master Gardener Programs.  This year the event is being sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension and you have the opportunity to participate from the comfort of your own home!  The Conference is going virtual for 2021!

This educational confluence of horticultural experts and Master Gardeners from the US, Canada and South Korea is taking place September 12 – 17, 2021. Virginia Cooperative Extension is planning “a unique and creative virtual conference that will offer not only the chance to attend live webinars and workshops, but also opportunities to socialize with and learn from EMGs from around the nation, to learn about gardening in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and to participate in interactive activities such as virtual tours of Virginia and small group sessions.” 

Learn more about this exciting educational opportunity and register NOW!

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Washington County Community Garden Survey

Portland Community College is creating a map of current community gardens for Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District (within Washington County), and then creating a site analysis for possible future gardens.

Their working definition of a community garden is a place where “multiple
families can grow food for the table, not for sale.” Developments that
restrict to their residents or a business that have plots or planters for
their employees all would count (CSAs will not).

If you know of community gardens that meet this definition in Washington County, please complete this survey by May 20: https://forms.gle/gXGvC7sFMBHvUuzf

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A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.

— Gertrude Jekyll

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The patience we have learned as gardeners has certainly been a reservoir to draw on in the past year. Even with hope on the horizon, for when we can once again gather in-person with our Master Gardener community, we continue to cultivate patience and glean lessons from the garden. As we patiently wait to resume in-person volunteer service, we hope you will take part in the various Master Gardener online educational opportunities from the kick-off of the OSU Master Gardener ‘Culture of Gardening Series’ to three upcoming ‘BioBlitz’ dates.

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An important message from State-wide Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Gail Langellotto

With the recent resignation of OSU President F. King Alexander, Gail Langellotto, our State-wide Master Gardener Coordinator addresses Master Gardener volunteers and staff, and offers reflection on the guiding principles of the Master Gardener program. Read Gail’s message HERE

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Elevated Skills Training Remains Open

Thank you to all who participated in the state-wide ‘Elevated Skills’ Master Gardener training classes the past two months.  We have received lots of positive feedback from MGs who appreciated the opportunity to focus on skills that can be used in their roles as a garden educator; whether it was learning more about ‘Community Science’, how to ‘Superpower Your Education Garden’, ‘Garden Woody Plant ID with the OSU Landscape Plant Database’ or the other ‘Elevated Skills’ class offerings. 

Did you miss the training?  Don’t despair ‘Elevated Skills’ training is still open for your learning adventure!  Although in-person sessions of the training have passed, can still take part and dive deep into a subject to interest.

For Perennial Master Gardeners this training counts as ‘Continuing Education’ hours.

2020 Master Gardeners Trainees, the Elevate training can be counted towards your service hours to meet the requirements to complete the Master Gardener training.

See the entire Elevate course line-up, and register HERE.

Note: The metro area MG program is using a different online tool for our MG Helpline clinic and is not using the ECCO tool being highlighted in the “Learning How to Use the Extension Client Contact Online (ECCO) Tool in Plant Clinic” course.

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Level Up

The state-wide Level Up series continues with a wealth of timely gardening topics.  This month’s presentation,  ‘Dazzling Dahlias’ with Julie Huynh, owner of Julie’s Dahlias, will be broadcast on Tuesday, April 13, 3pm

Take your gardening knowledge to a new level and check out the details for ‘Dazzling Dahlias’ and future presentations.  Registration opens on a rolling basis for upcoming webinars throughout the year.

If you find that registration has filled for a class, please check out the presentation live streamed on the OSU Master Gardener Facebook page or look for a recording of the presentation to be posted on the Level Up Series website a few days following.

Preview and register for the Level Up Series classes, and view recordings of past presentations HERE.

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Dirt Gone Bad: When your soil amendment has been contaminated

If you missed Weston presenting for the March ‘Level Up’ series, here is a link to view a recording of his informative presentation: ‘Dirt Gone Bad: When your soil amendment has been contaminated’

Referenced in Weston’s presentation are two valuable publications:

• Herbicide-Contaminated Compost and Soil Mix: What You Should Know — and What You Can Do About It, EM 9307. Here is the catalog link: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9307
• How to Use Compost in Gardens and Landscapes, EM 9308. Here is the catalog link: https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9308

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The Culture of Gardening Series

The OSU Master Gardener Program’s ‘Culture of Gardening’ Series kicks off with a special presentation with Abra Lee, “The Work is in Our Hands”, on Tuesday, May 18, 12noon.

Through determination, enthusiasm, and willpower Black women overcame ugliness in America to cultivate beauty in the landscape. This is a discussion of how their self-expression and activism through gardening led to a lasting legacy of community pride throughout generations. 

Abra Lee is a national speaker, writer, and owner of Conquer the Soil,a platform that combines Black garden history and current events to raise awareness of horticulture. She has spent a whole lotta time in the dirt as a municipal arborist, extension agent, airport landscape manager, and more. Lee is a graduate of Auburn University and alumna of the Longwood Gardens Society of Fellows, a global network of public horticulture professionals. 

This presentation is free and open to all OSU Master Gardeners and the public.  Register in advance here: https://beav.es/JCF

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Join-in the OSU Master Gardener Bio Blitz

Grab your camera and join the OSU Master Gardener Program on our iNaturalist project page to capture the insects, birds, wild plants, and other wild organisms in your garden or a nearby community or public garden space. Your efforts will help to document garden biodiversity in Oregon! Learn all the details and register here: https://beav.es/Jyg

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In reflection of a ‘Year Like No Other’

Although we are well on our way in 2021, we pause one more time to look back at 2020, when Master Gardeners rose to the challenge, embraced patience, stepped up and reached out during a year like no other!  We are grateful to our Master Gardener community and want to share the 2020 Impact Reports for the OSU Master Gardener Program and our metro area Master Gardener Program.

2020 Impact Report of the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program

2020 Metro area Master Gardener Impact Report and Volunteer Recognition

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Pest Alert!  Zebra Mussels and Moss Balls

Although not specifically related to gardening, we as Master Gardeners, have the opportunity to educate ourselves and share the information with others, regarding an important pest alert about Zebra Mussels.  Recently this highly invasive pest was discovered in products sold at aquarium and pet supply stores.  Specifically, the mussels were found in aquatic ‘moss balls’.

Currently, the Columbia River basin is the only area in the US that has not been infested with Zebra Mussels.  If established, the mussels will have a devastating impact on the health of our waters, including water recreation and critical water infrastructure.

Each of us can help by educating ourselves and others and making sure to take all precautions for preventing the establishment of this highly invasive pest to Oregon.

For details about this pest and preventive actions check out these links:

• Pest Alert: Zebra Mussels — Oregon Invasive Species Council
  
•  USFWS: The Exotic Zebra Mussel

• What you can do COOL FACTS – Oregon Sea Grant

• Plus, the science behind ‘Moss (Lake) Balls’ A geometrical approach explains Lake Ball (Marimo) formations in the green alga, Aegagropila linnaei | Scientific Reports

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Upcoming Virtual Garden Education Opportunities

Oregon Master Gardener Mini College – Goes Virtual!

Registration is now open for 2021 Oregon Master Gardener Mini College.  The conference will be held online, July 16 & 17.  With an outstanding slate of horticulture experts presenting, Mini College is a great continuing education opportunity. 

Robert Michael Pyle, author, educator and scientist will kick-off the event as the keynote speaker.  In addition, there will be a great array of interactive classes and workshops from leading horticulture experts and educators. Cost for the two-day event is $49 and is open to Master Gardeners and the public.  So grab a friend, and join-in an enriching garden education opportunity.

OMGA 2021 Mini College (mastergardenerminicollege.org)

More virtual opportunities with the International Master Gardener Conference!

Every two years Master Gardeners have the opportunity to participate in the International Master Gardeners Conference, that is hosted by a rotation of Extension Master Gardener Programs.  This year the event is being sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension and you have the opportunity to participate from the comfort of your own home!  The Conference is going virtual for 2021!

This educational confluence of horticultural experts and Master Gardeners from the US, Canada and South Korea is taking place September 12 – 17, 2021. Virginia Cooperative Extension is planning “a unique and creative virtual conference that will offer not only the chance to attend live webinars and workshops, but also opportunities to socialize with and learn from EMGs from around the nation, to learn about gardening in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and to participate in interactive activities such as virtual tours of Virginia and small group sessions.” 

Learn more about this exciting educational opportunity and register NOW!

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Our April Garden Checklist

Spring is in the air with lots to attend to in the garden.  Our garden checklist highlights fertilizing your berries, planting early spring vegetables, and going on slug patrol!

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One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.

W.E. Johns

These are hope filled times as we eagerly anticipate better days ahead. Gardening certainly gives us solace during such challenging times, and until we are able to resume in-person volunteer activities, the OSU Master Gardener program has a rich variety of continuing education opportunities to engage a wide-array of interests. We hope you will partake and enjoy!

Elevate

Our state-wide ‘Elevated Skills’ Master Gardener training has launched, but you still have time to take advantage of this wide range of skills building classes which aim to enrich and support Master Gardeners.  This focused training, being taught by OSU Extension staff, has been created to inspire current OSU Master Gardeners (including the class of 2020).

‘OSU Landscape Plant Database’, ‘Superpower Your Education Garden’, ‘Community Science and the Master Gardener Program’, and ‘iNaturalist for Master Gardener Volunteers’ are just a few of the many offerings created to empower and elevate Master Gardeners as community educators. See the entire course line-up, and register HERE.

Note: The metro area MG program is using a different online tool for our MG Helpline clinic and is not using the ECCO tool being highlighted in the “Learning How to Use the Extension Client Contact Online (ECCO) Tool in Plant Clinic” course.

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Level Up

OSU Master Gardeners and the gardening public can ‘Level Up’ in a new series for experienced gardeners, with presentations by OSU horticulture experts. Take your gardening knowledge to a new level with timely topics from gardening in a changing climate to techniques to extend your season.

Sessions are filling fast, so if you are interested in the class, be sure to sign-up when the class opens for registration. It will be a rolling registration for the classes throughout the year.

This month’s presentation Tuesday, February 9, 3pm, which focuses on ‘Multifunctional Hedgerows’ has filled – however the presentation will be live streamed on the OSU Master Gardener Facebook page and a recording of the presentation will be posted on the Level Up Series website a few days after the presentation.

Preview and register for the Level Up Series classes, and view recordings of past presentations HERE.

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The Culture of Gardening

Come spring, Master Gardeners can participate in ‘The Culture of Gardening’. Explore what gardening means to different people and groups, and how to grow and use plants from a variety of cultures. This new series of blog posts and talks will debut in late spring 2021, with a keynote address by horticulturist Abra Lee on the history of African American gardens and gardeners. The series kicks off on May 18th. Details to come.

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Grow Your Own Microgreens – Grow Along

Many Master Gardeners delighted in taking part in the Grow Your Own Microgreens – Grow Along Workshop, at the beginning of the year. During these ‘physically distant’ times it was great to connect with fellow gardeners online and to concentrate on a project that nurtured our gardener’s spirits and added a nutritious boost to our plates.

For those who missed growing along for the first session or had such great fun and want others to share in the adventure, Grow Your Own Microgreens – Grow Along Workshop will reprise February 15 through March 1.

See the details and register HERE. This 15 day workshop is free and everyone is welcome. Please share with fellow gardeners or someone who is wanting to grow something for the first time. Grab some friends to sign-up together and share the excitement as your greens sprout and grow. This is a great first time gardening project for families with kiddos too!

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Grow this! Master Gardener Challenge

Food Hero and Master Gardeners are collaborating on the 2021 Grow This! Oregon Garden Challenge. The second year of the Grow This! Oregon Garden Challenge, is much bigger than last year’s Challenge! This year we are looking to sign up 8,000 gardeners to grow vegetable and flowers and need your help!

We need your help to grow along and share your expert advice with these gardeners. Please consider signing up to participate as a Grow This! Champion. Your growing tips, comments, challenges and stories will be shared on our social media platforms and in monthly update emails to beginning gardeners as a way to build a growing community across the state.

Master Gardener volunteers are invited to participate, and apply to be a Grow This! Champion. Note: we are looking to include Master Gardeners from across the state and may need to limit participation if demand exceeds seed supply.

A Grow This! Champion:

1. Must be a current Oregon Master Gardener volunteer (includes class of 2020) or Master Gardeners representing a county demonstration/educational garden.
2. Will need to apply for the Grow This! Champion program by midnight February 19 (we are looking to include Master Gardeners from across the state and may need to limit participation if demand exceeds the seed supply).
3. Will receive one crop seed packet and one flower seed packet.
   (Type and variety will be selected at random.) Specifics about obtaining your seeds will be sent by email.
4. 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). These can be emailed to
   food.hero@oregonstate.edu or shared on social media adding the
   following text to any post: @BeAFoodHero and #mastergardener.
   All feedback is WELCOME.
5. Can count your active time spent on this project as Master Gardener
   ‘Program’ volunteer hours.

Questions?
Email Brooke.Edmunds@oregonstate.edu or food.hero@oregonstate.edu or leave a voice message at 541-737-1017.

Learn more about the challenge here: https://www.foodhero.org/growthis.

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Mini-college goes online!

Save the date! as the Oregon Master Gardener Association takes it’s annual ‘Mini College’, garden-education focused, conference online, July 16 and 17, 2021. This is an opportunity to learn from a wide-range of horticultural experts from the comfort of home. Registration opens in March. Watch for details when the website goes live at www.mastergardenerminicollege.org

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Every gardener knows under the cloak of winter lies a miracle – a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream.

Barbara Winkler

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Learning and growing in the new year…

As we start the new year with much hope and anticipation, we are excited to share the upcoming OSU Extension Service Master Gardener Program offerings for 2021.

Elevate

Current OSU Master Gardeners (including the class of 2020) have the opportunity to be inspired with the ‘Elevated Skills’ training, taught by OSU Extension staff. A wide-range of topics aim to enrich and support Master Gardeners. ‘Garden plant ID with the OSU Landscape Plant Database’, ‘Superpower Your Education Garden’, ‘Community Science and the Master Gardener Program’ are just a few of of the many offerings to inspire and elevate Master Gardeners as community educators. Registration details to come.

Level Up

OSU Master Gardeners and the gardening public can get ready to ‘Level Up’ in a new series for experienced gardeners, with presentations by OSU horticulture experts. Take your gardening knowledge to a new level with timely topics from gardening in a changing climate to techniques to extend your season.

This monthly webinar series kicks off Tuesday, January 12, 3pm, focusing on ‘Understanding Seed Characteristics’. Register in advance and level up!

The Culture of Gardening

Come spring, Master Gardeners can participate in ‘The Culture of Gardening’. Explore what gardening means to different people and groups, and how to grow and use plants from a variety of cultures. This new series of blog posts and talks will debut in late spring 2021, with a keynote address by horticulturist Abra Lee on the history of African American gardens and gardeners. The series kicks off on May 18th. Details to come.

Get ready, to get growing!

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Invitation to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

What does the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. mean to you? As a Master Gardener? As a gardener? How can we honor his teachings in our own work?

Join us for a moderated online Zoom discussion January 18th, 7pm. See registration link below.

As part of the University-wide 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers and staff are invited ahead of time to read, view and reflect upon materials and prompts of inclusion and identity as gardeners and Master Gardeners. These include:  

• Listen to and reflect upon the YouTube interview of Abra Lee, by Annie Guilfoyle and Noel Kingsbury of Garden Masterclass. View here.

• Read and reflect upon the article posted on the Oregon Humanities Website about farming as a form of homecoming for the African American community in Portland. Read here.

• Watch the presentation: Steady & Focused:  Efforts to Promote Racial Justice in Oregon’s Master Gardener Program. This talk was given earlier this year at Cornell University’s Ag In-Service Day and at the National Extension Master Gardener Conference by OSU Extension Master Gardener leadership Gail Langelotto and LeAnn Locher. Watch here.

• Use Google Image Search to search for the terms, below. What do you notice about the images that are returned with these search terms? What does it say about who is or can be a gardener or Master Gardener?

• Gardener
• Master Gardener

Attend the keynote address for OSU’s 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, delivered by Dr. Angela Davis, January 18, 9:30am to 10:30am. The event is free and open to the public. Register here.

Register here for the moderated January 18th, 7pm, online Zoom discussion, with fellow OSU Master Gardeners and staff.

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Our January and February Garden Checklist

No need to be idle in winter. Our garden checklist guides you through forcing some early blooms, winter pruning, covering sensitive plants and planning your spring vegetable garden.

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Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. 

— Stanley Horowitz 

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Help Us to Report Your Generous Service

Although volunteer requirements are waived for 2020 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 earlier this fall.  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. 

Please answer the volunteer log survey no later than, Thursday, October 15, 2020.

For our 2020 Master Gardener trainees we are extending the deadline for your training requirements until September 30, 2021. We are looking forward to a time when we can introduce you to a wide variety of volunteer activities where you can apply and expand your gardening knowledge.

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Master Gardeners Sowing and Growing in 2021

So, what’s sowing and growing for OSU Master Gardeners in 2021?  We are pleased to share the news that exciting new programing will be offered to Perennial Master Gardeners around the state, including our class of 2020 trainees.  This is an opportunity for Master Gardeners to enhance your gardening know-how “via a combination of self-paced learning and live webinars and online conversations with OSU experts.” Learn more about this innovative new curriculum, that will be offered starting in January of 2021 HERE.

Celebrate Master Gardener Week
October 26-30, 2020

Recognition and celebration of Oregon’s Master Gardener Volunteers

In a year when you were needed more than ever, Oregon’s Master Gardeners rose to the multiple challenges of 2020 in simply amazing ways. You made it work and took it online. You stayed connected and identified insects, plants, and soil problems all in new ways. When Oregonians needed advice and education like never before, Master Gardeners were there for
them. You’ve even mastered the Zoom goodbye wave and how to unmute. You grew more Oregon gardeners than ever before. It’s time to say thank you!

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Celebrate Master Gardener Week
October 26-30, 2020

Thank you Master Gardeners and welcome to a week-long celebration of YOU!

Events include:

• Film Festival featuring three film viewings, discussions, and Q&As with filmmakers and/or local experts.

• State of the Master Gardener Program Address with Dr. Gail Langellotto, Statewide Master Gardener Program Coordinator

• Beneficial Insect Trivia Game and Discussion

This free celebration is designed as an online opportunity to connect through the learning management platform OSU uses for online classes.

Registration for Master Gardeners will be opening on October 19^th, watch for details to come.

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Celebrate Master Gardener Week Schedule Film Festival

During these dates registered participants will have special VIP access to view three films.

• October 20 – 27, 2020: The Love Bugs 
  Over the course of 60 years, entomologists Charlie and Lois O’Brien amassed a collection of more than 1 million insects from nearly 70 countries —the largest private collection in the world with a value of $10 million dollars. But as Charlie’s battle with Parkinson’s becomes increasingly pronounced, he and Lois, 90, make the difficult decision to give away their drawers full of iridescent weevils and planthoppers. This humorous and poignant film explores the love of Nature—and the Nature of Love—and what it means to devote oneself completely to both.
  
  
• October 21-28, 2020: Land Grab: The Movie
  Land Grab is the story of an eccentric finance mogul’s dream to create the world’s largest urban farm in his hometown of Detroit and the political firestorm he unintentionally ignited by announcing that he would spend $30 million of his own fortune to build this farm in one of the most economically devastated neighborhoods of the bankrupt Motor City.
  
  
• October 22-29, 2020: The Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf 
  After completing a feature documentary on New York’s High Line, award-winning filmmaker Thomas Piper met the inspirational designer and plantsman, Piet Oudolf, and the idea for a new project was born. The documentary, FIVE SEASONS: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf, immerses viewers in Oudolf’s work and takes us inside his creative process, from his beautifully abstract sketches, to theories on beauty, to the ecological implications of his ideas.

After viewing the films, join together via Zoom with the filmmakers and/or local experts for discussion.

• October 26, 2020 at 6pm PDT. Facilitated discussion of The Love Bugs.
• October 27, 2020 at 6pm PDT. Facilitated discussion of Land Grab: The Movie. 
• October 28, 2020 at 6pm PDT. Facilitated discussion of The Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf. 

Note: Pre-registration is required/Zoom webinars have a limit of 500 people.

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State of the Statewide Master Gardener Program Address

• October 29, 2020 at 6pm PDT. Join Statewide Master Gardener Program Coordinator Gail Langellotto, for a livestreamed update on the Master Gardener Program in Oregon. The presentation will review recent accomplishments and points of pride, current challenges and opportunities, and an overview of what is to come in 2021.

Note: Pre-registration is required/Zoom webinars have a limit of 500 people.

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Beneficial Insect Trivia Game and Discussion

• October 30, 2020 at 6pm PDT. Put your insect knowledge to the test with this fun and interactive trivia tournament hosted by OSU’s Klamath County horticulture faculty member Nicole Sanchez. The ultimate gardening edutainment experience!

Note: We’ll be using both Zoom and Slido. Pre-registration is required and is limited to 200 people. Study up beforehand if you’re feeling competitive:

https://utahpests.usu.edu/ipm/ou-files/pdfs/alfalfa-beneficials_pests.pdf

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/9591/potatopests.pdf

http://npic.orst.edu/envir/beneficial/index.html

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9289

https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1549

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Webinar Recordings Work with Your Schedule

Do you have a schedule conflict with an upcoming webinar?  Don’t despair!  We are posting recordings of many of our webinars in the days following the presentation.  Recently fellow Master Gardener, Dennis Brown, kindly inspired us with tips for what to do in our vegetable gardens in the fall. 

To see Dennis’ Fall Vegetable Gardening Tips Webinar, along with other past webinars visit: https://beav.es/4FR

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Garden Webinar Series Continues

Our metro area Garden Webinar Series continues in November, with a special presentation from Jessica Rendon, PhD., from the Oregon Department of Agriculture.  Jessica will be highlight invasive insects species that are important for Oregonians to know about, including the Asian giant hornet, Japanese beetle, and Southern pink moth, to name just a few.

Friday, November 20th, 1PM
Invasive Species Threatening Oregon! What to Look For and How to Help. For webinar details and to register go to… https://beav.es/oBh

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Our October Garden Checklist

It’s time to overwinter vegetable beds, sheet mulch and plant garlic. Find inspiration in our October Garden Checklist.

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