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Jackson County Master Gardeners

Mar 30

JCMGA Announcements April 2025

By Beet 2025 04 April

 

April

  • Blue Heron Park Earth Day Event – April 19th
    • JCMGA will have an information table at this event. If you are interested in working at the table that afternoon, contact Barbara Low barbaralow@msn.com
  • OMGA Awards Nominations due April 15th (see the article)
  • Tree Planting and FREE Lunch – April 22nd (see article)

May

  • Spring Garden Fair – May 3 and 4 at the Mace Building at the Expo.
    • Save the Date – Mark your calendars!
  • Medford Open Streets Event – May 31st
    • JCMGA will have an information table at this event. If you are interested in working at the table that afternoon, contact Barbara Low barbaralow@msn.com
Mar 30

President’s Corner

By Beet 2025 04 April

Spring has arrived!

We had a brief false-spring teaser, but soon we will start warming up and our plants will begin growing, getting ready for summer.

Our Jackson County Master Gardeners Association Practicum students, Class of 2025 have been busy planting a wide variety of seeds, both vegetables and ornamentals. They have also started transplanting seedlings in preparation for our JCMGA Spring Garden Fair on the first weekend of May.

Students and their mentors are monitoring the growth of these plants – watering, fertilizing, cataloging growth rate, and employing integrated pest management – to ensure that we have healthy plants to sell. We are very fortunate to have a great bunch of mentors and students who are working well together and learning from each other in order to become better home gardeners. We all enjoy sharing our gardening knowledge and are open to learning from each other.

In preparation for the Spring Garden Fair, we have started to recruit volunteers to work in various aspects of the event. Some of these workstations involve minimal to medium physical activity. Most of the shifts will be 4-hours in length.  Besides the Practicum plants, there will be many vendors as well as a Children’s Activity area.

Volunteer opportunities will include:

  • Entry Table – putting on wrist bracelets
  • Children’s Activity Area – helping children with a variety of activities
  • JCMGA Raffle Table – monitoring the raffle baskets and raffle ticket cans
  • JCMGA Fundraising Table – monitoring the items on the table
  • JCMGA Information Table – passing out free information sheets/brochures and answering general gardening questions
  • Roaming the Spring Garden Fair areas to answer general questions about the event
  • Directing traffic to have vendors leave on Sunday
  • Gate Keeper – making sure that people have a wrist band when entering

It takes many people pulling together to make this event successful.  Marcie Katz and Lucy Pylkki are the chairs for the Spring Garden Fair and have done a terrific job organizing this event.

This year our Spring Garden Fair will be held at the Jackson County Expo in the Mace Building on May 3rd and 4th. Mark your calendars and make sure to visit our Practicum plant area for a great variety of vegetables and ornamentals.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Barbara Low at barbaralow@msn.com.

Mar 30

JCMGA Working Groups Summaries

By Beet 2025 04 April

Community Outreach Working Group

  • Community Gardens Grants are available. May 15th is the due date to submit an application for a grant.  Go to https://jacksoncountymga.org/community-garden-grants/  for details.
  • JCMGA will have an information table at the upcoming Earth Day Blue Heron Event on April 19; at the Spring Garden Fair on May 3-4; and at the Medford Open Streets Event on May 31.
  • School Grants will be available later this year.

Fundraising Working Group

  • They have been working on fundraising opportunities.
  • They will have a table at the Spring Garden Fair. Make sure to stop by to see what is available.

Garden Working Group

  • They have been preparing for Spring.
  • The Vegetable Demonstration Garden is being moved to a new location on the SOREC grounds.

 

Marketing & Technology Working Group

  • New members have joined the group.
  • We are working on several technology projects.

 

Member Services

  • The 2025 Membership Chapter Directory is nearly completed.
  • They are preparing for the JCMGA Annual Picnic

 

Program Support Working Group

  • Volunteer Classes

One of my goals this year is to offer more trainings for you volunteers to boost your skills in all the great work you are already doing. This May, MG and Small Farms Coordinator Evie Smith will be traveling to Jackson County from Lincoln County to present to us. These classes all count as volunteer hours (Educational Event Planning – Indirect) and continuing education hours.

  • Finding Reliable, Science-Based Resources- May 28 Afternoon (Time TBD).In this workshop, we’ll discuss how to determine if a gardening resource is scientifically-based, explore several resources for finding science-based gardening resources, and practice strategies for searching for reliable information. Please bring your laptop, tablet, or a device you can easily use for searching the internet. This is great for our presenters, Plant Clinic Mentors, and anyone interested in digging to find great sources of information.
  • Best Practices for Adult Education- May 29 Morning (Time TBD). Wondering how to better engage participants in your Master Gardener workshops? In this workshop on best practices for adult education, we’ll talk through 5 strategies for developing and delivering engaging, memorable educational experiences for adult learners. You’ll get to spend some time thinking about how to put these strategies into practice, so Come to this session with an idea for a gardening topic or class you’d like to teach in the future! This continuing education credit counts towards our Growing and Belonging goals! In the VRS you can log this under continuing education – Growing and Belonging. We strongly encourage our volunteers to get at least an hour a year in the Growing and Belonging category to make our organization stronger.
  • Seed to Supper

Seed to Supper is underway this April! We have 15 eager participants from Rouge Retreat’s three shelters. We are meeting at Hope Village to learn about veggie gardening this spring. There has been prep work of getting supplies ready and instructors prepared to teach throughout March. Now it is time to teach! We are excited to foster this relationship with Rogue Retreat and teach Jackson County Residents.

Spring Garden Fair Working Group

  • They are working on the upcoming JCMGA Spring Garden Fair at the Jackson County Expo May 3-4. Make sure to save the date!
  • They are currently looking for volunteers to help work the event. Please contact Barbara Low at barbaralow@msn.com if you are interested in volunteering.

Winter Dreams Summer Gardens Working Group

  • They are working on the presentation schedule for the 2025.

 

 

Mar 30

Seeking New Apprentice Coordinator(s)

By Beet 2025 04 April

 

We are looking for a volunteer or a team of volunteers to organize Wednesday refreshments this year!  This position is titled Apprentice Coordinator, and is greatly appreciated throughout the summer.

From mid-May through October, there are many MG volunteers who work together in the Demonstration Gardens at the SOREC Extension on Wednesday mornings.  As a way of saying thank you to them, JCMGA provides snacks and drinks.  When that bell sounds at 10:30, people and a cheese-loving dog congregate.  This is a wonderful social hour, as well as a time to enjoy great refreshments.

Last year, Pam Hiller spoiled us with an enjoyable array of snacks, including crackers and cheese, fruits and vegetables, popcorn, cookies, brownies, and such.  She is stepping down from the position, leaving it open to you.

You would arrange to have the snacks and drinks available from 10:30-11:30 a.m.  Drinks typically are water and lemonade.  Marcie Katz provides the large drink containers for you to fill.  Money for the drinks and food comes from the JCMGA budget.

We hope that you will consider filling this position, or organizing a team to do the job.

If you are interested in participating as the Apprentice Coordinator or perhaps helping with a team, contact Barbara Low barbaralow@msn.com

Mar 28

JCMGA February 2025 Board Minutes

By Beet 2025 04 April

Jackson County Master Gardener Association

Board Meeting Minutes

February 14, 2025

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

Ann Ackles, Membership Secretary

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

Jory Kaplan, Member-at-Large

Michael Hornbeek, Community Outreach WG Chair

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

Jane Moyer, Fundraising WG Chair

Janine Salvatti, Gardens WG Chair

Grace Florjancic, OSU MG Program Coordinator

Board Members Absent:

Carrie Holmes-Stanton, Co-Archivist

Kaleen Reilly, Member-at-Large

Guests:

Linsey McNab, Student, Master Gardener Class of 2025

Erin Galbraith, Student, Master Gardener Class of 2025

Sandy Hansen

Sheri Morgan

Call to Order:  President Barbara Low called the Board meeting to order at 9:02am.

Additions to the Agenda:  Members requested the following items be added to the agenda: February Executive Committee meeting minutes and an OMGA update.

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to add additional items 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.

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 revised. Motion passed.

Approval of the Board Meeting Minutes from January 10, 2025:

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the January 10, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes as written.  Motion passed.

Approval of the Board Retreat Meeting Minutes from January 24, 2025:

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the January 24, 2025 Board Retreat Meeting Minutes as written.  Motion passed.

Approval of the Executive Committee Meeting Minutes from February 7, 2025:

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the February 7, 2025 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes as written.  Motion passed.

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

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

After meeting with the insurance broker, Treasurer Nelson resolved previous questions from the Board regarding coverage and reported that the premium increase for this year would be minimal.

Master Gardener Class of 2025, Student Representation:  Linsey NcNab and Erin Galbraith, both students in the 2025 Master Gardener class would like to co-share the student representative position on the Board.

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to appoint Linsey McNab and Erin Galbraith as co-student representatives from the 2025 Master Gardener education class.  Motion passed.

MG Program Coordinator Report:  OSU MG Program Coordinator Grace Florjancic reported that a part time employee and/or contractor to help with the Native Plant Nursery is permissible on SOREC grounds as long as this person signs the standard OSU waiver form.  Grace also reported that JCMGA could purchase farm hand help for a fee or JCMGA could hire a landscape maintenance person for specific demonstration garden tasks.  Board members noted how helpful farm staff have been and requested that a thank you card be sent to them. The Master Gardener education class started the practicum portion of the course via Zoom due to the heavy snow fall.

Grace also reported that Andrew Norwood, OSU Foundation Development Director will be on SOREC property for the Legacy Tree event on April 22, 2025.  Grace has received permission to plant the tree on the west side of the main building.

President Low noted that a Board committee needs to be formed to outline the pros and cons of a part time employee versus an independent contractor for help with the Native Plant Nursery.  Keltie Nelson will chair the committee with Linsey McNab, Marcie Katz, Kathy Apple, and Lynn Kunstman as committee members. The committee was directed to come back to the March 14, 2025 Board meeting with a recommendation.

OMGA Update:  Colet Allen, OMGA Representative reported that the 2025 Joy of Gardening conference will be held July 11 & 12, 2025.  OMGA has confirmed the majority of speakers.  The Board was reminded of the “Send a Friend” grant to support Master Gardener attendance.  The Board also discussed making a donation versus gathering items for the annual silent auction.

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 this month regarding various issues.
  2. Thanks to Lucy Pylkki and Doug Kirby for the new locks on the supply cabinet in the auditorium.
  3. JCMGA accepted all the donated white tables from the classroom for future event use.
  4. Board members were asked to meet with the President if they continue to have Dropbox questions. President Low asked Regina Boykins to craft changes to Drobox that would make award nominations easier and a resources location for the President and President Elect positions.
  5. President Low discussed the requirement that each Working Group have an assigned person to attend Board meetings if the Working Group chair cannot attend.

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the following Working Group Chairs:

          Community Outreach – Michael Hornbeek

            Fundraising – Jane Moyer

            Gardens – Janine Salvatti

            Marketing & Technology – Lucy Pylkki & Keltie Nelson

            Member Services – Barbara Low & Linda Millus

            Spring Garden Fair – Marcie Katz & Lucy Pylkki

           Winter Dreams Summer Gardens – Barbara Low, Colet Allen, & Susan Koenig

Motion passed.

Membership Secretary Report:   President Low reported that Keltie Nelson, and Teresa Jarratt are working on the publication of the 2025 membership directory.

Discussion & Business:

  1. Practicum Design Ad Hoc Committee: Chair Jane Moyer presented a sketch of what the committee has discussed for the design.  It is still not clear how much space on the SOREC property will be available.  A draft letter requesting design help from the OSU Engineering Dept was also shared.  The Board recommended that OSU Foundation Development Director Andrew Norwood review the draft letter.
  2. Spring Garden Fair Update. Co-Chair Lucy Pylkki reported that the Grange has been approached to be a sponsor for the Spring Garden Fair.
  3. Practicum Update: President Low reported that there have been unforeseen problems including lack of access to water and electricity as a result of the demolition of the Creepy Old House.  An electrician will be contacted for various proposed options.
  4. Community Outreach Chair Michael Hornbeek reported that community garden grants have so far been limited to a garden that is sponsored by a nonprofit organization. He asked the Board if that could be changed.  The Board discussed rational such as legitimacy, responsibility, and accountability.  The Board asked Michael to bring a recommendation from the Working Group back to the Board for consideration.
  5. President Low presented a draft matrix for JCMGA events that would collect various data elements of the event. The Board was very supportive of collecting this data as it would help plan for the future and provide valuable information for various reports.
  6. President Low presented the updated summary of accomplishments by JCMGA for 2024 with pictures. The Board offered several suggestions for additions.

Awards Committee:  President Low asked for volunteers for the 2025 Awards Committee to be chaired by President Elect Linda Millus.  Ann Ackles, Colet Allen, and Kathy Apple volunteered.

Spring Garden Fair Plant Prices:  President Low asked the Board to approve raising the Super 6 pots from $5.00 to $6.00 for the 2025 Spring Garden Fair sale.

MOTION:  It was moved and seconded to approve the price increase for the Super 6 pots from $5.00 to $6.00.  Motion passed.

Announcements:

  1. Earth Day at the Blue Heron Park event will be held April 29, 2025.
  2. The Legacy Tree event will be held April 22, 2025.
  3. The Spring Garden Fair will be held May 3 & 4, 2025 at the Expo.
  4. The Medford Open Streets event will be held May 31, 2025.

Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned at 11:08am.

Next Meeting:

  1. The next regular Board meeting will be held March 14, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:30am.

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted by Kathy Apple, Recording Secretary

Feb 28

President’s Corner

By Beet 2025 03 March

This is the time of year when gardeners are busy planning their next gardens: evaluating what went well last year, buying and planting seeds, as well as pruning and fertilizing.

As a gardener, I am constantly monitoring what works well and making changes as needed. In wanting to improve my gardening skills, I read books, ask an expert whom I trust, and attend classes (either online or in person.) We are very fortunate to have access to many great gardening books and educational classes on gardening.

Have you heard of the “10-Minute University” online videos?  They are created by the Clackamas Master Gardeners Association. These are great, research-based educational videos on a variety of gardening topics. You can access them at  https://clackamascountymastergardeners.org/10-minute-university/ . These are free to view. Some of the videos available are:

Another great resource for getting information is the OSU Level Up Series  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/growing-oregon-gardeners-level-series. This site contains a variety of gardening topics from the past four years, all free!

Grace Florjancic, our Master Gardener Coordinator, schedules some wonderful speakers during the year for Community Education. I encourage you to investigate them.

While you are planning your garden for this year, please consider planting an extra row of produce for our Plant a Row project. The donated produce which we collect from late July through September is given to the Medford Access to help those families who are struggling with obtaining nutritional food. Last year, JCMGA donated a whopping 1,000 pounds of produce from our JCMGA Vegetable Demonstration Garden and members’ home gardens! Thank you to those of you who donated.

Enjoy Your Gardening!

Feb 27

Annual Awards Nomination Time

By Beet 2025 03 March

 

It’s nomination time!

The Jackson County Master Gardener Association offers three annual awards:  the Master Gardener of the Year, the Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener of the Year, and the Growing and Belonging Master Gardener of the Year.

I encourage each one of you to take time to think about our volunteers and how they have made a positive difference in JCMGA; then nominate volunteer(s) you feel are deserving of special recognition. Nominations are due by April 15. 

The Master Gardener of the Year award recognizes outstanding dedication and service in support of sustainable gardening to benefit all of Jackson County and/or the entire Master Gardener program.  For this award, you will describe your nominee’s contributions in education and outreach, such as working in the Plant Clinic, teaching classes, serving as a mentor, planning and organizing a major project, or similar activities.  Include any leadership roles they have held. If their work has had an impact beyond the borders of Jackson County, e.g., if other county Master Gardener programs have adopted projects that started in Jackson County, be sure to mention that.

The Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener award recognizes individuals who take on supporting roles in ways that might not be noticed by everyone, such as preparing and serving refreshments, keeping accurate notes or records, maintaining and repairing the physical plant, or seeing projects through to completion.

2025 marks the second year of JCMGA offering the Growing and Belonging Master Gardener of the Year award.  This honor is to recognize and celebrate the volunteers who have significantly contributed to advancing diversity, inclusion, access, and/or equity among Master Gardener volunteers and the communities with which we work.

Submitting a nomination for any of these three prestigious awards is as simple as writing, in 200 words or less, your nominee’s activities with specific examples. Please e-mail your nominations to Linda Millus: lmillus@outlook.com by April 15th.

Feb 27

Tree Planting and FREE Lunch

By Beet 2025 03 March

We’ve all heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”  Well, mark your calendars for April 22nd (Arbor Day,) because there is going to be a FREE LUNCH!

The Fundraising Working Group and the Ad Hoc Practicum Design Committee have started working with Andrew Norwood from the OSU Foundation to raise funds for building a new tool shed, a Practicum classroom, and a lathe house to replace the buildings that were demolished with the Creepy Old House.  Because of its old age, wood rot, termites, and the need for constant repairs, Greenhouse #1 is also scheduled to be replaced in a subsequent building phase.

In an effort to become better acquainted with JCMGA, Andrew has invited all its members to an Arbor Day celebration.  He will be donating a tree to be planted on the SOREC grounds, followed by a lunch also provided by him.  A speaker will give a short presentation on the purposes of the OSU Foundation.  (Side note: JCMGA uses the foundation for our endowment fund and the scholarship we give annually to help a student majoring in a horticulture-related field.)

Watch next month’s Garden Beet and your email in April for a Mail Chimp with more details about the Arbor Day event.  Reservations will be required for lunch.  I hope to see you there.

Feb 27

REMEMBER 15333

By Beet 2025 03 March

We’re starting to head into the gardening season. My Garden Guide for the Rogue Valley, Year ‘Round & Month by Month, Vegetables Berries Melons tells me this is the time to direct sow onions, peas, spinach, radishes, carrots, chives, cilantro, kale, Swiss chard, parsley, and turnips.  It’s also time to transplant asparagus roots, perennial herbs, horseradish, head lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, and strawberries

So where do you buy your gardening supplies and equipment?  If you shop at the Grange Co-Op, when you check out they always ask, “Are you a Grange member?”  If you say, “No,” consider adding, “…but would you please credit this to the Jackson County Master Gardeners?  The account number is 15333.” Grange members can also choose to do this because their rewards usually don’t amount to a lot. It’s when we put our rewards together that they become significant.

They’ll probably ask for your name.  Remind the cashier that anyone can credit an account.  They only need a name that matches one of the three on the account if you are trying to buy something with the credits.

This enables the rewards for your purchase to go to JCMGA instead of being wasted.  Last year, JCMGA bought over $500 worth of gardening supplies for the Practicum, the Demonstration Gardens, and irrigation needs with the rewards accumulated by JCMGA members and friends. More than you realize, remembering “15333” helps us support our efforts to give back to the community.

Editor’s Note:  Not remembering 15333, the last time I checked out at the Grange I just asked to have JCMGA credited and they obliged. -sch

 

Jan 31

President’s Corner

By Beet 2025 02 February

The new year brings opportunities and new beginnings for all of us. I hope that you had a relaxing time with family and friends over the holidays.  It is always good to take time to rejuvenate and enjoy the company of loved ones.

JCMGA has had a successful 2024! In the December Garden Beet, I highlighted some of our accomplishments during the past year.  Below are more of JCMGA’s 2024 accomplishments:

  • The Fundraising Working Group has been busy with many projects, including selling our Garden Guides at community events.

  • As a way of getting JCMGA and gardening topics out to the public, we participated in many community events. We had an information table/booth with several of our volunteers who answered questions and provided gardening information.  These events included: Josephine County Home Builder Show; Blue Heron Park Event; JCMGA Spring Garden Fair; Medford Open Streets Project; Fall Festival; and One Sanctuary Event.

  • The Community Outreach Working Group has worked actively on getting more community gardens involved with JCMGA. They also provide school grants for gardening projects.  What a great resource!

  • We started a new project – the Friends of the Gardens. Its members are interested in working in our gardens and learning more about gardening without becoming a Master Gardener.

  • The Class of 2024 Clothing Committee developed a gardening shirt logo – created by Adrienne Cheng.

  • The JCMGA Native Plant Nursery is booming! A big “thank you” to Lynn Kunstman and all the volunteers for their hard work in making it a success. Cody Maple, a Class of 2024 student, created the new Native Plant Nursery logo and Nicole Smith created a new Native Plant page on our website.

  • The Marketing & Technology Working Group continued to create publicity for JCMGA, while keeping our technology up-to-date.

  • The Member Services Working Group designed and distributed the JCMGA Chapter (Membership) 2024 Directory to our members. They also planned and implemented the following events: Class of 2024 Master Gardener First Day Lunch; JCMGA Annual Picnic; and Class of 2024 Master Gardener Graduation Celebration.

  • The Board has been developing the JCMGA vision and determining what is needed make our new tool shed, lathe house, and practicum classroom.

Our working groups are made up of wonderful people committed to working together to accomplish their goals.  I encourage you to join us.  Contact the chair of a working group that you are interested in to find out more about what they accomplish.

Our working groups and their chairs are:

Community Outreach                           Michael Hornbeek

Fundraising                                              Jane Moyer

Gardens                                                     Janine Slavatti

Marketing & Technology                    Keltie Nelson and Lucy Pylkki

Member Services                                   Barbara Low

Program Support                                   Grace Florjancic

Spring Garden Fair                                Marcie Katz and Lucy Pylkki

Winter Dreams/Summer Gardens         Colet Allen, Susan Koenig, and Barbara Low

We are a very active organization which provides gardening expertise – whether hands-on or via classes – to our members and community.  It takes all of us working together to accomplish our goals. Thank you to all those who have helped with our 2024 projects. We should be proud of what we have accomplished! We look forward to moving forward in 2025.

 

 

 

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