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Beet 2025 06 June

Jun 01

JCMGA Announcements June 2025

By Beet 2025 06 June

 

June

  • JCMGA Annual Membership Meeting – June 13th from 9:00-9:30 a.m. You are welcome to stay for our regular June Board meeting which will be from 9:30-11:15 a.m.
  • JCMGA Monthly Board Meeting – June 13th from 9:30-11:15 a.m.
  • JCMGA Annual Picnic and Awards Ceremony – Saturday, June 28th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. We will have a guest speaker, Robert Coffan. He is with the Monarch Advocacy. (check the article in this Garden Beet about Robert Coffan)

July

  • OMGA Joy of Gardening Conference at OSU on July 11-12.
  • We will start collecting produce (fruit and vegetables) donations on Wednesday, July 24th, from 11-12 p.m. – which will be given to Access. Please bring your produce to the Gather Place at the SOREC Extension.

 

October 17, 18 , 24, and 25 — Winter Dreams Summer Gardens  – Save the Date 

 

Jun 01

President’s Corner

By Beet 2025 06 June

It has been a very busy month for the Jackson County Master Gardener Association! Our organization is built on providing gardening education to our community members. As part of this goal, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. Below, I will talk about a few of these opportunities.

The month of May started off with our 2025 Spring Garden Fair which was held again at the Jackson County Expo in the Mace Building. Our Practicum mentors and students worked hard to plant, grow, and transplant the many, many vegetable plants, annual ornamentals, and native plants for this event.  Countless hours were spent on organizing, moving, setting up for the event, selling plants, and then taking down after the event to return items back to the SOREC Extension. With over 100 special volunteers, who worked hard with a smile, we were able to host this event.

The 2025 Spring Garden Fair was a tremendous success! A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the 2025 Spring Garden Fair, with special thanks to Marcie Katz and Lucy Pylkki for organizing this event. They have already started planning for the 2026 Spring Garden Fair.

Our JCMGA Demonstration Gardens are another of our projects of which we are very proud, as they provide an educational opportunity for our students and other community members. Each Demonstration Garden has a mentor who leads the volunteers for that garden. The main work in these gardens has started and will continue through October. Janine Salvatti is the chair of the Gardens Working Group and Marcie Katz oversees the Demonstration Gardens. Our gardens are listed on our JCMGA website https://jacksoncountymga.org/demonstration-gardens/. If you are interested in working in one of our Demonstration Gardens, please contact them.

June is going to be another busy month for JCMGA

  • Our Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Friday, June 13, from 9-9:30 a.m. in the auditorium at the SOREC Extension at 569 Hanley Road, Central Point. The JCMGA will give an overview of what JCMGA has accomplished for the past year. Board members will be there to answer any of your questions. This is a time for you to share your viewpoints concerning JCMGA. We hope that you will consider attending. Following this meeting, the JCMGA Board will hold its June Board meeting. You are welcome to stay for that meeting as well.
  • Our Annual Picnic will be held Saturday, June 28, from 5-8 p.m. in the auditorium at the SOREC Extension at 569 Hanley Road, Central Point. This will be a wonderful educational and social event as well as a time to recognize some of our members for all their hard work.

As you can see, JCMGA has numerous volunteer and/or educational opportunities available. Other opportunities include the Friends of the Gardens program, Plant Clinic, Plant A Row project, Demonstration Work Parties, and much more.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at barbaralow@msn.com.

Jun 01

JCMGA Annual Member Meeting – June 13th

By Beet 2025 06 June

JCMGA Annual Member Meeting

June 13th

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

You are welcome to stay for the regular JCMGA Board meeting.

SOREC Auditorium, 569 Hanley Road, Central Point

 

Each year JCMGA has its Annual Member Meeting in June.

During this meeting we will

  • Talk about JCMGA’s accomplishments during the past year
  • Talk about issues that we are currently working on that involve the JCMGA
  • Answer any questions concerning the JCMGA
  • We welcome your input and/or suggestions

We hope that you will join us.

 

 

Jun 01

JCMGA Membership

By Beet 2025 06 June

The 2025 Jackson County Master Gardeners Association Directory should have arrived at your home address if you renewed your membership prior to April 4, 2025 and you elected to have your home address printed in the Directory.

We have had a few reports of the Directory not arriving via the bulk mailing process.  If that is the case for you, please contact Ann Ackles, Membership Secretary via email, text or phone (contact information listed below).

If you elected not to have your home address printed, your Directory is waiting for you to pick up at the Extension office.

Please review your information in the Directory to ensure there is not an error in what we published.  If there is an error, please notify Ann Ackles, Membership Secretary.

There were five members who renewed after we went to print.  We are mailing their Directories via USPS.  We will publish corrections and additional renewal members and send out the updates by July 4th.

Thank you for your support this past year!

Ann Ackles (2023), Membership Secretary

Email – jcmgmembersip@gmail.com

Text or phone – 541-601-2134

 

Jun 01

Embracing Nature’s Cycles: A Spring Day at Troon’s Biodynamic Vineyards

By Beet 2025 06 June

On a breezy, overcast morning bursting with the vibrant colors of May, a group of enthusiastic Master Gardeners embarked on a tour of Troon’s biodynamic vineyards and farm in the Applegate Valley. The air was infused with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers, and the gentle hum of bumblebees created a lively symphony that highlighted the farm’s thriving ecosystem. This experience offered a firsthand look at how modern agricultural practices can harmonize with nature’s intricate processes.

Our journey began in a native wildflower garden, where several species of bumblebees darted among a familiar tapestry of blooms. These native plants and pollinators set the tone for the day’s focus on sustainability and ecological balance. As we moved past rows of lush grape plants, we saw cover crops of red clover and a diverse array of flowering plants—including radishes, poppies, flax, and wild burnett—each planted (or simply embraced) to enrich the soil and attract beneficial insects.

Throughout the tour, Garrett, our knowledgeable guide, explained how Troon integrates biodynamic principles into their farming philosophy. We learned about different grape trellising and heading methods that optimize plant hardiness, enhancing grape quality while minimizing chemical inputs.

A visit to a solar array underscored the farm’s commitment to renewable energy, while a friendly Great Pyrenees named Beau, one of the vineyard’s livestock guardian dogs, exemplified the farm’s reliance on natural pest control and animal companionship.

A walk through a labyrinthine herb garden, designed with a druidic motif, showcased the farm’s spiritual connection to nature and the influence of the “Druids’ Fluid” concept inherited from previous owners.

Nearby, a serene pond was flanked by swooping iridescent blue tree swallows, creating a tranquil sanctuary that supports local biodiversity, including herons and even bald eagles. Scattered throughout the vineyards are large bird boxes on poles for raptors, like owls and kestrels. I noticed a humble wooden bee house perched atop an electrical box, perfectly juxtaposing the convergence of nature and industry.

Inside a greenhouse filled with food plants and ladybugs—natural pest predators—we further appreciated the farm’s integrated approach to horticulture. The outbuilding housing the irrigation system fascinated us with its great bubbling vat of compost tea, a vital soil amendment that fosters microbial life which will soon inoculate the vineyard. An enormous wooden worm bin sits inside the entrance, gently covered with wool from the farm’s sheep.

The tour culminated in the picturesque tasting room garden, where relaxed conversations and shared appreciation of natural beauty and craft wine created a memorable ending to the tour. Troon’s biodynamic farm not only produces exceptional wine but also underscores the potential of agricultural systems that work in harmony with nature’s cycles—cultivating health, vitality, and sustainability.

 

Jun 01

Soyliciously Strong!

By Beet 2025 06 June

 

 

 

Although sticks and stones in the garden might break our bones, Glycine max, may actually make them more resistant.

Edamame (derived from the Japanese words eda, meaning “stems or branches,” and mame, “beans”) is a member of the Fabaceae family. Its name refers to harvesting the entire plant of “beans on branches” with immature pods intact. Given their fuzzy pods, in China they’re known as Mao Dou, which means “fur peas.”

Immature Edamame have been consumed for thousands of years. First in their native land China, then as they were introduced to Japan around 1400 BC, they served as a vegetative protein-rich food source before the 18th century beef importation. In 1960, boiled Edamame became Japan’s go-to snack with beer. Refrigeration made extended storage possible for the beans as well as the beer! Containing the amino acid methionine, Edamame is rumored to prevent hangovers. Although never scientifically proven, beans and beer are readily consumed together at Japanese bars and sushi establishments even to this day.

Despite being a longtime meat alternative in Asian regions, it wasn’t until the 1980’s (after the 1960s TV miniseries Shogun depicted it with beer and Saki) that Edamame became popular in the US. We didn’t know what we were missing! We are fortunate Edamame came to the US. It’s among the highest complete-protein meat-alternative vegetables that we have. Edamame contains all amino acids, and is high in fiber, potassium, magnesium and iron. The FDA endorses its many health benefits including lowering blood cholesterol, reducing coronary disease, diabetes and more.

Aside from incredible health benefits, the flavor of Edamame is delightfully addictive. It has been described as the “fifth taste” (alongside salty, sweet, sour and bitter), and is also called “umami.” Edamame has a long-lasting tongue-coating rich and meaty taste. There’s nothing quite like it. Flavor is usually stronger in soy-based fermented foods such as miso, tempeh, shoyu and natto. However properly prepared Edamame has the same chewy, al dente quality.

So why cultivate Edamame beans? Although readily available frozen, you’ll rarely find them fresh. There is nothing tastier than those harvested from your own garden. Growing like most bush beans, Edamame requires no staking and can reach 12-18” high. Along with legume-rich protein, they’re also supreme nitrogen fixers for feeding the soil. They can be sown indoors (one seed per cell in six packs filled with moistened potting soil) 3 weeks before last killing frost. Select the shortest maturing variety (10 weeks) for immature Edamame beans. Once sprouted, about 1-2 weeks, leave seedlings beneath lights until frost danger has passed.  Acclimate about a week outdoors before planting about 6” apart in rows 12” apart.  Mulch generously and water regularly as they’re not drought tolerant.

After furry-green-pods are about 3-5” and plump with 2-3 beans in late summer, it’s time to harvest before they fully mature. This can be achieved two ways: either pull out the entire plant or cut plant stems at the soils surface so the nitrogen-fixing root-nodules can also nourish the soil. Either way, Edamame will feed you with its beans!

Once harvested, remove pods. Dump in simmering water or steam for 5-8 minutes. Squeeze pods to release beans that are ready for eating: toss in salads, soups, stir-fries, or noodles. You can also chop and blend them with other legumes for plant-based burgers, or puree for hummus, pesto, and other spreads or scrambled eggs.

Soylicious! So why not start some soon?

Resources:

Encyclopedia Britannica

https://www.britannica.com/topic/edamame

Specialty Produce

https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Edamame_Shelling_Beans_17810.php

Old Farmer’s Almanac

https://www.almanac.com/plant/edamame

Tips:

Uncooked Edamame in their pods can be refrigerated for 2 weeks.  For longer storage, boil or steam pods, pop the beans out and freeze them.

Sources for Short Season Edamame Seed:

Victory Seed Company

https://www.victoryseed.com

Pinetree Garden Seeds

https://www.superseeds.com

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

https://www.rareseeds.com

Edamame Hummus Recipe:

2 cups shelled/cooked Edamame

1/2 cup frozen petite peas, thawed

4 cloves of garlic, peeled

2/3 cup coarsely chopped cilantro, loosely packed

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon Chipotle Tabasco (or more to taste)

3 tablespoon key lime juice

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup unsalted shelled pistachio nuts

Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until a paste forms. Stir down if necessary to get it all mixed in. Use as a dip, spread for sandwiches, atop grilled fish, veggie burgers, mixed in egg salad or wherever you want a soylicious kick to your spread addition!  Keeps about 1 week refrigerated or can be frozen.

 

 

Jun 01

JCMGA April 2025 Board Meeting Minutes

By Beet 2025 06 June

Board Members Present:

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

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

Linda Millus, President-Elect, Member Services WG Co-Chair

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

Regula Pepi, Assistant Treasurer

Kathy Apple, Recording Secretary

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

Teresa Jarratt, Co-Archivist

Rebecca Cohn, Member-at-Large

Joanne Daane, Member-at-Large

Mary Schrouder, Member-at-Large

Jane Moyer, Fundraising WG Chair

Jory Kaplan, Member-at-Large

Michael Hornbeek, Community Outreach WG Cha

Lucy Pylkki, Spring Garden Fair WG Co-Chair & Marketing & Technology Co-Chair

Janine Salvatti, Gardens WG Chair

Kaleen Reilly, Member-at-Large

Linsey McNab, Co-Student Representative

Grace Florjancic, OSU MG Program Coordinator

Board Members Absent:

Ann Ackles, Membership Secretary

Carrie Holmes-Stanton, Co-Archivist

Erin Galbraith, Co-Student Representative

Call to Order:  President Barbara Low called the Board meeting to order at 9:03am.

Additions to the Agenda:  President Low added an update on the OSU Zoom account to the agenda.

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

Approval of the Consent Agenda:   All filed, written reports under the Consent Agenda were reviewed by members of the Board with the exception of the Program Report and the Gardens Working Group Report.

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

Approval of the Agenda:

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

Approval of the Board Meeting Minutes from March 14, 2025:

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the March 14, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes as written.  Motion passed.

Approval of the Minutes for Community Garden Grant Policy Revision:

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes for the Community Garden Grant Policy revision as written.  Motion passed.

Finance Report:  Treasurer Keltie Nelson presented the financial statements for March 2025 and responded to questions from the Board.

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the financial statements for March 2025.  Motion passed.

MG Program Coordinator Report:  Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic reported that the Master Gardener class is more than half way over with students set to participate in their required Plant Clinic hours.   Grace asked the Board to participate in a volunteer working group education session on April 30, 2025 from 2:30-4:00pm.  Grace reported on a Seed-to-Supper program that is going well and that another tour of the Troon Vineyard has been scheduled.

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

  1. President Low reported on the monthly meeting with MG Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic and Farm Manager Jake Hoyman to discuss digging the holes for the Legacy Trees and the location of the tool shed.
  2. The plants from Practicum are growing well and will be ready for Spring Garden Fair. There have been issues with the heaters in Greenhouse #2.
  3. SOREC needs to know if there will be a large number of people attending events on the property to ensure available parking.
  4. SOREC is waiting for approval from ODOT for constructing the third lane in the entrance driveway.

Membership Secretary Report:   President Low reported that there has been a merging files issue in producing the 2025 Membership Directory delaying publication.

Discussion & Business:

  1. Gardens Working Group Chair, Janine Salvatti reported that she will be submitting cost proposals to the Board for needed tasks in the gardens. A helpful location was found for wood chip drop.  Janine expressed appreciation for two students being assigned to each demonstration garden.
  2. President Low raised the question of our long-term vision for the Native Plant Nursery which will be discussed further at the Board’s May 23, 2015 retreat. The Board asked Lynn Kunstman to attend this discussion.
  3. Fundraising Working Group Chair Jane Moyer reported that the Garden Guides are getting low and that updating the guide in preparation for reprint will need to get started after Spring Garden Fair.
  4. Fundraising Working Group Chair Jane Moyer reported on her participation on the SOREC Advisory Council. Jane stated she does not represent JCMGA but is on the council as a citizen of Jackson County interested in SOREC. The Council meets quarterly.  Jane will share the Council’s bylaws with the Board.  The Board requested that Council minutes be reported to the Board and placed in Dropbox for archiving.
  5. Past President Marcie Katz recommended to the Board that a free scholarship for the Master Gardener education course be offered as one of the raffle prizes during the Spring Garden Fair. Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic offered to cover the cost through her budget.  Raffle tickets will be offered five for $6.00.
  6. OMGA Representative Colet Allen reported that registration for the Joy of Gardening conference is now open and encouraged the Board to utilize the “Send a Friend” grant program to help others attend the conference. 2026 will be the 50th anniversary of Master Gardeners in Oregon.  Various celebration ideas are now being considered.
  7. President Low reported on the recent OSU technology updates to improve security. The changes have created problems with the use of OSU zoom accounts and could be an issue for this year’s Winter Dreams Summer Gardens program.   Barbara will keep the Board updated.
  8. Recording Secretary Kathy Apple presented the second reading of the proposed Bylaw revisions regarding Voting by Proxy in Article1, Section 2.b. and the Members Secretary Duties in Article 1, Section 10.

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the proposed revisions to the JCMGA Bylaws.  Motion passed.

Announcements:

  1. OMGA and JCMGA Award Nominations are due April 15, 2025.
  2. Earth Day at the Blue Heron Park event will be held April 19, 2025 from Noon-4:00pm.
  3. The Legacy Tree event will be held April 22, 2025.
  4. The Spring Garden Fair will be held May 3 & 4, 2025 at the Expo.
  5. The OMGA Silent Auction will be held July 11-12, 2025

Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned at 10:55am.

Next Meeting:

  1. The next regular Board meeting will be held May 9, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:30am.
  2. The next Board retreat will be held May 23, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:30am.

Respectfully Submitted by Kathy Apple, Recording Secretary