2024 Winter Dreams/Summer Gardens Sessions

 

The Winter Dreams / Summer Gardens Working Group is developing an informative and interesting lineup for this year’s symposium. July’s Garden Beet carried the first article of information on presenters and the subjects that will be discussed. Read further for a continuation of what is coming in the symposium. The August newsletter will complete this introduction trilogy, with information on how you can register for the symposium starting August 12^th.  We hope that you will join us for this great learning opportunity!

 

 

“2024 Trials of Organic Vegetables and Flowers”

Jennifer Gerrity, Presenter

Territorial Seed Company is a company in Cottage Grove, Oregon that produces organic seeds. Jennifer will talk about the 2024 seeds that grew well in our climate, including both flowers and vegetables. She will provide an overview of how the seed trials were performed and how data was collected.

Jennifer Gerrity is the Product Line and Trials Director for Territorial Seed Company. She has worked in the botanical industry since 2000 with experience through both domestic and international travel.

 

 

“All About Lavender”

Jared Grzybowski, Presenter

There is a beautiful Lavender Garden as part of the community gardens on our Hanley Road campus. Lavender is lovely in both appearance and aroma, and the pollinators love it. Join us to learn how to pick the best variety for your own garden. We will discuss how to prepare your soil, plant, water, prune and harvest your own Lavender.

Jared Grzybowski is co-owner and lead grower at Charsaw Farms and Goodwin Creek Gardens. His focus is on organic and regenerative farming and gardening practices as well as teaching. Charsaw Farms and Goodwin Creek Gardens feature over 350 varieties of herbs and more than 120 varieties of Lavender.

 

 

“Container Gardening”

Marcie Katz, Presenter

For those of us who are city dwellers (and some who are not), there is not always the space or right set-up for an inground garden. The answer to this dilemma? Why containers of course! Marcie will tell us about types of containers, when and how to plant.

Marcie Katz graduated from the Master Gardener class of 2018. She was the JCMGA President in 2023. She has been a Practicum Mentor for 3 years, is the GEM for the Wanda Hauser Heritage Demonstration Garden and works with the Garden Enhancement Committee.

 

 

 

“Coping With Climate: How Our Changing Environment is 

Affecting Native Plants and Habitat

 Restoration in the Pacific Northwest and Beyond”

Tom Kaye, Presenter

We all know one of the major things we deal with as gardeners is the weather. In a longer-term view, how are plants in our region responding to changing climate conditions? The Institute for Applied Ecology is a non-profit organization that has a goal of conserving native habitats and species through research, restoration and education. They have valuable information they’d like to share.

Tom Kaye is Executive Director and Senior Ecologist at the The Institute for Applied Ecology. He is also a courtesy Associate Professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University and a board member for the Society for Ecological Restoration. Tom’s areas of research are rare species reintroduction, pollination biology, habitat restoration, invasive plants, and plant response to climate change with a key focus on sourcing native plants for restoration.

 

“The Many Uses for Ground Covers”

Susan Koenig, Presenter

Susan will share her knowledge on the varied types and uses of groundcovers. Full sun or shade, moist conditions to dry rocky soil, pathways to various open spaces in the landscape, all are opportunities for planting groundcovers. Come learn about these versatile plants.

Susan Koenig is a self-described lifelong gardener. She became a Master Gardener in 2016, teaches in the Practicum and mentors new Master Gardener students. Susan also instructs for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) on Vegetable and Ornamental Gardening.

 

 

“Grow the Best Butterfly Garden”

Lynn Kunstman, Presenter

We have all heard of the plight of Monarch butterflies. Along with those orange beauties, there are other lovely (or maybe not so showy) butterflies that color our world and help our environment. Come learn about the native plants they need to ensure generations for the future.

Lynn Kunstman has a degree in Wildlife Management from Humbolt University, and a Masters in Science Education from Southern Oregon University. She taught middle school special education and science for 22 years. In 2012 she became a Master Gardener, and in 2013 a Master Food Preserver. Lynn is the Master Gardener Speaker on the weekly gardening show “Garden for Life” on Jefferson Public Radio. Her current focus is on gardening for wildlife and pollinators.