Biweekly Update for May 26, 2026
- Brenda Bye
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
President’s Message
🪺There’s much optimism in the air the past few weeks—as many of you know, BCMGA and Philomath School District (PSD) recently signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), which incorporates the East Greenhouse into the existing MOU and extends the agreement to 2032. The Plant Sale Committee also has secured approval for a BCMGA Special Allocations grant to upgrade the East greenhouse space so that it is functional.
Having the use of the East greenhouse allows us to seed natives, perennials, and veggie starts within the same time frame, without having to move the tender perennials out into the cold spring air before they prefer.
We feel very grateful to have such a collaborative relationship with Philomath High School. Thank you to all those who have cultivated it.
Please keep in mind when you volunteer at PHS that our MOU stipulates that we may not park in either the gravel or paved parking lots during school hours. Honoring this helps keep our relationship with PHS strong.
Most of you probably don’t know that one of my main priorities as Board President for 2026 is to revisit and re-assess BCMGA’s longstanding goal of building its own greenhouse. It’s been some time since that goal was first articulated, and so much has changed in the meantime. The board recently formed two committees to begin updating that plan. One group will assess the cost of using the PHS space over the long term, and the other will update estimates of the cost to build and maintain our own space.
Having this information will allow the association to assess which plan, if any, more fully aligns with BCMGA’s mission and asset strategy. Once we have a concrete sense of where things stand financially, we’ll share our perspective with you. So stay tuned for more information.
In the meantime, happy gardening!
Jill Lodwig
BCMGA President
BCMGA Association News
🪺 The Date for the First Garden Tour Announced - Thanks to our Co-Vice Presidents Laura Horsey and Christine Welsch for working on this year’s garden tour schedule. Garden tours are not public events but are intended for BCMGA members and invited guests. Watch your email for more details.
June Member Garden Tour - Dancing Oaks, Monmouth
Thursday, June 25, arrive at 5:30; tour at 6:00 p.m.
Tour of gardens by owners / stewards / plant collectors
Carpooling encouraged; BCMGA members and invited guests
Volunteer Opportunities
These activities are approved by OSU Extension for volunteer hours
🪺 Join Plant Question Tables at the Farmer’s Market - This popular volunteer opportunity returns for the summer of 2026. The fun and engaging outreach is a great way to provide education to the public, answer plant questions and refer questions to the Plant Desk. They are looking for both Certified Master Gardeners and Trainees on dates throughout the summer. This is a great way for trainees to get direct service hours. Contact Signe Danler if you have any questions (Signe.danler@gmail.com).
6/27/26 Certified MG/Transporter needed. Waitlist for trainees available
6/14/26 Certified MG and 2 trainees needed.
🪺 Adams School Garden Needs More Volunteers -
The crew at Adams has done a great job revamping their space over the last couple of years with a core group of regular volunteers. They are looking for more Master Gardener help on Thursdays at 2:00 PM for their amazing after school garden party with 30 kids. The class moves to Tuesday mornings around 9:00 AM once school is out. The Adams School Garden was also approved for a special allocations project, that will help them make a sensory garden over the summer
If you are interested in joining the fun at Adams, please reach out to Nellie Oehler at oehlershrops@gmail.com.
🪺 Volunteer Spots Still Available for Get Outdoors Day 2026 This Weekend - The annual event is held at Peavy Arboretum on May 30, 2026 from 10:00 to 3:00 PM. Multiple shifts are available for both MGs and trainees. Volunteers will be tabling a youth activity making living necklaces using seeds, cotton balls, and small jewelry bags.
.
Signup Genius: BCMGA & LCMGA: Get Outdoors Day Master Gardeners
Contact Kiana with any questions: (kiana.ringuette@oregonstate.edu)
🪺 Join CGET (Community Garden Education Team) in 2026 - CGET provides hands-on garden education in our community and is a great place to share your passion about growing edible plants. There are spots for both trainees and certified MGs. Check out the CGET Signup Genius page for all of the opportunities available.
🪺 Just a Couple of Volunteer Spots Left for the Public Seed Library - There are spots for leaders on 6/12 and 6/13 available. If you have questions please reach out to Jill Farrow at jillsfarrow@gmail.com
Pop-Up Veg Garden Clinic - Sign up here
6/13/26 Need both Lead and Certified MG
Seed Rack Stocking - Sign up here
6/12/26 One volunteer spot is still open. Trainee or MG
🪺 2026 Plant Desk Sign Up Is Picking Up With the Warmer Weather- Shifts at the plant desk are now available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Answering questions at the Plant Desk is at the heart of our work as Master Gardeners and an invaluable resource for our community. Please sign up when you can! 2026 Signup Genius
🪺 Demonstration Garden Committee is at Work Again - MGs and trainees are welcome at the Demonstration Garden. Work parties are happening every Wednesday morning, rain or shine, from 9:30 to 11:30 at the Benton County Fairgrounds. You can drive through the north entrance by the gatehouse and park near the Floral Pavillion. Bring gloves and outerwear appropriate to the weather.
OMGA News
🪺 Joy of Gardening Registration is now open. This is the premier educational event put on annually by the OMGA. Join Master Gardeners throughout the state to complete your CME credits and learn about interesting horticultural topics. In honor of 50 years of Master Gardeners in Oregon, the early bird registration is only $50 until June 20th. Sign up now before your favorite classes fill up!
🪺 Summer 2026 Gardener’s Pen Newsletter is Available https://omga.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Summer2026GardenersPen-2-1.pdf
Extension News
🪺 OSU Master Gardener Extension has Merchandise! If you are looking for OSU Master Gardener apparel, hats or accessories you can find it on the new online store. New items will be added throughout the year.
🪺 Information for Benton County Master Gardener Social is included in your emailed newsletter. Please see that message for more details.
Comments