Message from the President, Anne Gehrig

Hello, Everyone

It’s spring! Garden gloves have replaced winter gloves, and Bogs have replaced Uggs as the footwear of choice. Covid numbers are down, and spirits are up. Masks are now optional, and while many of us may continue to mask voluntarily, it’s encouraging to know that life is beginning to return to normal. Spring is definitely a season of hope.

April showers bring May flowers, and May flowers bring…the plant sale, plant clinics, and many opportunities to volunteer and connect with others. Our classes are winding down, but the busy volunteer season is just gearing up. Seeds planted at the greenhouse last month have germinated and grown into healthy plants ready for up-potting. Even if you can’t attend any of the greenhouse work parties, check out the videos on our YouTube channel for Paul Matalucci’s expert tips on seed starting and uppotting. If you don’t find them under the Social Media tab on our webpage, you can access them here: https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_6pzfvq9c https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_srvqouu8

Mark your calendars for the first week in May when the plant sale team will need many hands to prepare online orders, as well as get ready for our May 7 onsite sale. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to order plants for your own garden.

Work parties in many of the project gardens have begun, and they’re a great way to grow connections with others. No need to sign up–just choose a garden,

grab your tools, and go. You’ll find the schedule in the Month at a Glance sidebar.

As the weather gets warmer and more folks are out in their own gardens, there’s sure to be a flurry of questions for our plant clinics. This year the clinics will be in person at the Extension office (unless Covid numbers dictate a switch to virtual). Hopefully Megan’s excellent plant clinic presentation last month has answered any questions you might have about this important Master Gardener service.

While it may seem as if it’s still a long way off, the Garden Tour is just around the corner. Under the able leadership of Karen Black Jenkins, the team is finalizing plans for the June 18 event which will feature four gardens in the White Salmon area. This biennial tour definitely puts the “fun” in fundraiser, so be sure and save the date! Check out Karen’s article in this edition of the newsletter for further details.

Happy Gardening! Happy Spring!