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Jackson County Master Gardeners

Jackson County Master Gardeners Announcements — October 2024

By Beet 2024 10 October

 

 

October

 

November

  • JCMGA Membership Renewal for 2025 opens November 1st.
  • Class of 2024 Graduation – Saturday, November 9th from 5-8 p.m.

President’s Corner

By Beet 2024 10 October

Fall is finally here!  And with it comes cooler weather. I am enjoying spending more time in my garden and yard. I hope that you are enjoying this time of the year out in your gardens as well.

Autumn is always so satisfying because I harvest what I have spent so much time growing since spring.  The produce is very tasty, and we have been enjoying it with our meals.  Now I am in the middle of processing all that produce into grape juice, grape jelly, tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, butternut squash, and zucchini.

And then it will be time to start preparing the garden for winter.

Gardening is always a challenge – with many trials and successes.  As gardeners we are on a quest to become better.  We want to grow better plants which produce healthy, great-tasting produce.  There are a variety of factors involved in accomplishing that goal.

The JCMGA Winter Dreams Summer Gardens Symposium 2024 is a great way to gain more gardening knowledge.  We have 16 presentations planned for this year.  Winter Dreams Summer Gardens will again be held virtually via zoom on October 18, 19, and 25, 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

All presentations will be recorded this year and made available until December 31 to those who register for the event.  Each presentation is 60 minutes long, followed by 15 minutes for questions and answers.  We have a wide variety of gardening topics with great presenters.   The registration cost is only $30 for all these wonderful presentations and opportunities to improve our gardening.

On the JCMGA website https://jacksoncountymga.org/winter-dreams-summer-gardens-symposium/  you will find the Summaries of all Presentations; Presenter Bios; and Presentation Schedule for this four-day event.  You will also find the button to register for the event.

This will be the third year that our presentations can be used for landscaper continued educational credits and the Oregon State Landscapers Association has approved these classes for that purpose.

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

Happy Gardening!

Winter Dreams Summer Gardens 2024

By Beet 2024 09 September

 

The Winter Dreams Summer Gardens Working Group is developing an informative and interesting lineup for this year’s symposium. The articles in the July and August Garden Beet had information on presenters and the subjects that will be discussed. Read further for a continuation of what is coming at the symposium.

Please consider signing up for the symposium as it is a great learning opportunity. Register on line on the Jackson County Master Gardeners Association website. Go to the Events and Classes dropdown, then the Winter Dreams Summer Gardens Symposium. Cost is $30 to attend all the seminars, or as many as you would like, on Zoom. We are excited by the diversity of topics and hope that you will join us!

 

 

Companion Plant Gardening

Barbara Low, Presenter

Have you heard of the concept of companion planting? Some plants benefit when planted in close proximity to other plants. Barbara Low will share science-based information on what companion planting is (and is not) and how it can it help us be better gardeners.

Barbara Low is a retired teacher and long-time gardener. She graduated as a master gardener in 2020.

 

 

 

10 Proven Ideas for a Bee Friendly Garden

Leah Puhlman, Presenter

There are hundreds of species of native bees in Oregon. We can support them by how we garden. Leah Puhlman will share simple steps to take to do just that. She will also teach us about “managed bees”, including mason bees and leafcutter bees, which are super pollinators.

Leah Puhlman is an OSU Extension Master Gardener who teaches for the 10-Minute University Program. She has raised mason bees commercially and for her own enjoyment. Leah is also the unofficial bee wrangler at the Oregon Zoo and has acted as a citizen scientist for the PNW Bumble Bee Atlas.

 

 

From Fermentation to Forest Ecology: The Many Applications of Fungi

Lorelle Sherman, Presenter

Want to know more about the plant kingdom Fungi, the fruiting bodies of which are mushrooms? Lorelle Sherman will teach us about various uses for fungi (in addition to providing food), such as ecological restoration, mycopesticides, textiles, building and more.

Lorelle Sherman is the OSU Extension Forester for Benton, Linn, and Polk Counties where she provides science-based education and expertise to landowners. She has a B. S. in Forestry from the University of Vermont and an M.S. in Forest Ecosystems & Society from Oregon State University. Her specialty is fungal ecology and wildlife in managed forests.

 

 

Pro Gardeners Tips and Tricks Panel

 

Strawberries, Peas and Groundcover

John Kobal, Presenter

John will share his wealth of knowledge for propagating strawberries, the best cover crops to grow and best timing for planting peas.

John Kobal has been gardening for over 30 years and graduated from the Jackson County Master Gardeners Program. He is a Practicum instructor at JCMGA, has taught OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) courses and has provided lectures on gardening for various civic organizations. He has an extensive garden of his own and uses worm bins to produce worm castings for soil enrichment.

 

Hoop Dreams

Kent Patrick-Reilly, Presenter

Kent will teach us about using large hoops for supporting garden plants such as tomatoes, melons, beans, peas, and cucumbers.

Kent Patrick-Reilly has 50 years of experience gardening in various climates, the last 10 of which have been here at his home in Ashland. His property has a 9000 square foot garden where he grows fruit, nuts, vegetables, and flowers. Kent became a Master Gardener in 2016 and a Land Steward in 2017.

 

 

Tips and Tricks for Controlling Insects in the Home and Garden

Marsha White, Presenter

Marsha will share tips and tricks for controlling and preventing the most common house and garden insect pests without using toxic inorganic pesticides.

Marsha White has been an Entomology and Integrated Pest Management Instructor for 29 years. She graduated as a Master Gardener in 1995 and has been a Plant Clinic Specialist. Marsha has also shared her knowledge by teaching classes to garden clubs in Oregon and writing articles in the Mail Tribune and Garden Beet. She was a recipient of the Jackson County Master Gardener Award in 2000, the Oregon State Master Gardener Award in 2007 and the Oregon State Behind the Scenes in 2016.

Jackson County Volunteer Opportunities

By Beet 2024 09 September

 Do you need to boost your volunteer hours as the end of the year is drawing closer? We are looking for volunteers in the areas described below.

 

Demonstration Gardens:

We have many beds around the extension office that require regular maintenance. There are usually people working in the gardens on Wednesdays from 9-12. For people who live further away, it may be easier to set up work party days where once or twice a month folks carpool from Grants Pass to the extension office. Check out our webpage for more information on each demonstration garden. https://jacksoncountymga.org/demonstration-gardens/ .  Contact Marcie Katz marciek10@gmail.com

 

Plant Clinic:

Our Plant Clinic is open M/T/Th/F from 9 am-2 pm during the spring through fall and open Tu/Th from 10 am -2 pm in the winter. We have quarterly Mentor meetings and trainings in the winter. The mentors help students take client questions and find solutions.  Contact Grace Florjancic grace.florjancic@oregonstate.edu

 

Speakers Bureau:

Master Gardeners are often asked to give talks to libraries, garden clubs, and other groups around the county. You can volunteer by giving presentations, helping new members make presentations, or assisting others in giving presentations that you have made. Some talks are done in person and some via zoom. https://jacksoncountymga.org/speakers-bureau/ .

Contact Colet Allen coltetallen1@gmail.com

 

Tabling Events:

There are many events in Jackson County where the JCMGA has a presence. We mostly just share information, publications, and talk with the public. This year we were in Phoenix for Earth Day and Medford for Medford Streets and Pride. We had a static table display at the County Fair in July.   Contact Ronnie Budge rleebudge@gmail.com

 

JCMGA Working Groups:

These groups help with the flow of getting things done. Each group has monthly meetings via zoom or in person at the extension office. Marketing and Technology, Members Services, Community Outreach, Fundraising, Spring Garden Fair, Program Support, Winter Dreams Summer Gardens, and many JCMGA board positions help make decisions. We need your involvement to keep these groups going strong.  Contact Barbara Low barbaralow@msn.com

 

Spring Garden Fair:

The SGF is the first weekend in May. We will need many hands to help with this big undertaking next year. Preparing plants in the greenhouses takes place from about February – May.  Contact Marcie Katz marciek10@gmail.com or Lucy Pylkki lalapylk@msn.com

 

MG Student Mentors:

Returning master gardeners are mentors for the new students in the training course. This is a good dual volunteer and continuing education opportunity.  Contact Grace Florjancic grace.florjancic@oregonstate.edu

 

Volunteer from home options:

Garden Beet: We have a monthly newsletter called The Garden Beet with program updates and gardening information. Those interested in writing are welcome to contribute articles to the newsletter. https://jacksoncountymga.rg/beet/

Winter Dreams Summer Gardens: This fall conference is all virtual via zoom. Each talk has a host who introduces the speaker and helps facilitate audience questions. There are about 16 talks over two weekends.  Contact Susan Koenig srkoenig@aol.com

Marketing and Technology: For tech savvy folks there are many ways to assist this working group, including website maintenance, designing flyers, and sending out bulk mail chimp emails.  Contact Barbara Low barbaralow@msn.com or Keltie Nelson kknelson2@charter.net

Libraries: One of my goals is to offer more programming in the Josephine County (JC) Libraries. Rouge River, Jacksonville, and Ruch may be closer to some JC residents. Now that we have a staffed 4H team, I will be working with them to develop curriculum for youth activities that volunteers can be involved with in the communities. There will be train-the-trainer days to review the activities and prepare volunteers for teaching others. This is a work in progress and not near completion yet.

I encourage you to reach out to those involved in whatever area interests you. Help our organization flourish while also earning your volunteer hours for the year!

September in the Garden

By Beet 2024 09 September

In September, there is quite a bit to do in the garden depending on what you want to grow.  Our gardens still need to be cared for so that they will do well, and we will have a plentiful harvest. By caring for our gardens, we are also caring for ourselves – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The Jackson County Master Gardener Association has a great resource for gardeners to use. It is the Garden Guide for the Rogue Valley – Year-Round & Month by Month.  This great reference book for gardeners is mainly about growing vegetables, berries, and melons.

September is the time to:

  • Mid-month, pickoff blossoms and very small fruits from peppers and eggplants to all remaining fruit to mature.
  • Cover the flower heads of sunflowers to keep from the birds.
  • Time to prune tips and flowers from tomatoes to allow the plant to concentrate on maturing the remaining fruits.

 

  • Direct Seed
o   Arugula o   Chervil
o   Corn Salad o   Cress
o   Fava Beans o   Kale
o   Lettuce o   Mustard Greens
o   Turnip Greens o   Onions
o   Radishes o   Spinach
  • Transplant
o   Broccoli, fall variety o   Broccoli, sprouting types
o   Cabbage – fall or winter varieties o   Cauliflower – late variety
o   Celery o   Chinese Cabbage
o   Garlic o   Pak Choi
o   Shallot bulbs

 

 

  • Control Pests and Diseases
    • Breeding season for slugs and snails starts in the fall. Bait for them for the next two months.
    • Bacterial canker is a problem for blueberries. Use of fixed copper sprays starting before the rainy season and repeated in early January, may help to control this disease.
    • Bunch rot can be a problem for ripening grapes. Pick off damaged leaves.

 

 

Garden Guide for the Rogue Valley – Year-Round & Month by Month. This book contains a wealth of gardening information. You can purchase it at our local Grange Co-op or at the OSU Extension office for $21.00. It can also be purchased on-line at https://jacksoncountymga.org/shop/.  Note that a shipping fee will be applied.

 

 

Happy Gardening

Garden For Life

Jackson County Master Gardeners Association and Oregon Master Gardeners Association Annual Awards and Recognitions for 2024

By Beet 2024 08 August

At our JCMGA Annual Picnic and the OMGA Joy of Gardening event, we recognized a number of outstanding people for dedication to the organization and we highlighted their hard work.  JCMGA has a Nominations Committee who gathered the names of qualified candidates for each of the categories listed below.  They decided on the final nominee list and then completed the nomination paperwork for OMGA. I want to thank the Nominations Committee for all their hard work: Colet Allen, Kathy Apple, Pam Hillers, and Barbara Low. Grace Florjancic was also a main contributor to our nomination forms.  Just to let you know: when we selected the County Growing and Belonging Award, we kept it a secret from Colet.

CONGRATULATIONS to the recipients of these

well-deserved awards and recognitions.

 

  • Oregon Master Gardeners Association Longevity Recognition
    • 20 Years of Exceptional Service
      • Virgina Brown
      • Elaine Hamlin
      • Barbara Turner
    • 30 Years of Exceptional Service
      • JoAnn Dixon
      • Marjorie Neal

 

  • Jackson County 2024 Master Gardener of the Year

               Susan Koenig 

Susan has been a regular presenter on the Medford Channel 12 KDRV-TV “In The Garden” weekly episodes for JCMGA. She has been co-chair for the Master Gardener “Winter Dreams-Summer Gardens” educational fundraiser each fall, and was a coordinator for our “Spring Garden Fair” each year before covid shut us down. Susan found an expert from the community to help members work on a business plan for our organization. She has served as president elect, president, and past-president. Susan writes articles for our “Garden Beet” monthly newsletters and, for the last three years, has provided educational gardening expertise leading OLLI classes as she represented JCMGA with Southern Oregon University.  Susan is also a part of the JCMGA Speakers Bureau and presents on a variety of gardening issues.  The year after she earned her Master Gardener certification she became the Apprentice Coordinator, bringing healthy treats for break time and coordinating different speakers for new students working in the gardens. She has been the Grant Application Administrator, finding and writing justifications to corporations for funding several projects. She has been a leader for many events such as our summer picnics and class graduations.  Susan Koenig is a remarkable volunteer worker for the Jackson County Master Gardener Association. She is dedicated to the art and science of gardening and excels with strong communication and research skills.

 

  • Jackson County 2024 Behind the Scenes Master Gardeners

                Keltie Nelson

Keltie is a long-time member of the JCMGA.  She is always available to answer questions and provide help as needed.  She is a key person on the Marketing & Technology Working Group and a Mail Chimp guru.  Keltie has served as the JCMGA Assistant Treasurer and is currently the JCMGA Treasurer.  She has a firm hand on the budgetary aspects of the JCMGA and helps us to understand the financial documents so that we can make informed decisions. For years Keltie has been our go to person to help us with securing volunteers for our JCMGA events.  With her financial knowledge, JCMGA was able to make our budget.  Keltie may not be the face the county sees teaching a class, but she has supported our outreach efforts in essential ways. Keltie has kept up with communications about all our volunteer opportunities and social gatherings while also playing a role in managing the finances. She juggles many aspects that are not always seen or recognized but vital to the organization’s function.  Keltie Nelson has been an integral part of keeping JCMGA moving forward and helping the organization to accomplish its goals.

 

 

  • Jackson County 2024 Growing and Belonging

          Colet Allen

Colet has been the leading force on the JCMGA Board for promoting inclusivity at all of our events and upcoming projects.  She has encouraged us to stretch our viewpoints to improve what we are doing in providing gardening education that includes underserved groups. Colet makes sure that we don’t forget the many groups that make up our community, including seniors and people with disabilities. Colet is someone who encourages us to do better and provides possible avenues for increasing our outreach.  Colet has served on the JCMGA Board for several years as Member-at-Large and this year was our OMGA Representative.  Colet Allen has been instrumental in moving our organization forward toward increased inclusivity in JCMGA as well as OMGA.

 

  • 2024 State Master Gardener of the Year Nominee for Jackson County

                     Marcie Katz 

Marcie Katz, my nomination for Master Gardener of the Year, is Jackson County’s version of the Energizer Bunny!  2023 found COVID receding and Jackson County Master Gardeners working to resurrect activities.  Marcie was JCMGA Board President as well as Demonstration Gardens chair, Wanda Hauser Garden GEM, Garden Apprentice Coordinator, Garden Enhancement Committee member, and Practicum mentor.  She co-chaired the first Spring Garden Fair held at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Service Center when the Jackson County Fairgrounds no longer was a feasible location.  In 2024, Marcie is Past-President, and continues as Demonstration Gardens chair, Wanda Hauser Garden GEM, Garden Enhancement Committee member, and Spring Garden Fair co-chair.  In addition to her tireless hours on committees and Practicum mentoring, Marcie selflessly stepped up to fill the void left by two leaders in our association who had family health emergencies. She took on leading an additional practicum and purchasing the supplies needed for the practicums.  She is a resource for a myriad of details, and can be seen weed whacking all over the JCMGA gardens. And the best part? Marcie Katz is friendly (we rarely see her without a smile on her face,) helpful, and supportive.

 

 

  • 2024 State Behind the Scenes Jackson County Nominee

                            Virginia Brown 

Virginia Brown, 2004 Master Gardener, became a Practicum mentor in 2012 when the hands-on propagation course was first introduced. When one of the co-chairs resigned, she volunteered to step into the position despite working full-time.  Virginia has served as the (almost) silent partner, spending hours planning the program, but rarely being the voice of it.  Two weeks into this year’s Practicum though, the “voice” became ill, so Virginia stepped up once again.  She has done it masterfully, assuming responsibility for running weekly mentor meetings, teaching students, developing schedules, keeping track of supplies, overseeing the propagation of plants, dealing with a deteriorating greenhouse and electrical problems.  Virginia Brown has a long history with JCMGA, working tremendous hours.  Having recently retired, she was ready to spend more time volunteering with JCMGA. In addition to serving as a Practicum Mentor, she was a member of the Curriculum Committee in both 2023 and 2024, and she was the co-leader of Practicum. She described herself as Jane’s right-hand gal. No one anticipated that she would need to fulfill her role and Jane’s this year as the leader of Practicum. Virginia guided the group (which has not always been easy,) kept the mentors on track, covered curriculum issues, and dealt with the many logistical issues that arose. She stepped up and attended every committee meeting of the Curriculum, including Seed, Greenhouse Maintenance, and Native Plants Team. A great facilitator, her attention to detail is amazing. Virginia Brown is a great listener and a supportive, dedicated leader. Her contributions to the program are immeasurable.

 

  • 2024 Statewide Growing and Belonging Award

       WINNER OF THE STATE AWARD

       Kendyl Berkowitz    

Kendyl Berkowitz is CEO of Rebuilding Together Rogue Valley, a foundation that procures grants for low-income/ handicapped individuals to adapt their living quarters to their physical needs.  While still a 2023 student, she presented the JCMGA Fundraising Working Group with a Fortune Brands $10,000 grant to increase our accessibility.  With it, An ADA-certified contractor converted the Lavender Demonstration Garden’s major paths to concrete, making them accessible for wheelchairs and visitors with walking difficulties.  This garden is featured on the Lavender Trail and has many visitors each year. Since then, Kendyl has written another grant to fund a summer program for older adults in outlying areas to participate in horticultural therapy activities and she continues to search for other applicable grants.  Kendyl manages a staff of three and a much larger Governing Board.  She wrote $500,000 in grants last year.  She does 3-4 major speeches each month. She also just finished a fundraiser that brought in enough money to build access for 10 seniors.  Kendyl has a great deal of knowledge in finding and applying for grants and has many times been successful in acquiring those grants.  Last year, Kendyl approached me with an idea focused on indoor gardening that expanded our programming for the disabled community. Together we received a grant to fund the program Cultivating Companions, to increase socialization of rural older adults. Kendyl is also helping with the curriculum and teaching of this program. In the future we hope to find grants to fund this program for more underserved groups in our county.  Even though Kendyl has been a Master Gardener for only one year, she has been able to reach many people throughout our county and state, helping organizations to become more inclusive.  Kendyl Berkowitz is a high achieving go-getter who raises others up with her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Jackson County Master Gardeners Announcements — July 2024

By Beet 2024 07 July

 

 

July

  • JCMGA Monthly Board Meeting – July 11th from 9:30-11:15 a.m.
  • OMGA Joy of Gardening Conference – July 12th – 13th
  • We will start collecting produce (fruit and vegetables) donations on Wednesday, July 24th, from 10-11 a.m. in the Gathering Garden at SOREC – which will be given to Access.
  • OMGA Gardeners Pen Newsletter

Summer2024GardenersPen-1 

 

August

  • Collecting produce (fruit and vegetables) donations every Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. in the Gathering Garden at SOREC- which will be given to Access.