President’s Message
I hope this message finds you enjoying the height of summer and all the beauty it brings to our gardens. Many of our members completed their continuing education credits at OMGA’s Joy of Gardening Conference earlier this month. The silent auction made $1200 more than last year and five of Benton County’s items went for more than their retail value. According to Paula Lupcho, “Our Benton County volunteers were the real stars of this event. They made everything run smoothly and I got lots of compliments from other counties about how great our volunteers were.” My heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed their time and energy to ensure its success.
Another star of the Joy of Gardening Conference was the Spirit of Gardening Pole. Benton County was one of three counties that showcased their artistic flair and our pole was especially unique and beautiful. I am amazed at the talent of our members and commend Nancy Tovar who led this project. This Spirit of Gardening Pole will be installed at the Mountain View Elementary School Garden.
As we move through the summer months, I encourage all members to keep signing up for shifts at the greenhouse. Your continued participation is vital for the success of our future plant sales. Additionally, don't forget to take advantage of our summer garden tours. These tours offer a wonderful opportunity to explore different local gardens, gain inspiration, and connect with each other. Be sure to check our schedule and join us for these enriching experiences.
Thank you all for your unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. Together, we continue to grow, learn, and share the joy of gardening.
BCMGA Garden Tours
Organized by Co-Vice Presidents Lynn Trimpe and Michelle Brown
🫑 Our final garden tour of the summer is coming in August. The fairground demonstration gardens are looking abundant for the fair and our volunteers are excited to host BCMGA members and show off their hard work. You can see more details on the website.
BCMGA Demonstration Garden: Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Benton County Fairgrounds
110 SW 53rd Street, Corvallis OR
Park in the gravel parking lot off Reservoir Road and come in the east gate by the ticket booth.
BCMGA News
🫑Come to the BCMGA Picnic - Monday, September 16 from 5:00 - 7:00
Philomath City Park with access to the Randy Kugler Community Hall
Bring a dish to share for our potluck
BMCGA will provide water and tableware. You may bring different beverages but NO Alcohol is allowed.
🫑Summer Plant Clinic Desk Continues to be Busy - Our hard working desk trainers have been so diligent but could really use some help. The Signup Genius is still active.
Trainees - Keep working to complete your training at the desk. Answering questions for the public is a cornerstone of Master Gardener engagement and we want you to love it as much as our veteran members. Ongoing practice will build your confidence and skills.
Certified Master Gardeners - We’d love a bigger crew of volunteers at the desk. There are openings throughout the week and it can be even more fun with a partner to compare notes and share ideas. If you need a refresher course, our desk trainers are helpful.
🫑Membership Meetings are Returning in October - Katherine Chambliss from the Evening Gardening Club will be speaking about the Homegrown National Park movement. If you’d like to prepare ahead of time, consider reading Doug Tallamy’s book, Nature’s Best Hope.
🫑Celebration of Life for Wayne Marshall on Sept 14, 2024 at 9AM - Wayne was a former Benton County Master Gardener from the class of 2009. He served as an official photographer and historian for several years. His family has moved his service online and invite any of his MG friends to attend. Please RSVP to his daughter Abby twinkletoes2400@msn.com if you would like a link to the service.
Volunteer Opportunities
🫑New BCMGA Project at Kathryn Jones Harrison School Garden - We have a great, new opportunity to work alongside garden caretaker and Kindergarten teacher, Amanda Tuckson at Kathryn Jones Harrison School garden (formerly Jefferson School on Circle and 27th in Corvallis). After the remodeling phase at the school, Amanda has re-started the garden and has a beautiful vision for this vibrant space. BCMGA volunteers will be providing garden education to other volunteers (school staff, parents, community members) and students. There are workshop opportunities during work parties and Student Garden Club sessions and summer work parties (see below). The garden club will meet during mid-day school recess breaks during the fall and spring months.
We have a small core group of MGs and encourage a few more to join in. Please let me know if you’re interested!
Jennifer Klammer Jennifer.klammer@comcast.net, 541-602-0431
🫑Summer Work Parties at KJH School Garden -
When: Fridays 9 – 11 am, July 12 to August 23
Where: Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary School Garden,
1825 NW 27th, Corvallis Or, 97330
Park in the school lot and walk along Circle Blvd sidewalk to the garden gate
Bring: Sun hat, water bottle, gloves, your favorite weeding tool for weeding small and large areas (garden has trowels, shovels and action hoes)
Work Party Plan July 26:
Remove cover crop, early season crops, add compost, seed a medley of edible plants for kids to discover and taste. Weed established perennial beds
For More Information/Contact About the KJH School Garden:
Email Amanda at amanda.tucksen@corvallis.k12.or.us
🫑See You at the Philomath Greenhouse for More Propagation Workshops - The Plant Sale Team continues its dedicated work preparing for our next plant sale. There are at least 2 activities per week through the end of August including dates and times to accommodate our working members and trainees. Join in the fun at this SignUp Genius.
Continuing Education Opportunities
🫑Growing and Belonging - Each year OSU asks that we complete one hour of continuing education related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. There are multiple online courses available through the Growing and Belonging website.
🫑Growing Oregon Gardens: Level Up Series 2024 Get one hour of CE credit for attending free gardening webinars from OSU. Check out the website for more details. Recordings of past talks are also available for continuing education credit.
🫑Webinars. Opportunities from across the state are listed on the OSU Master Gardener Program’s event page. Record each as one hour of continuing education.
Extension News
🫑Here are some important links to access information.
OSU Extension Master Gardener Program News is a good way to stay up to date on new programs and activities from the statewide office.
Guide to Being a Master Gardener: This was updated in November and can answer many common MG questions. It is available electronically here.
Solve Pest Problems: A new tool from OSU Extension to help manage pests around your home and garden with reduced risk to people, pets, and the environment. New entries are being added regularly on the SPP Website.
Logging hours into VRS https://vrs.osumg.org/sec_Login/
Need a sign-up, promotions, or printing for an upcoming event? First, use the Event Checklist to collect all needed information
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