Biweekly Update for December 23, 2025
- Brenda Bye
- Dec 23
- 4 min read
Editor’s Message - From Brenda Bye
🌲 Holiday Greetings Master Gardeners! As newsletter editor, I want to take the opportunity to thank Paula Lupcho for her service on the BCMGA Board as president for 2025. Paula has held many roles in our organization and I am grateful for the institutional knowledge and common sense that she brings to her service. As we transition into 2026, we welcome our new president Jill Lodwig. You will hear from her in the newsletter during the next year as well as the many committee chairs looking to have a great year of volunteering in our community.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Approved for CE by OSU Extension
🌲 Gearing Up for Gardening 2026 - These free events are co-sponsored by the Benton County Master Gardener Association and the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.
Where: Benton County Public Library
When: Tuesdays in January and February from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
January 6th: Smart Strategies for Less Garden Work with Kathy Clark. Save time and your back and knees with her tips and tricks.
January 13th: Harbingers of Spring, Blue Orchard Mason Bees and Early Flowering Plants with Camille Dill of Shonnard’s Nursery. Learn how to help bees get a headstart during hard times.
🌲 Insights Into Gardening Registration Opens January 2nd - Get a welcome break from winter and jump-start your spring gardening plans with this research-based, locally focused event offering a full day of practical, research-based gardening education.
Event Highlights
16 classes in four sessions taught by local gardening experts
Exhibitors, a bookstore, and raffle supporting community education programs
Suitable for all gardeners, both new and experienced
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026; Exhibits 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Classes 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Where: LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St, Corvallis; free parking
Cost: $45 (pre-registration required); Pre-order lunch for an additional fee
Register starting Jan. 2, 2026: www.bentonmg.org/iig Classes fill quickly, don’t wait!
🌲 How Can I Help? How We Can Save Nature in Our Own Yards
A Talk by Dr. Doug Tallamy
Author, Entomologist, and Professor, University of Delaware
Founder of Homegrown National Park
Join acclaimed author and entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy for an inspiring and practical presentation on how we can all make a difference—starting right outside our doors. Discover simple, effective steps to help restore and protect nature through the choices we make in our own landscapes.
You’ll Learn:
How to transform your garden into a thriving, healthy habitat
Why native plants are essential--tough, easy to grow, and provide “comfort” food for wildlife.
What “keystone plants” are and why they matter
How native insects and plants are the foundation for healthy bird populations. No bugs, no birds!
Saturday, January 24, 2026 1:00-2:00 p.m. Book signing to follow. Doors open at noon.
CH2M Hill Alumni Center, 725 SW 26th St., Corvallis, OR 97331
Tickets: $20 in advance | $25 at the door
Get your tickets now before they sell out! Go to www.bentonmg.org to purchase.
Questions: bcmgatallamy@gmail.com
🌲 2025 Public Seed Library Lecture Series - PSL is a collaborative project of the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition and the Benton County Public Library with educational support from BCMGA. For details please reach out to Jill Farrow.
January 22, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM
Legumes: Food for the Body, the Spirit, and the Soil
Learn how to grow edible beans and peas, ornamental legumes, and cover crops that improve soil health. Garden educator Darren Morgan of Shonnard’s Nursery shares practical tips and insights from decades of experience.
January 29, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM
Helping Mason and Native Bees Thrive in Your Garden
Manage mason bees and help meet their needs in the spring, summer, and fall. Learn about the needs of native ground nesting bees, get a few ideas about what to plant to feed them, and learn more about how to avoid harming bees. Presented by Linn County Master Gardeners Pollinator experts.
February 12, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM
Growing Greens Through Four Seasons
February 19, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM
Plants to Attract Birds to Your Garden
Volunteer Opportunities
These activities are approved by OSU Extension for volunteer hours
🌲 CGET Leadership Is Beginning Its Plans for the 2026 Teaching Season - The Community Garden Education Team (CGET) is one of BCMGA’s most public-facing committees and a cornerstone of our garden education mission. This committee relies on multiple leaders and wants an additional co-chair. If you love vegetable gardening and want to make a meaningful impact in the community, this is a rewarding opportunity. To learn more, contact CGET.BentonMG@gmail.com.
🌲 Bessie Coleman Annual Family Science/STEAM Night - February 12 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM, CGET is seeking 2 volunteers to attend this event and share some garden science with the community. This has been a fun event in the past and the school was eager to invite us back. If you are interested please reach out to Cheryl Straton.
🌲2026 Plant Desk Sign Up Has Been Posted - Shifts at the Extension Office help desk are open, morning and afternoon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The slower winter season makes an excellent time to read in our library, practice working with the microscope, or getting refresher training on aspects you’d like to know better. Please sign up when you can! 2026 Signup Genius
🌲Mountain View Elementary School Garden wants your help in the garden and classroom. Join this enthusiastic crew for a fun curriculum that grows interesting foods. This program is inspiring future gardeners and scientists. If you are interested in putting some of your time into this NW Corvallis based garden, contact Susan Hoffman or Nancy Tovar.
Extension News
🌲 Invite a Future Master Gardener! Applications for the 2026 Training is Now OPEN! Know someone who would make a great Master Gardener? Please help spread the word
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