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Writer's pictureBrenda Bye

Biweekly Update June 11 from Brenda Bye, President

President’s Message  


🍒 June has rolled in with blue skies and sunny, warm weather. All the plants are finally in the ground and I have done my first battle with himalayan blackberries. I want to remind everyone—both trainees and veteran Master Gardeners—of the importance of filling up spots for the Plant Desk. We're receiving a high volume of questions from the community, and our team needs all the help it can get. Your participation is crucial in providing the expert advice and support that our community relies on.


I’m also pleased to give an update regarding our 2024 BCMGA Plant Sale. Despite selling about 1000 fewer plants compared to last year, we still managed to raise nearly $53,000. While this represents a decrease in revenue from 2023, BCMGA remains in a strong financial position. We are well on track with both our current budget and our savings goals for a future greenhouse, ensuring the sustainability and growth of our programs.


Like many previous newsletters, this one still has notices for open leadership positions within our association. Many of our dedicated members who have served in these roles for years are now looking for others to take over and continue their great work. We are currently seeking volunteers for the OMGA Representative, Gearing Up for Gardening organizer, and Farmer’s Market Plant Clinic Committee Chair. It also won’t be long until phones are ringing for next year’s BCMGA Board Members. All of these roles are vital to the success and growth of our organization, and your involvement can bring fresh perspectives and new energy to our group. Leadership comes in many forms and your leadership would make a significant difference!


BCMGA Garden Tours 


🍒The first BCMGA Garden Tour of the summer is tomorrow! Our Co-Vice Presidents Lynn Trimpe and Michelle Brown have published the summer garden tours schedule. Full details are available on the website


  • Karen Hopson's Garden: Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 5pm to 7pm

    • Address: 5380 NW Lawrence Avenue, Corvallis

    • Parking is very limited. Please carpool if possible

    • This beautiful garden is hilly. Sturdy shoes recommended

  • OSU Campus Arboretum: Thursday, July 18, 2024, 10am to 1pm

  • BCMGA Demonstration Garden: Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 5:30pm to 7:30pm


BCMGA News


🍒Plant Clinic Desk  - Most of our Trainees had their first training session on the desk during May but they still need more practice. Mentors please reach out to your trainees and encourage them to finish their second session soon. 


  • Trainees who have been cleared by Otillia can sign up for desk training. Training with a partner is encouraged. Note: if you sign up and no trainer is available by the evening before, you will NOT be able to work at the desk.


  • Certified Master Gardeners - We miss you! Please sign up if you see an opening the evening before you'd like to do desk duty. You can sign up in a trainee spot, so you won’t be expected to act as a trainer


  • If you are a Certified Master Gardener who wishes to receive refresher training at the desk, you may sign up if no other trainees have signed by the evening before and a trainer IS signed up. Alternatively, you may contact any of the trainers (Alan Taylor, Deb Kern, Paula Lupcho, Michelle Brown, Cynthia Roler) to make arrangements.


🍒 Opening for OMGA Representative and Alternate - BCMGA is looking for new representatives to the Oregon Master Gardener Association. The position includes 4 OMGA meetings per year, usually via Zoom, attending BCMGA Board Meetings, and writing a quarterly report of BCMGA activities. A formal job description is in the BCMGA Policies and Procedures manual. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Rich Taylor.


🍒 Leader for Gearing Up for Gardening - This beloved winter educational event has been led by Janet Magedanz for years. It is well attended by both MGs and the general public. If you are interested in helping in the next phases of this program please reach out to Janet


🍒 Committee Chair for Farmer’s Market Clinic Table - This role works with local farmers markets and community groups to arrange for clinic tables throughout the year. This is an important training opportunity and a fun way to engage the public. Other MGs are helpful in staffing these events but an organizer is important. Please contact Brenda Bye for information. 


Volunteer Opportunities


🍒 New Farmer’s Market Plant Clinic opportunity has been posted on SignUp Genius. There are still openings for two trainees at the Philomath Farmer’s Market this Sunday, June 16. This will be our first time at this market and it’s a great opportunity to serve additional residents of our county. 


🍒 Public Seed Library has a new PopUp table volunteer opportunity to discuss Fall Harvest and Overwintering on June 22. There are still openings for 4 veteran MGs. This is a casual and fun way to interact with garden enthusiasts in the community. Use the SignUp Genius to get involved.  


🍒 Plant Clinic Table at Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture - The OCCUH is having their annual Open House and Tour on July 15. BCMGA will be hosting a Plant Clinic table and kids activity table. There are openings for both veteran MGs and trainees on the SignUp Genius


OMGA Joy of Gardening Conference

July 12-13 at CH2M Hill Alumni Center


🍒 Early Bird Registration is still available until June 15. See the OMGA Website for details. Keynote speakers for this year include Dr. Gail Langelloto and Sherry Sheng as well as Dr. Silva Rondon. 

  • This is the final week of the BCMGA raffle to reimburse early registration costs for 3 trainees and 3 veteran Master Gardeners. Raffle entries can be made in person at Extension. One entry per person. The drawing will be on June 14 and winners will be emailed. 


🍒 Donations Needed for Silent Auction - Each year Oregon Master Gardener Chapters donate to the Silent Auction at the Joy of Gardening Conference. The proceeds from this auction are used for the awards and grants given by OMGA each year. Popular items are yard art, gardening supplies, tours, and wine. If you have items to donate please email Paula Lupcho.  


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.

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