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Beet 2024 08 August

Jul 27

A Visit Which Led to a Journey

By Beet 2024 08 August

In June of this year, a Master Gardener friend came to visit, blessing me with her presence for a few days and gifting me with a strange little plant that has a habit of eating flies. You guessed it, the common name, Venus Fly Trap, Genus Name Dionaea.

Upon receiving this little life I thought, “Oh dear, how do I take care of it?” Well, a quick Google search revealed an excellent article by Deb Wiley and Lynn Alpine https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/care/grow-venus-flytrap/  which lists all of her needs.  (I have decided she is a her.) I call her Venus.

This gift brought to mind some of the questions from an activity for the Cultivating Companions class that Grace Florjancic (our OSU JCMGA Coordinator) is currently teaching. This exercise asks several questions to help determine what kind of a plant parent you are. Reflecting on those questions, I have to say it depends on the plant.  Some of my plants given to me by loved people hold a special place in my heart and get the best care. I think Venus will require more of my attention initially, but that will change as she gets settled into her new surroundings.

The article by Wiley and Alpine gave me the information and confidence that I needed to go on this little journey with a plant that I had never considered. I am really looking forward to making her like my home and make it her home as well. Now I have several new things to consider: What will her container be? I know that she wants at least 4 inches of soil, and more is better for her roots. Where will the container sit to get the best light?  I now must allow some insects indoors for her to catch and eat.  The insects must be small enough that she can close her traps on them. She also likes a humid environment, being a native of the Carolina swamps in southern US. There Dionea is considered endangered as it has been collected to near extinction due to humans’ fascination with their habit of eating insects, so I need to help her live!

Now, how will I achieve the ideal humidity while still having an open container so her prey will come into her sphere of influence?  I was told not to tease her without giving her food, since motion is the trigger that causes her to trap by closing her several mouth-like structures once an insect is attracted. She emits a sweet smell which attracts the insects. False teasing can cause a decline in this scent and use energy that she should be using to grow and eat.

If Venus decides that she likes my offerings and hangs out with me, I will update you about her progress. I also would like to try my hand at propagation but will wait until she is bigger and stronger before asking her to reproduce.  I hope each of you have a guest that leaves you with such an intriguing project and lovely memory.  Thanks, Ronnie, for the lovely gift and for launching me on yet another thoughtful and interesting plant journey.

Jul 27

Lavender Fields Forever

By Beet 2024 08 August

It was a triple digit day; one of the many that we experienced last month. The setting was the Lavender Garden for the first Lavender Trail weekend of 2024. The area was all weeded and trimmed, and the pretty new ADA compliant sidewalks gleamed in the midday sun. Benches awaited those visitors who might choose to sit and listen to the droning hum of the busy bees while watching the purple and lavender spikes sway in the breeze. Canopies were raised, shading tables of delicious shortbread cookies, lemonade, cheese and chocolates, all flavored with our herb of the hour, Lavender!

Alas! Our highly prized and renowned Lavender Garden did not make it onto the Lavender Trail website or list because of a technicality that we are not a “Lavender Farm”.  The fact that we are located on a farm does not seem to count. And even though the Applegate Valley unfortunately had wildfires and smoke that weekend, we still did not get many visitors.

Margaret Clark, GEM of the Lavender Garden, did a remarkable job putting together all the edible goodies with pretty plates and tablecloths and was in the garden all three days with volunteers. Prior to that, Janine Salvatti, Chair of Gardens and Grounds and her work crews were out there three separate workdays and are to be commended for their hard work getting the garden ready for the public.

All is not lost, because at least we Master Gardeners can enjoy this beautiful Lavender Garden.  If you haven’t been out there this year, you should take the walk.  And now it’s time to harvest, so bring your clippers and take some heavenly Lavender home!  Margaret is out there every Wednesday to show you how.

I want to thank all the volunteers who came out to help. We will learn from this lesson.  We will try to convince the Trail people that we belong on the list, and we will do our own advertising to entice the crowds back to us next year. Do you have ideas to help with that? Contact Marcie Katz at marciek10@gmail.com, and let’s make our Lavender Garden the star of the show in 2025.  Here are some photos to show what they missed. See you in the Lavender!

 

 

 

Jul 27

2024 Winter Dreams/Summer Gardens Sessions

By Beet 2024 08 August

 

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 12th.  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.

 

 

 

 

 

Jul 27

Lemony Snippet

By Beet 2024 08 August

A single blade with a blast of citrus!

While there are two types of lemon grass, Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian) and C. citrates (West Indian), C. citrates is the most sought-after culinary variety.  Both sport skinny emerald-green leaves in fountainous sprays up to 4 feet high. However, the West Indian variety has long been prized for its flavorful leaves and bulbs.

Lemongrass is native to the islands of Southeast Asia where wild plants for centuries have been foraged for aromatic stalks and essential oils to use both culinarily and medicinally. Eventually it spread to the rest of Asia, Africa and Australia, where it was naturalized in home gardens.  After WWI, lemongrass was introduced to Central and South America, the Caribbean, Mexico and the US. Today it is purposely grown worldwide.

In Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, lemongrass is pulverized in tall mortars, then combined with garlic, kaffir lime leaf and other herbs to make curry pastes.  The South Pacific Islands also include it in their recipes.  The leaves and bulb at the base are both used for their very citrusy-lemony scent, making lemongrass a very popular ingredient in raw, as well as cooked dishes. Its essential oils are used commercially in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes.  It’s a minor source of vitamins and minerals as well.

When using it raw, the outer leaves need to be removed and the bulbs should be peeled.  Once the central pale-yellow hearts are revealed, they can be finely minced and then used in salads, blended into pastes, infused in sauces, marinades, and dressings, and used in soups, stews, curries, and desserts.  After bruising them with a wooden mallet to release aromatic oils, tougher outer leaves cut in half can be used to infuse longer cooking dishes (soups, stews and sauces) with flavor, and then discarded when the cooking process is done.  The real kicker is that lemongrass doesn’t curdle creamy sauces, custards and other dairy-based dishes, since it lacks the acid in citrus fruits.

Although a tropical plant, fortunately for those who live in colder regions, lemongrass grows quite well in a large pot with good quality, well-draining potting soil.  You’ll want to start seeds early in spring, sowing inside ¼” deep in well-moistened sterile seed mix.  Keep on a heat mat until it sprouts in about 7-10 days, then place under lights.  Once seedlings have true leaves they can be potted up in 4” pots.  Their final pot (for seedlings as well purchased plants) should be about a five-gallon size.

Pots can be put outside once frost danger is past. Feed with high nitrogen fertilizer.  Put lemongrass outside in full sun and protected from wind throughout the growing season.  Water it frequently to make sure it doesn’t dry out.  Harvest leaves and bulbs during the growing season when stalks are about ½” thick. Bring pots inside to over-winter and cut stalks back to about 5” high. Put them in a sunny spot and keep them moist but not overwatered. Put pots out again in May, and soon you’ll get to snip your first lemony zip!

 

Resources:

Urban Farmer Seeds

Lemongrass – From Seed to Harvest

Britannica

https://www.britannica.com/plant/lemongrass

Inherited Seeds

https://inheritedseeds.com/products/lemon-grass

Specialty Produce

https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Lemongrass_320.php

Sources for Seeds and Plants

Inherited Seeds

https://inheritedseeds.com

Tomorrow Seeds

https://tomorrowseeds.com/

Eden Brothers

https://www.edenbrothers.com

Almanac Planting Company

https://almanacplanting.com

Colonial Creek Farm

https://colonialcreekfarm.com

Logees

https://logees.com

 

Recipe:

Lemongrass Custard

1½ cups milk (soy or almond can be substituted

1 cup cream (soy or almond milk)

¼ cup organic sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 stalks lemongrass, roots trimmed off

2 tablespoons fresh grated gingerroot

6 eggs, warmed at room temperature for 30 minutes or 15 minutes in warm water

fresh lemon zest

 

6 custard cups

Baking or roasting pan large enough to hold custard cups and deep enough for water bath to cover them half way up.

Oil custard cups then place them in the baking pan.

Bring the cream, lemon grass and gingerroot just to a boil.  Remove from heat and let steep for one hour.  Pour mixture through strainer into large bowl, pressing lemongrass and gingerroot to extract liquid.  Discard lemongrass and gingerroot.

Preheat oven to 325°F and bring a teakettle full of water to a boil.

Stir sugar, vanilla, and salt into the milk mixture and whisk thoroughly until the sugar dissolves.  Mix eggs in a small bowl until well blended; then pour into the milk mixture while whisking slowly until thoroughly blended.

Ladle custard mixture into greased custard cups.  Carefully slide baking pan into oven.  With oven rack still out carefully pour boiling water into pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the custard cups.  Bake custard about 35 minutes until it jiggles when shaken. Then remove from the oven and lift each cup out of the pan onto a clean towel.  Let cool about 15 minutes, then refrigerate until cold.  Serve with dollops of whipped cream topped with fresh lemon zest.

Jul 27

Annual and Regular Board Meeting Minutes June 14 2024

By Beet 2024 08 August

Jackson County Master Gardener Association

Annual & Regular Board Meeting Minutes

June 14, 2024

 

Board Members Present (In-Person or Via Zoom):

Barbara Low, President, Co-Chair, Winter Dreams Summer Gardens WG, Co-Chair Marketing &   Technology WG, Chair Member Services WG

Marcie Katz, Past President, Co-Chair Spring Garden Fair WG

Rob MacWhorter, President Elect

Keltie Nelson, Treasurer, Co-Chair Marketing & Technology WG

Regula Pepi, Assistant Treasurer

Kathy Apple, Recording Secretary

Ann Ackles, Membership Secretary

Pam Hillers, Archivist

Colet Allen, OMGA Representative & Co-Chair, Winter Dreams Summer Gardens WG

Lucy Pylkki, Member-at-Large & Co-Chair, Spring Garden Fair WG

Rebecca Cohn, Member-at-Large

Sandy Hammond, Member-at-Large

Cassandra Toews, Member-at-Large

Ronnie Budge, Chair, Community Outreach WG

Janine Salvatti, Chair, Gardens WG

Jane Moyer, Chair, Fundraising WG

Michael Hornbeek, Student Representative

Susan Koenig, Co-Chair Winter Dreams Summer Gardens WG

Grace Florjancic, OSU MG Program Coordinator

 

Board Members Absent:

Kaleen Reilly, Member-at-Large

Guests:

Sherri Morgan

Carolyn Piatt

Linda Jo Millus

Tami Cisneros

Mary Schrouder

Lindsay Trumbull

Lynn Kunstman

Margie Dode

Becky Belau

Alice Ingraham

Annual Meeting:  President Barbara Low called the annual meeting to order at 9:00am and welcomed members in attendance.

The following updates were provided to members in attendance for the annual meeting:

  1. OSU Master Gardener Class of 2023 & 2024: OSU MG Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic provided an update on both classes.  The 2023 class had 40 students graduate.  The 2024 class has 45 graduates.  Grace commented that students in both classes were very positive and enthusiastic.
  2. Practicum Update: Jane Moyer reported on the changes to Practicum mentors as several mentors have moved on to other activities.  There have been 22 mentors and one helper.  The mentor group revised the Practicum curriculum, bought supplies, addressed greenhouse maintenance including electrical issues.  Support was given to the Seed Team, the Greenhouse Team, and the Native Plants Team.  Jane will be retiring from leading the Practicum program.  The Board commended Jane for her dedication and hard work in making the Practicum program a huge success for JCMGA.
  3. Community Education Classes: OSU MG Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic provided an update on the monthly community education classes.  Classes have averaged ten attendees.  Attendees have been a mix of Master Gardeners and community members.  The drip irrigation class was a big hit and will be repeated.
  4. Spring Garden Fair: Marcie Katz and Lucy Pylkki, Co-Chairs of the Spring Garden Fair reported on the success of the 2024 fair despite one, very rainy day.  Net revenue earned was over $13,000.  Plans are already underway for the 2025 Spring Garden Fair which will be held at the Jackson County Expo.  In addition, Marcie and Lucy are planning the 2024 Fall Festival.
  5. Gardens & Grounds: Gardens Working Group Chair, Janine Salvatti shared recent activities of the group despite losing one member.  Bringing garden clubs and the community for tours of the demonstration gardens has been successful.  Volunteer working groups have helped a great deal with clean-up of the rose and lavender gardens.
  6. Presence at Public Venues: President Barbara Low and Community Outreach Working Group Chair Ronnie Budge outlined success in increasing JCMGA’s presence at various venues.  The goal has been to accept community invitations as much as possible to promote the Master Gardener program, JCMGA, and the Friends of the Gardens program.  This has been an opportunity to also sell Garden Guides and bring examples of native plants.  Key venues this year included the Josephine County Home Show, the Medford Open Street event, and the Earth Day event at Heron Park in Phoenix.
  7. Upcoming Changes to SOREC Grounds: OSU MG Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic provided a SOREC update.  Heidi Gehman, Administrative Office Manager will be leaving for a new position at Southern Oregon University.  Campus redesign is moving slowly.  SOREC is supportive of the preliminary redesign for structures supporting the Master Gardener program.
  8. JCMGA Annual Picnic: The annual picnic will be held June 29th.  A keynote speaker on monarch advocacy has been invited.  Several membership awards will be announced.
  9. JCMGA Winter Dreams Summer Gardens (WDSG) 2023 & 2024: President Barbara Low and Co-Chair of WDSG reported that in 2023 there were 140 attendees for 14 presentations.  A follow up survey was conducted. Data from this survey was utilized for planning the 2024 WDSG.  For 2024, there will be 16 presentations.  Registration opens in August.
  10. Oregon Master Gardener Association (OMGA): Colet Allen, OMGA Representative provided an update on the OMGA Joy of Gardening conference to be held July 12 & 13 in Corvallis.
  11. Questions & Comments: There were no questions from attendees.

Regular Meeting:  President Barbara Low called the regular meeting to order at 9:57am.

Additions to the Agenda:  A request was made to add discussion of the upcoming Lavender Trail event.

Approval of the Consent Agenda:   Jane Moyer asked a Finance Report question that will be addressed during discussion of the Finance Report presentation.  Jane also asked about whether the 2024 WDSG would include a presentation on perennials.  A speaker was not found for this year but will be included in the 2025 WDSG program.

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to accept the Consent Agenda as presented.  Motion passed

Approval of the Agenda:

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed.

Approval of the Board Minutes from May 10, 2024:

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the Board Minutes as written.  Motion passed.

Approval of the Board Retreat Minutes from May 24, 2024:

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the Board Minutes as written.  Motion passed.

Update on Community Gardens Grants:  Sherri Morgan, Chair of the Community Garden Grant Committee, presented to the Board grants awarded to five applicants.  The awardees included:

  1. Holly Street Community Garden in Medford – $350
  2. Don Jones memorial Park Community Garden in Central Point – $500
  3. Sanctuary One in Jacksonville – $500
  4. Ashland Community Food Bank Garden – $500
  5. Blue Heron Community Garden in Phoenix – $320

The next step for the committee is to finalize a draft policy on this process and present to the Board for discussion and approval.

Finance Report:  Treasurer Keltie Nelson responded to questions from the Board regarding the May financial statements.  Jane Moyer noted that the Native Plant Nursery line items should be recorded under the Practicum budget.

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to accept the May financial statements with the changes to the Practicum budget.  Motion passed.

MG Program Coordinator Report:  OSU MG Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic reported that Heidi Gehman, Administrative Office Manager will be leaving for a new position at Southern Oregon University.  Grace has contacted Access regarding picking up produce from the Plant-a-Row initiative.  Seed to Supper program is still on hold.  Grace anticipates restarting the program in the spring of 2025.  Grace raised the question of splitting the cost of a utility trailer for dumping between SOREC and JCMGA.  SOREC is purchasing the trailer and JCMGA does have a need to utilize this functionality.  The Gardens Working Group will review the need, potential utilization, and cost and provide a recommendation to the Board at the next meeting.

President’s Report:   President Barbara Low shared the following information with the Board:

  1. President Low reported that the monthly meetings with MG Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic continue to go well and are very beneficial. Barbara recommends these continue in the future. This past month included SOREC Farm Manager Jake Hoyman to review preparations for the Spring Garden Fair.
  2. President Low introduced the new JCMGA website page for the Friends of the Gardens program.
  3. President Low noted that the next Board meeting scheduled for July 12th conflicts with the OMGA Joy of Gardening conference. Barbara proposes the Board meet on July 11th

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to move the Board meeting date from July 12th to July 11th with the caveat that the meeting will be canceled unless there are time sensitive agenda items that cannot wait until the Board meeting in August.  Motion passed.

  1. President Low updated the Board on the revision to the online membership renewal form.
  2. President Low noted that a number of members have requested assistance with Dropbox. Barbara will organize an in-person training session on the use of Dropbox for all who are interested.

JCMGA Board Nominations Committee:   President Low noted that it is time to form the Board Nominations Committee for election to the 2025 Board.  Rob MacWhorter, as President Elect will chair the committee.  Marcie Katz, Ann Ackles, Colet Allen, and Michael Hornbeek volunteered to be on the committee.  Member Lynn Kunstman recommended contacting Kathy Rogers as a potential committee member.

Membership Secretary Report:   Membership Secretary Ann Ackles reported that all updates and corrections to the membership database have been completed.  Ann will be sending out printed member updates to all members for insertion into the current membership directory.

Discussion:

  1. Design Ad Hoc Committee Update: Jane Moyer provided the update.  The Creepy Old House will not be demolished until July or possibly August.  The Director of SOREC has offered to include demolition of the tool shed, Peggy’s greenhouse, and the propagation house at the same time as the Creepy Old House at no cost to JCMGA.  This will require the need to find storage space for items currently in these structures.   Jane is recommending the Board consider renting a storage container from Medford Mobile Storage.  A 20X8 container costs $110 per month with a $125 delivery fee and a $125 pick-up fee.  This container will be needed until new structures are in place.

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve renting a 20X8 storage container from Medford Mobile Storage.  Motion passed.

The committee has been collecting feedback on design ideas.  It is clear now that this will need to be at least a three-year project.  Greenhouse #1 can be used next year for Practicum and a propagation space.    A tentative target for 2026 would be completion of a tool shed, lathe house, and classroom; a new Greenhouse #1.2 possibly in 2026.

  1. Practicum Updates: Jane Moyer provided an update to changes in the Practicum program especially in mentor leadership as outlined above in her report for the annual meeting.  Greenhouse #1 is in need of a water heater which can be used in the future for a new Greenhouse #1.2.

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to purchase a new hot water heater for Greenhouse #1.  Motion passed.

  1. Spring Garden Fair (SPF): Marcie Katz and Lucy Pylkki, Co-Chairs of the SPF provided an update to the Board.  No contracts have been signed as yet.  Marcie and Lucy are looking at options for barricades, security, and bike racks.
  2. JCMGA 2024 Strategic Plan Revision: This agenda item was tabled for a later meeting.

Announcements:

  1. President Barbara Low noted that the Mailchimp regarding the annual picnic scheduled for June 29th has been sent.
  2. Volunteers are needed for the JCMGA booth at the July 19-20th Josephine County Expo.
  3. Colet Allen noted that the tours of the demonstration gardens have been successful.
  4. Colet Allen reminded the Board of the OMGA Joy of Gardening conference scheduled for July 12-13th. Besides the monetary donation, the Board agreed to donate garden art work left over from sale at the Spring Garden Fair.
  5. Marcie Katz and Lucy Pylkki noted that they have emailed other Extension Center programs to see if they want to participate in the Fall Festival which will be held on September 28th.

Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned at 11:30am.

Next Meeting:

  1. The next Board meeting will be held July 11, 2024 from 9:00am to 11:30am.

 

Respectfully Submitted by Kathy Apple, Recording Secretary

 

 

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