Master Gardener
Discussion on the future direction of the Asotin County Master Gardener Program
November 13, 2007
Discussion Participants: Laurie Andrijeski, Sue Buratto, Evelyn Courtney, Glenda Farrell, Dwight Ferguson, Sue Fitzgerald, Mark Heitstuman, Jerry Hendrickson, Carol Jones, Elaine
McLaughlin, Jeff Schulze, Jennifer Shawley, Bev Sinkbeil, Ronda Welling
Question 1-
What direction would you like to see the WSU Asotin Master Gardener take during the next 5 years? What community horticultural needs need to be met during the next 5 years?
- Bev mentioned that "climate change" will affect future rainfall and irrigation. Laurie asked if this meant we should give ideas to help with this at plant clinics? Water wise gardening was discussed. The use of xeriscape plants and educating people on water use on lawns was mentioned.
- More education of the public on trees was suggested. A suggestion was made to develop a tree committee to lead the public education efforts.
- Sue F. suggested that more free handouts at plant clinics about drought resistant plants and vegetables that are drought tolerant should be made available. The xeriscaping garden at the Nez Perce County Extension Office was discussed and individuals spoke of its benefits to Valley residents.
- Reaching out to children and young people with long range demo gardens, and food and nutrition programs was suggested. Schools and 4-H groups were suggested to help accomplish this.
- Linking youth with older people was suggested.
Question 2-
The following are some possible new projects or programs that have been brought to Mark’s attention by community members during the last couple of years:
- A school-based Gardening and Nutrition program for elementary students
- A MG Display Garden or Demonstration Garden
- Master Gardener plant sales
- Providing additional area plant clinics at the Clarkston Farmer’s Market
- Helping develop raised beds for the Clarkston Care Center
- Providing workshops/presentations at the Lewis-Clark Builders Association show at the Lewiston Fair Grounds in March
- Speaking at local business groups such as the chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, garden groups, etc. on topics such as Water-wise Gardening, Fire-Wise Landscaping, and Non-chemical pest management. Professional appearing PowerPoint presentations would be developed for each topic.
As Master Gardeners, please rank or prioritize these potential new programs (High Priority, Medium, Low). Please add any additional new potential programs that you identified from Question 1.
MG Display Garden or Demo Garden (10 votes)
It was suggested that it should be a long range educational plan meeting the needs of valley residents. Several items were discussed, including the possibility of having a demonstration garden with a youth focus. The garden should have year round interest and help address climatic issues and conditions in the valley. The Nez Perce County Xeriscape garden was mentioned as a low upkeep garden that was visually stimulating for several months each year.
Mark asked if a committee should be formed to further explore the possibility of a demonstration garden (possible themes, funding, locations, design plans, etc.). Laurie moved that a committee should be formed. Glenda seconded it and it passed. Mark will send out information to see who would like to be on this committee.
Note from Mark: A display or demonstration garden is a long-term commitment for the MG program. This committee would be charged with doing a basic needs assessment and to bring forth information to the entire MG group for consideration before making a decision on whether or not to proceed with a garden. I would foresee this committee meeting several times during the next 6-12 months and making periodic presentations to the entire group as we explore this idea.
Master Gardener Plant Sales (1 vote)
Bev mentioned that labels on plants and plant quality were trouble points in the past. She thinks sales should be left to garden clubs. Discussion was held about saving seeds and using them for planting. Glenda thought a plant sale would go well with the Farmer's Market in Clarkston and the MGs having a booth at this event. Any monies raised should have a pre-designated purpose, and align with the Mission Statement of the Program. Sue F. said tables would be needed if there is a sale, and all Master Gardeners will have to be committed to the sale before it can work.
More Plant Clinics at the Clarkston Farmer's Market (12 votes)
The idea of holding more plant clinics at the Clarkston Farmer’s Market was discussed (one clinic per month at the Market, perhaps more than 1 per month). More people will be needed to man the booth if more clinics are held. The decision to do this will mean that more committed volunteers will be needed and a consistent time set for the clinics.
Developing Raised Beds for the Clarkston Care Center (0 votes)
It was decided that the Care Center will have to make a commitment of time and money before the Master Gardeners can do this. Further discussion was held and it was noted that the Clarkston Care Center plan was not a high MG program priority at this time.
Developing a “Speakers’ Bureau” (12 votes)
Discussion was held regarding a plan to develop a MG speakers' bureau where trained MGs are available to speak to various community groups, such as the Lions Club, Clarkston Chamber of Commerce, and local garden groups. It was agreed that volunteer’s presentations must be professional and they will be trained to use PowerPoint. Jerry volunteered to speak on spring and fall care of bulbs and roses, plus instruction on successful vegetable gardening. Ronda has developed a PowerPoint presentation on insects and bees and is willing to speak on the subject. Carol and Arvid volunteered to present a worm composting program and Deloris is willing to speak on sustainable gardening/organic production of fruits and vegetables. Deloris would like to encourage MGs to have more interaction with other groups such as the Weed Board, the Conservation District, and local schools. Mark suggested that topics and speakers can be listed on our web page and in a brochure, so that any group needing a speaker can contact the Extension Office several weeks in advance.
Gardening and Nutrition Program (8 votes); and 4-H Gardening Program (11 votes)
Mark discussed a possible project with the Clarkston School District in which elementary students can plant small gardens at school and then follow-up with a healthy nutrition program that used the fruits and vegetables produced in the gardens.
Out of the discussion also came the idea of MGs becoming involved in the 4-H program leading a gardening project that utilized 4-H curriculum. Jerry H. shared his interest in this program and volunteered to discuss this idea at a future Asotin County 4-H Leaders Council Meeting.
Mark asked that the programs/ideas discussed above should be prioritized. The above ideas were ranked as follows by the group:
- More Plant Clinics at the Farmers Market got 12 votes of support (out of 12 participants)
- Speakers Bureau got 12 votes of support
- 4-H Gardening Program got 11 votes
- Display/Demonstration Garden got 10 votes
- School Nutrition got 8 votes
- Plant Sales got 1
Mark said an annual plan will be developed prior to 1-1-08. Each committee will need to submit plans for 2008. Established MG Committees are encouraged to meet during December to discuss plans for 2008.
Submitted by Elaine McLaughlin, with additions from Carol Jones and Mark Heitstuman
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 15- April 22, 2008
2008 Master Gardener and Horticultural Training
January 15, 2008 through April 22, 2008, Tuesday afternoons, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Plant Clinics:
Office Plant Clinics
Asotin County Courthouse Basement • Asotin, Washington
Each Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
May 21 - September 17, 2008
Plant Clinics Around the Area
One Saturday a month, from May through August.
Community Events
Asotin County Fair
Sun Festival, Arts and Crafts Faire
Wilson's Banner Ranch Fall Festival
Yard and Garden Series
The WSU Master Gardeners offer a Yard and Garden Series to the public several times per year.
Master Gardener / Horticultural Training, 2010
January through April 2010, Tuesday afternoons, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Jr. Master Gardener Program
Gardening for kids!
Heading using the h3tag
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