President’s Message
🐝 This past weekend, I had fun volunteering at the Benton County Fair in the BCMGA Demonstration Garden. There were a lot of compliments for both the vegetable demonstration garden and the floral courtyard and entrance gardens. I had the chance to work two shifts with Jon Kimerling, who always amazes me with his ability to engage with the public and excitedly share his gardening knowledge. Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their time and expertise, helping to educate and inspire fairgoers with your knowledge and enthusiasm.
You can also come and visit the Demonstration Garden during the garden tour on August 13th. We have some unique plants this year including cotton and peanuts, so keep your eyes peeled. You can also see a hydroponic demonstration. Plus I would recommend a peek at the Cottage Garden on the East side of the Floral Pavilion, which is bursting with colors.
I'd also like to extend a warm invitation to all members to join us for our next Board Meeting on Monday, August 12th via Zoom. Whether you're curious about our association's inner workings or interested in getting more involved, observing a board meeting is a great way to stay informed and engaged. You can email Paula Lupcho for a Zoom link.
Thank you all for your continued dedication and support. Let's make the most of these beautiful summer days, nurturing our gardens and our community.
BCMGA Membership Activities
Organized by Co-Vice Presidents Lynn Trimpe and Michelle Brown
Information about membership activities including garden tours are available on the website.
🐝 BCMGA Demonstration Garden: Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Benton County Fairgrounds
110 SW 53rd Street
Park in the gravel parking lot off Reservoir Road. Use the east gate by the ticket booth.
🐝 Come to the BCMGA Picnic - Monday, September 16 from 5:00 - 7:00
Philomath City Park with access to the Randy Kugler Community Hall
BMCGA will provide water and tableware.
Bring a dish to share for our potluck
You may bring your own beverages but NO ALCOHOL is allowed.
🐝 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.
BCMGA News
🐝 Summer Plant Clinic Desk - Summer continues to be busy at the Extension Plant Desk. We need more Certified MGs to volunteer their time. The normal daily Signup Genius has lots of open spots. Also a big thank you to those Desk Trainers who agreed to come in the evenings for bonus Evening Plant Clinic sessions. If you are a trainee who needs evening hours check out this Signup Genius.
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.
🐝 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 invites any of his MG friends to attend. Please RSVP to his daughter Abby at twinkletoes2400@msn.com if you would like a link to the service.
🐝 Log Those Volunteer Hours - Some of our MGs put those hours in immediately and others, like me, just have a stack waiting to be logged. October isn't far away and this is a reminder to put those hours into the Volunteer Reporting System (VRS). If you are a trainee and need help navigating the VRS website, please reach out to your mentor or Otillia for help.
Volunteer Opportunities
🐝 Propagation Workshops at Philomath Greenhouse - The Plant Sale and Propagation teams continues to be busy at the greenhouse. 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.
🐝 Kathryn Jones Harrison School Garden - School is just around the corner and we are embarking on a new partnership at KJH. The project will be led by Kindergarten teacher, Amanda Tuckson who has a beautiful vision for the recently remodeled school garden. 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)
Questions: Email Amanda at amanda.tucksen@corvallis.k12.or.us
🐝 Extra Date added at Philomath Farmer’s Market - There are spots for 2 trainees at the Plant Clinic Table at the Philomath Farmer’s Market on August 18th. If you need more direct service hours, please see the 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
🐝 OSU Dry Farm Field Day - (This educational event has not yet been approved for Continuing Education Credits) Featured projects include melon and cucumber dry farming variety trail and tasting as well as till vs. no till in dry farming context plus others.
August 21, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture
Free to attend but registration is required. See the Dry Farm website for details.
Additional Field Days are listed here.
🐝 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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