WSU MASTER GARDENERS, MASTER RECYCLER COMPOSTERS, … · 2012-03-16 · The Common Sense Gardener Volume 12, Issue 1 Page 3 Cori’s Corner by Cori Carlton, Program Manager Well 2012

Happy Spring! We are all itching to start seeds, gently remove some plants and take to Dirt Works for the plant sale and get those mason bees in position. Right now my mason bees are resting com-fortably on the front porch. This will be my first year of nurturing mason bees and I am looking forward to the miracle that they perform i.e. a crop of cherries this year. Between now and our next newsletter I hope that all of you will consider helping with one of our three gardens and the plant sale. Several hours a day once or twice a month at the garden of your choice would be very much appreciated. We as WSU Master Gardeners have a commitment to keep these gardens presentable, interesting and educational. A handful of volunteers can not accomplish these objectives. Sign up to help! The Plant Sale committee members are in acquisition mode for all those plants that need to find a new home. And of course they need help making the day of the plant sale a success. The day of the plant sale is always a raucous and fun day. Sign up to help! Keep reading the Friday Flash for up-to-date activities and programs that may need your helping hand. The WSU Master Gardener program needs all of you. I have had a chance to garden with my 3 year old grandson. We have hunted for weeds and worms. And found them. He insisted on burying the weeds with soil from his small bucket. I suppose that this could be embryonic composting. I have fond memories of gardening with both sets of grandparents and now I get to return the gesture to my grandson. Life truly is a cycle. Have a great spring and happy gardening! Toni Ghazal

From the Foundation President by Toni Ghazal

Mar/Apr/May 2012

Volume 12, Issue 1

Helpful Websites:

Thurston County Extension: http://county.wsu.edu/thurston Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County website: www.mgftc.org Compost Bin Sales: www.compostbinsthurstoncounty.com WSU Publications: http://pubs.wsu.edu

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WSU Master Gardener Program of Thurston County

Blog: wsumgtc.wordpress.com

The Common Sense Gardener

W S U M A S T E R G A R D E N E R S , M A S T E R R E C Y C L E R C O M P O S T E R S , A N D M A S T E R G A R D E N E R F O U N D A T I O N O F T H U R S T O N C O U N T Y N E W S L E T T E R

“I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature’s rebirth?” ~Edward Giobbi

The Common Sense Gardener Volume 12, Issue 1

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Here’s a little bit about Jeannine... Year I became a WSU Master Gardener: 2010 Where did I grow up? I grew up in the Bay Area (Los Gatos, CA). It's a small town near San Jose. How long have I lived in Thurston County? I've lived in Thurston County for a little over 2 years. Before I moved to Yelm, I lived near Everett, WA for a while after moving from Loveland, CO. Family and/or pets? I have 1 younger sister and 2 older brothers. I live with my sister here in Yelm and my brothers and their families live in Sonora and Davis, CA. My dad and his wife still live in the bay area and my mom and her boy-friend live in CO. I don't have any pets right now. But I'm thinking about getting a dog in the future. Hobbies? I like to learn the most, so I've been spending time getting involved in activities or organizations that I did not know about before. I'm a Stormwater Stewards Intern with Erica Guttman and that has been lots of fun. I'm also interested in starting a nonprofit, so I am enrolled in a Non Profit Leadership coarse at SPSCC. I'm also an artist and like to sew, create, draw and paint. My favorite part of being a WSU Master Gardener: My favorite part is meeting new people and being connected with different organizations and activities. I'm really glad I decided to go through the WSU Master Gardener training. I'm a fairly new gardener and challenged myself to grow vegetables in my backyard 5 years ago. I am always learning something in this program, but the best part is the human connections that I've made. Other Comments: Since last summer, I've been spending most of my time working on the Rainier Community Garden located on the Rainier High School campus. As I was doing my WSU Master Gardener internship hours, I saw all of these great community gardens and projects, but they were mostly out in the Olympia area. I wanted to see projects where I live, in the Yelm/Rainier area. So it turned out the Rainier High School agriculture teacher and her students were starting a community garden. It has been a lot of fun watching this project evolve and there have been a few other WSU Master Gardeners and Master Recycler Composters involved. We even have 2 Earth machines out there now.

Spotlight Volunteer: Jeannine Pia


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Cori’s Corner by Cori Carlton, Program Manager

Well 2012 has been off to a busy start and March, April and May seem to be following the same. Some of the highlights over the last few months have been starting the new 2012 WSU Master Gardener training class, getting all community outreach activities in place for the year and most recently the demonstration garden clean-ups. As Spring arrives I assume you are excited about the upcoming growing season as I am. I hope the new growth that you see will inspire you to stretch in new ways of sharing your talents with our community. Certainly these March/April showers will bring May flowers and when they do arrive I’m sure it will be a glorious site to see. In the mean time stay dry or put on your boots and have a great time playing in the mud!

Instructor Frank Anderson shows our training class different pruning cuts. Practice time.

Master Gardeners met on March 3rd for an orientation to the garden and then worked on Spring cleanup. Luckily our volunteers don’t need to clean this storm damage debris pile in the parking lot outside of the Dirt Works garden. Amazing what a few inches of snow can do!

By filling out our Recommitment form we now have the pleasure of wishing our fellow Master Gardeners and Master Recycler Composters a Happy Birthday.

March

Diane Claussen, March 1st

Kerry Longhorn, March 1st

Barb Robles, March 1st

Kevin Hagen, March 3rd

Veronica Risteen, March 3rd

Gail Garrard, March 4th

Charlie Keck, March 4th

Randy Newman, March 4th

Terrence Schulte, March 6th

Christy Gustafson, March 11th

Atticus Lutz, March 14th

Thelma Patten, March 15th

Ralph Gross, March 17th

Kathy McDowell, March 19th

Ann Moss, March 19th

Judy Lundgren, March 22nd

Jackie White, March 25th

Neil Lasley, March 26th

Nancy Poultney, March 26th

Linda Talen, March 26th

Judy Smith, March 26th

Pamela Haight, March 28th

Will Reissner, March 30th

Jeanne Kinney, March 31st

April

Bruce Baldwin, April 1st

Cindy Cartright, April 1st

Theresa M. Cowley, April 4th

Kathleen Falk, April 5th

Mary Carlson, April 7th

Cindy Hoover, April 9th

Lauren Stalmaster, April 9th

Marcia Killam-Nunn, April 10th

Dorothy Seaborne-Taylor, April 10th

Kort Jungel, April 10th

April Scharer, April 13th

Bob Obedzinski, April 18th

Jessica Sheinbaum, April 18th

Evan Olsen, April 20th

Roberta Smith, April 22nd

Linda Lufkin, April 22nd

Sharon Brown, April 23rd Teresa Staal, April 26th

Diana Larsen-Mills, April 27th

Bill Longnecker, April 30th

Birthdays for March, April & May


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May Wendy Clark, May 2nd

Sarah Lambrix, May 7th

Bryan Ketola, May 7th

Roberta Nott, May 9th

Pat Lawrence, May 10th

Bruce Hargrave, 12th

Norm Gallacci, May 13th

John Toohey, May 14th

Toni Ghazal, May 16th

Pat Lazar, May 18th

Lois Willman, May 19th

Jim Wilson, May 19th

Colleen Gondolfi, May 25th

Doug Houser, May 26th

Joan Reitzwood, May 28th

Birthdays for March, April & May

Wishing you a year full of health, happiness, and gardening bliss!

If your birthday is in March, April or May and you don’t see your name of the list or we have the incorrect day listed for you please contact Cori so we can update our

files. A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around

the sun. Enjoy the trip!

General Master Gardener Activities are green General Master Recycler Composting are pink General Foundation Events are blue Events for both volunteer groups and/or community members are turquoise. Outreach events representing both programs are purple Board or Committee meetings are orange Deadlines are red Other activities or events that don’t fit into the above categories are black

March 3rd OFM Garden Kickoff 3rd DW Garden Kickoff 6th-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm 8th-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm 9th CLP Garden Kickoff 14th-Foundation Board Meeting 10am 15th Master Recycler Composter Kick Off & Potluck Event 5:30pm-8:00pm 17th Dirt Works Garden 22nd-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm 24th-Master Gardener Training Class 9:00am to 1:00pm

April 3rd-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm 5th OFM Garden opens for the season 5th-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm 6th OFM garden steering committee meeting 11th Foundation Board Meeting 10am 14th Lacey Fred Meyer Planting Day

19th-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm 21st-Master Gardener Training Class 9:00am to 1:00pm 28th-29th Nisqually Valley Home & Garden Show

May 1st-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm 3rd-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm 4th OFM garden steering committee meeting 5th Secondhand Safari 9th Foundation Board Meeting 10am 17th-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm 18th Plant Sale Evening Preview (For all those who help work on the sale) 19th MGFTC Plant Sale & MG Training Class 25th -Newsletter deadline for June-July-August Edition 29th-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm 31st-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm

June 1st OFM garden steering committee meeting 2nd-Master Gardener Training Class 9:00am to 1:00pm 7th Foundation General Membership Meeting 6pm to 9pm 9th Composting Workshop at CLP 10am 9th Herb Workshop at Dirt Works 10am 12th-Master Gardener Training Class 5:30pm to 8:30pm 13th Foundation Board Meeting 10am

(Continued on page 7)

2012 Master Calendar Dates


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14th-Master Gardener Graduation 5:30pm to 8:30pm 23rd Permaculture Part 1 Workshop at Dirt Works 10am 27th MRC Volunteer Meeting 5:30pm 30th Permaculture Part 2 Workshop at Dirt Works 10 am


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2012 Master Calendar Dates July 6th OFM garden steering committee meeting 11th Foundation Board Meeting 10am 14th Lacey Community Market 10am to 4pm 14th Composting Workshop at DW 10am 21st Lakefair Parade Recycling Brigade 28th Permaculture Part 1 Workshop at Dirt Works 10am

August 1st-5th Thurston County Fair 3rd OFM garden steering committee meeting 4th Permaculture Part 2 Workshop at Dirt Works 10am 8th Foundation Board Meeting 10am 9th Composting Workshop at OFMG 10am 11th Lacey Community Market 10am to 4pm 24th -Newsletter deadline for September-October-November Edition 26th Sand In The City 10am to 5pm

September 6th MRC Class Training 6pm to 8:30pm 7th OFM garden steering committee meeting 8th Lacey Community Market 10am to 4pm 8th Composting Workshop at DW 10am 12th Foundation Board Meeting 10am 13th -15th WSU Master Gardener State Conference-Pasco, Washington

September cont. 20th Foundation General Membership Meeting Potluck 5:30pm to 8pm 20th MRC Class Training 6pm to 8:30pm 22nd MRC Class Training Field Trip 9am to 1pm

October 1st 2013 MG Training Applications are now available 4th MRC Class Training 6pm to 8:30pm 5th OFM garden steering committee meeting 6th MRC Class Training Field Trip 9am to 1pm 10th Foundation Board Meeting 10am 11th MRC Class Training 6pm to 8:30pm 12th MRC Volunteer Field Trip 13th Composting Workshop at CLP 10am 16th MRC Class Training 6pm to 8:30pm 30th Foundation Board 2013 Planning Retreat 10am

November 3rd Garden Committee Planning Retreat 10am to 3pm 14th Foundation Board Meeting 10am 15th Annual Awards Luncheon-Noon to 2pm 26th-newsletter deadline for Dec-Jan-February Edition 28th Foundation Board Budget and Annual Meeting Preparation 10am

December 8th Foundation Annual Meeting & Holiday Party 11am-2pm 12th Foundation Board Meeting 10am

2012 Plant Sale: Saturday, May 19th from 9am to 4pm at Dirt Works Garden in West Olympia. Our 2012 Annual Plant Sale is fast approaching! Although we suffered the collapse of the lath house and the hoop house slumped again due to our outrageous weather in January, we’re moving forward. Plans are to replace the structures with something that will defy Mother Nature from getting her jollies watching things fall apart. Is that possible? We’ll see.

Fortunately, we experienced minimal loss of plants during the storm and materials salvaged from the lath house have already been used to repair the two tables that were crushed! The potting table is open for business; we’re accepting plants for the sale. Most of what we had at the end of the year is doing great! And, there’s lots more room for plants since our December Sale was such a success and all of the big evergreens are gone. Please remember that we like to leave things in pots for about 6 weeks prior to the sale to develop good root systems, so our last day for intake will be April 10. Hopefully you’ll have time before that to get outside and dig up your extras. Although it’s mid-February as I write this, it’s time to think about and announce information about volunteering for the May Plant Sale already! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more information and requests in the Friday Flash, but in the meantime, here’s a brief overview of the timeline. I will be collecting names and job requests for the volunteers, ([email protected]). You are welcome to contact me now with that information, and be sure to let me know if you’re willing to work either morning, or afternoon, or both shifts. Interns from class are definitely welcome and this is a great way to get some or all of your required Foundation hours! Don’t worry if you don’t know much. We have lots of veterans to help you out, and I’ll come to class to discuss what goes on and what jobs are available.


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2012 Annual Plant Sale News

Don’t forget, if you volunteer for the sale (that means having spent time potting plants, maintaining the sales site or working the day of), you are invited to the ever popular pre-sale event at which you’ll receive some last minute instructions, some nibbles and sips, and a chance to purchase up to 5 plants! Once again, we have a large selection of plants available; many Great Plant Picks, landscape trees and shrubs, Northwest natives, perennials for all sun exposures, herbs and vegetables. We are particularly flush with strawberries again this year, and have some delightful varieties including Ozark Beauty (everbearing) and Sparkle Supreme (June bearing). Bookmarks and Flyers for the sale are now available and can be picked up at the WSU Extension office. Your sharing of these with your friends, and posting in places like church and work helps us get the word out. And don’t forget to watch for an EVENT to be scheduled on Facebook that you can share with your friends (“Like” WSU Master Gardener Program of Thurston County). As always, with this being our major fund raising event for the year, we count on our volunteers to help with the success. Our regular crew has been hard at work since the last sale on a weekly basis (even many times during the winter), but we need “all hands on deck” for sale day. We’ll also advise when we need additional help for set-up the week before. Please put this on your calendar now, and come join in on the fun!


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2011 Plant Sale Volunteers getting ready for the sale!

2012 Annual Plant Sale News

Participating in Master Gardener Foundation Thurston County Activities and Events is a unique opportunity to experience customized tours of many public gardens and private gardens, learn new skills, discover out of the way nurseries and share a good time with fellow gardening enthusiasts. In 2012 we are pleased to be able offer tours and workshops in some of our local foundation members’ great gardens. Everyone is welcome to attend; you don’t need to be a Master Gardener or Master Recycler Composter, a foundation member or even live in Thurston County. Master Gardener and Master Recycler Composters often can earn continuing education credit and foundation members do get a discounted fee which is one of the perks of joining. All proceeds from these events go to the foundation to help support the Master Gardener & Master Recycler Composter Program. Mark your calendars for these dates and watch for more to come on the Foundation website at: http://www.mgftc.org/ActivitiesEvents.html APRIL 17, Tuesday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm—Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, Rutherford Conservatory and Furney’s Nursery Join us to travel north by van/ car pool to enjoy a private guided tour of the extensive display of hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas in a natural woodland setting, many spring bulbs, perennials and flowering trees and shrubs in bloom. The tour will include the alpine and pond gardens, hardy fern collection, stumpery and the new Rutherford Conservatory. The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is home to one of the world’s largest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas as well as a world class fern collection. The conservatory now enables the garden to preserve tropical rhododendrons and companion plants such as bananas and tree ferns in its 5000 foot space. You will have time to visit the Garden Gift Shop and Plant Sales Pavilion to shop for unique merchandize and plants. Bring a sack lunch to eat on the grounds prior to traveling to nearby Furney’s Nursery who have been inspiring local gardeners for over 60 years. They are known for their large variety of plant material, garden art and accessories and knowledgeable staff. Fee $15 for Foundation members, $20 for non-members. Fee covers garden admissions. Gas money will be collected the day of the event if there are more people than the van can accommodate and carpooling is arranged. Proceeds support the Thurston County Master Garden Foundation. Contact Donna Ogdon at [email protected] for reservations. CE credit 2 hours.


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2012 Activities and Events Schedule-MGFTC


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May 2, Wednesday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm - Hilda Klager Lilac Garden and Tsugawa Nursery Travel by van/car pool to Hulda Klager Lilac Garden in Woodland for their annual lilac festival. Step back in time to discover the 1880's Victorian farmhouse and country garden that comprise the gardens which are now a national historic site. The woodshed, water tower and windmill and gardens have all been restored by the nonprofit Hulda Klager Lilac Society whose goal is not only to preserve the lilac heritage developed by Hulda Klager, but to maintain the gardens. A guide will provide a history of the garden and you will have time to tour the house and grounds where you will see many of the 250 lilacs developed by Hulda as well as rare plants, trees and shrubs. The gift shop will be open and lilacs will be available for sale at this once a year occasion. We will then venture on to the Tsugawa Nursery for another plant shopping opportunity. Lunch will be on your own but there are a couple of options: The Oak Tree or Burgerville, which are very near Tsugawa’s Nursery, or bring your brown bag lunch. Fee $15 for Foundation members, $20 for non-members. Fee covers garden admissions. Gas money will be collected the day of the event if there are more people than the van can accommodate and car-pooling is arranged. Proceeds support the Thurston County Master Garden Foundation. Contact Rebecca Allen at [email protected] for reservations. CE credit 2.5 hours June21, Thursday 8:00 to 5:00 pm – Eastside Nursery Tour – Flower World and more We will travel north to Flower World Nursery in Maltby for an huge array of plants at great prices. Extensive retail greenhouses and display areas are well marked along with informational plant brochures to help you find specific plants you are looking for. Or discover that unique plant you didn’t even know you wanted to add to your garden. We will then travel to Molbak’s in Woodinville for another exciting nursery shopping experi-ence. More nurseries may be added to our tour as time allows. Bring a sack lunch or eat at the Molbak café. Fee: $10 for Foundation members; $15 for non-members. Gas money will be collected the day of the event if there are more people than the van can accommodate and carpooling is arranged. Proceeds support the Thurston County Master Garden Foundation. Contact Penny Locke at [email protected] for reservations. July 18 Wednesday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Bellevue Botanical Garden and Wells Medina Nursery NOTE: this is a change of date from previous announcement. July 27 Friday 1:30 to 3:30 Hydrangea Cultivation Workshop and Private Garden Tour Aug 15 Wed, 1 to 4pm Incredible Edible Garden Workshop and Private Garden Tour Oct Date TBA Silver Springs Organics Commercial Composting Facility and Monarch Contemporary Art Center and Sculpture Park

2012 Activities and Events-MGFTC


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Dirt Works Garden

Greetings from Dirt Works! Spring is time to get back into the garden in preparation for another season of events and visits at Dirt Works. Truth be told, there has been activity there throughout the winter as we cleared up the January storm damage, our vineyard is getting its late winter pruning, and the steering committee has been making plans for rehabilitation projects and staffing. The major change in the gardens will be the removal of the adaptive structures which have not been used as hoped, have been marginally successful for food production, and are structurally deteriorated. The area will be reset with several new galvanized water tanks and other vertical growing structures. The area will still be ADA accessible, and will be primarily a growing area for vegetables for the food bank. We were able to reduce water use in the garden by nearly two-thirds in the last two years, and will continue irrigation innovations in this area as well. Our AmeriCorps volunteer, Julia Palmer, will oversee the installation of a permaculture demonstration in the form of an herb spiral in the children’s garden. We intend that it initiates an effort to use the principles of permaculture to expand the production of edibles in our garden. Our great news is that Master Gardeners have signed up to work in specific demonstration areas and others to be Saturday Docents. Gayle Newsom has agreed to take over the Rose Garden and Connie Barkley will focus on the berry and fruit production areas. We have also been able to fill our Tuesday and Saturday Host calendar for the season and will continue to look for partners for them. Our Spring season begins on March 3 and we are open Saturdays and Tuesdays from 9-1pm. Julie Gilbertson (City of Oly) begins her series of school field trips that focus on worm composting in mid-April. Our garden orientation is Saturday April 21 when you can learn about our practices and our summer Children’s Garden program that begins in late June. Our first OPEN GARDEN day coincides with the Foundation Plant Sale on Saturday, May 19. The day also includes four composting classes. Watch the Friday Flash for weekly notices of garden work to be done at Dirt Works and join us when you can.

Olympia Farmers Market Garden Greetings from Olympia Farmer’s Market Garden, If you’re like me, the holidays are barely over before you start dreaming about spring. These few months before the weather starts to warm seem unbearably long. When it’s cold and bleak in winter, it’s nice to daydream about sitting out on the deck and enjoying the warm summer weather. If you don’t have the yard of your dreams yet, this is the perfect time to plan it. Right now down at the market garden the Viburnum is in bloom and the Quince is so full of buds that I am sure when we get the next sunny afternoon it will pop open with the promise that spring is coming. We had minimal storm damage, only a couple of cracked branches on one of the flowering cherry trees. Several other plants were weighed down by the heavy snow but they already look like they are beginning to perk up. Our annual garden cleanup was March 3rd. The weather held and we had a good time working together and getting the garden ready for the new season. The market opens on April 5th, 10am-3pm Thursday-Sunday.


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Congratulations to Nancy Mills for receiving a 100% on last issue’s quiz and winning a $20 gift certificate to The Lael’s Moon Garden Nursery in Rochester! Thanks to all who participated, and please try again this issue! Here are the answers:

1.) Summer bearing raspberries produce fruit on first-year canes B. False

+2.) Thatch is primarily composed of: B. Grass stems and roots 3.) Important considerations when choosing trees for a home orchard include: D. All of the above

4) The advantages of using glass over other greenhouse coverings include (select all that apply) B. Greater longevity D. High light transmission

5) Low pH is an important factor in the production of: B. Blueberries

What’s this plant? Find the answer on page 17.


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Answers to Sustainable Gardening Handbook Trivia Quiz-Part Seven

What is This?

Give your best guess to the following questions and send them by Friday May 18th to: Mail: WSU Extension Office Email: [email protected] or Attn: Master Gardener Trivia 5033 Harrison Ave. NW,

Olympia, WA 98502 Please include your name with your answers. Of those who answered them correctly one winner will receive a $20 gift card to The Barn Nursery in Olympia. Happy Guessing!

Sustainable Gardening Handbook Trivia Quiz-Part Eight


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Take a guess or you can find the answers in your Sustainable Gardening Handbook/MG Manual.

1) The body of all insects consists of (select all that apply): A.) Abdomen B.) Stinger C.) Thorax D.) Head 2) Rootstock selection for fruit trees affects these characteristics (select all that apply): A.) Resistance to diseases in the soil B.) Fruit Variety C.) Overall tree size D.) Drought resistance 3) The majority of insects on this planet are pestiferous: A.) True B.) False 4) When planting a tree, it is not recommended that you: A.) Disturb the root ball B.) Apply mulch around the base of the tree C.) Amend the planting hole with organic matter D.) Water at least once a week 5) The very high and very low humidity can be a problem in a greenhouse setting: A.) True B.) False

March Garden essentials:

• Plants need nutrients now during their growth spurt. Fertilize the garden. • Prune and feed roses. • Divide perennials that bloom after mid-June. • Veggies year-round:

• Dig garden beds deeply. Add fertilizer and compost. • Transplant February cabbage-family seedlings outdoors. • Sow beets, chard, lettuce, onions, peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach and turnips outdoors. • Lawn care:

• Dethatch if old roots and stems at crown level exceed one-half inch. • Aerate. • Dig out or spot treat perennial weeds. • Rake and overseed bare spots with seed mix such as perennial ryes and turf-type fescues. .

April Garden essentials:

• Plant annual seeds of asters, cosmos, marigolds, zinnias. • Take stored fuchsias and geraniums outdoors; cover if frost returns. • Finish garden cleanup and fertilizing. • Start your garden log now while spring energy reigns! • Veggies year-round:

• Thin direct-seeded crops as they sprout. • Sow carrots and parsnips. • Late in the month, plant squash, zucchini, pumpkins and cucumber seeds indoors in large peat pots. "Jack-

Be-Little" mini-pumpkins delight children! • Lawn care:

• Fertilize in late April, using a 3-1-2 ratio slow-release or natural organic formulation. • Mow regularly. • Recycle grass clippings on to lawn, "grasscycling."


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What to Do in Your Garden in March, April & May.

May Garden essentials:

• Visit public gardens for fresh ideas. • Trim spring-blooming shrubs after bloom. • Remove spent bulb seedpods, allowing bulb foliage to mature. • Fill containers for summer color. • Combine herbs with annual flowers. • Plant dahlias, gladiolus and calla lilies. • Veggies year-round:

• Harden tender transplants by putting them out in a sheltered location and bringing them in at night. • When soil warms, seed corn and beans. • Transplant starts of heat-lovers such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and cucumbers. • Lawn care:

• Check all irrigation systems; set up a simple rain gauge. • Lawns optimally require 1 inch of water weekly, as either rain or irrigation not both. • Mow every five to seven days. Tolerate some weeds; dig out dandelions to prevent seeding.

Visit http://gardening.wsu.edu for more helpful tips.


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Answer from page 14 Pieris japonica (Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub). Try investigating your favorite plants with microscopic hand lenses. You never know the beauty you might find!

What’s this Plant?

What to Do in Your Garden in March, April & May.


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2012 Goal: Master Gardener, Master Recycler Composter Programs and the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County will work to

increase our donations to the Thurston County Food Banks. We are asking our volunteers and anyone in our community to consider donating ¼ of what they will

grow this season, add another row to their garden for the purpose of donating, or perhaps volunteer at a community/school/demonstration garden that gives their yields to the Thurston County Food Banks. If you choose to donate, please do so on behalf of our programs so we can keep track of our impact each year. To assist you in making your donations as impactful as possible, we’ve included some information from the Food Bank Growers meeting. It may be beneficial to print this information out so you have it on hand for when the season really gets going.

Here is a list of many produce items that are in high demand! Zucchini (the smaller the better), kale, herbs, flowers (this year we can donate flower arrangements!),

plant starts, root vegetables, Asian vegetables (these are in especially high demand), squash (large but cut into manageable pieces), corn, potatoes (all different varieties), tree fruits (apples needed August-October), beets, broccoli, carrots, cherries, cucumbers, lettuce, parsnips, rutabagas, snap peas, & tomatoes.

In 2010 the Thurston County Food Bank took in and distributed

approximately 295,000 lbs of produce to serve nearly 14,000 families in need. In January I volunteered at the Kiwanis Food Bank Garden on Overhulse Rd. near Kaiser Rd. NW in Olympia. That garden alone produces nearly 24,000 lbs of produce yearly for the Thurston County Food Banks. We spent the day preparing beds and hoop-houses for the coming growing season and it seemed amazing that such a huge yearly harvest could be produced on that single plot of land. Just imagine the impact that many small efforts could make from each of us throughout the county. Due to high demand more food is always needed and we are certainly are a group that can supply it!

Time to get planning! The Thurston County Food Bank accepts donations Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:30

PM. The food bank is located in downtown Olympia at 220 Thurston Ave. NE. The Thurston County Food Bank also has additional locations throughout Thurston County. If you have questions about produce donations you can e-mail the food bank directly at [email protected]

Help Increase Food Bank Donations! By: Julia Palmer


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What’s Wrong with this Plant?

Each newsletter will highlight a photo of a plant problem. First identify the plant and then the problem. The answer will be listed in the next issue of the newsletter. Have fun problem solving and in the process learn something new too!

Answer to last issues question: White Rot (onions & garlic) Biology White rot is a fungal disease which affects onions and related species. Cool, wet conditions may be followed by wilting and yellowing of leaves beginning at the base of the plant. Affected plants eventually die. Roots are destroyed and a white, fluffy mass of fungus may cover the bulbs. Small, black fungal structures may be present in the white fungal growth. These structures (sclerotia) are smaller and rounder than those of Botrytis neck rot. They are often found near the base of the bulb. Infected bulbs will continue to decay in storage, turning soft and watery. The fungus can persist in the soil for long periods. This disease is a serious problem of onions and related crops.

Management Options

Select Non-chemical Management Options as Your First Choice!!

• Do not move infested soil into non-infested areas. • Plant disease-free sets. • Plant in well-drained soils. • Remove all infected plants and the adjacent healthy plants. Remove soil around infected plants when

practical. Destroy or discard (do not compost) diseased materials. Rotate crops. Do not plant onions or related species into infested soils more often than every 8-10 years.


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Hello Everyone!

For the past few days it had really felt like spring has arrived, but I will not be fooled! As we learn to be patient with this ever-lingering transition between the seasons, I hope each and every one of you is getting excited about this upcoming gardening season.

Last month we began our 2012 Master Gardener training with a great group of 46 folks who are excited and passionate about being part of the program. They are a great mix of people with wide-ranging interests and experiences, all of whom I’m excited to get to know better and work with this coming year.

Aside from class things are busy! I’ve just recently finished up the new sign which will be erected between Closed Loop Park and the adjacent Dog Park. The sign offers a list of plants that are unsafe for dogs, and welcome’s dog owners (without their pets that is) into the park to see these plants firsthand. Hopefully it will help draw a new crowd into Closed Loop Park. I’ve also finished a sign for the herb spiral which will soon be built in Dirt Works Demonstration Garden. Keep an eye out for announcements about a work party for the herb spiral. That will be a very fun project to work on! Additionally, I am continually working on developing my workshops for the summertime so please keep an eye out for those as May, June & July come around. It is hard to believe that my service period is almost halfway through. There is still so much work to be done, and I look forward to the busy and exciting months to come.

On a completely different note, if you’d like to see James O’Keeffe (Native Plant Salvage Project AmeriCorps) and myself play some music, come down to the Spar Café in downtown Olympia on March 20th from 6-8 PM. We’ll be playing banjo and guitar at a fundraiser for the 20th Annual Student GREEN Congress. Come witness my second life! And enjoy some yummy food while supporting a wonderful cause, of course.

That is all I have for now. Cross your fingers for spring!

-Julia AmeriCorps Volunteer

From the Desk of AmeriCorps—Julia Palmer


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Gardening Terms and Definitions for Springtime

How many times have you read a gardening article, looked at a website or catalog and

wondered, "What does that mean?" Thanks to NGB Member Park Seed, we've excerpted their

list of garden terms for your referral during the upcoming garden season.

Acidic Soil: A soil that has a pH below 7, typical of clay soils. Azaleas, camellias, dogwoods and roses like acidic soils.

Alkaline Soil: A soil that has a pH of 7 or higher.

Annual Plant: A plant living one year or less, usually planted in the spring after the last frost. During this time, the plant grows, blooms, produces seeds, and dies.

Balled & Burlapped: The roots of the plant have soil attached and are held in place with burlap or some other material.

Bare Root: The roots of the plant are bare, with no soil.

Biennial: Of two seasons duration, from germination to maturity and death, usually developing vegetative growth the first year and flowering, fruiting, and dying the second year. Biennials need exposure to winter temperatures to trigger flowering or fruit production the second year.

Bulb: A resting stage of a plant that is usually formed underground and consists of a short stem base bearing one or more buds enclosed in fleshy leaves and buds (tulip, daffodil, etc).

Corm: A rounded, thick modified underground stem base bearing membranous or scaly leaves and buds (gladiolus, crocus, etc).

Crown: The base of the plant, where the stem and root meet.

Cultivar: A cultivated variety or strain that originated and has persisted under human cultivation.

Deadheading: Removing the dead blossoms. If a plant is termed “self cleaning," the blossoms fall off on their own. Deadheading usually extends the blooming season.

Deciduous: A plant that loses its leaves seasonally, usually in the fall.

Determinate: The growth of a plant stops at a certain height (usually in reference to tomatoes).

Dormancy: A period in the life cycle of a plant where it is “asleep” and not actively growing. Dormancy is brought about by cool temperatures and shorter day length.

Evergreen: A plant that stays green year-round.

Floriferous: Bearing flowers/blooming freely.

Germination: The sprouting of a seed and the commencement of growth. Also used to describe the starting of plants from seeds.


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Grafted Plant: The top (desirable) part of the plant is grafted onto rootstock, usually of a hardier or less rare plant.

Heirloom Seed: Mostly open-pollinated seed that have been planted and passed down for generations. Most lack disease resistance.

Herbaceous: A plant that dies back to the ground in winter and returns again in the spring.

Herbicide: A chemical used to destroy undesirable plants and vegetation.

Hybrid Seed: The result of cross-pollination of parents that differ in size, color, taste, or other traits. Seeds from hybrid plants cannot be saved and used again, as they will revert back to one of the parents.

Indeterminate: The plant continues growing until pinched or killed by frost (opposite of determinate). These plants usually require staking.

Organic Seed: A seed that has been grown and harvested without being exposed to any inorganic chemicals, fertilizers, hormones, etc.

Pelleted Seed: Small seed, such as petunias or pentas, that have been coated with an inert material such as clay to make them easier to handle.

Perennial: A plant that lives for three or more seasons. Perennials may not bloom the first season planted, especially ones that are shipped bareroot.

Rhizome: A somewhat elongated, usually horizontal subterranean plant stem that is often thickened by deposits of reserved food material that produces shoots above and below the roots (bearded iris).

Rootstock: Root system of a more common or hardy variety that is used to graft a more desirable variety onto, usually roses and/or standard forms.

Self-Pollinating: Plants that do not require pollen from another plant in order to produce fruit.

Semi-Evergreen: A plant that drops its leaves in cold areas but keeps at least some of them in milder zones (typically zones 7~11).

Standard: A shrub or herb grown with an erect main stem so that it forms or resembles a tree.

Sucker: Undesirable growth coming from the rootstock of a grafted plant.

Treated Seed: Seed that have been treated with an insecticide or fungicide to aid in preventing soil insects or disease from destroying the seed prior to germination.

Tuber: A short, fleshy, usually underground stem bearing minute scaly leaves, each of which bears a bud in its axil and is potentially able to produce a new plant (iris potato, caladium, tuberose begonia).

Any or all of this information may be reprinted with credit given to Park Seed and National Garden Bureau.

Gardening Terms and Definitions for Springtime cont.


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You are invited to strategize our community’s positive future in a world of unstable climate, increasing energy costs and economic uncertainty. The Summit is organized by the Alliance for Community Transition, South Sound and partners. Help us unleash our vision and genius as we tackle these problems and celebrate our transition toward a resilient, sustainable and hopeful future at the...

Sustainability Summit: Unleashing Our Creative Genius Saturday April 14, 9am-4pm, South Puget Sound Community College

With Keynote Speaker, Author David Korten

The foundations are already being laid through efforts such as the Food Summit, the Buy-Local program, and Sustainable Thurston. The Sustainability Summit and celebration on April 14th will connect and expand these efforts and engage even more community members in this important work. The Summit will provide an opportunity to learn what our community needs, envision what the future can look like, and develop concrete actions that will help create a resilient and sustainable future. At the Sustainability Summit, we will begin by raising awareness of what we, as a region, are doing well and what challenges we face. The summit will start with a group of local experts who will briefly explain our current situation (what we are/aren’t doing well and what challenges/opportunities we face). The experts will set the stage for the work that summit-participants will do in groups later in the day. We will have experts in the areas of: 1. Economy. 2. Energy. 3. Food security and land use. 4. Inner transition. 5. Transportation and land use. 6. Waste prevention. 7. Water. In addition to breakout sessions, there will be hands-on demonstrations and information for community organizations. Contact Barb Scavezze Barb at (360) 878-9901or [email protected] for more information or to get involved. Thurston County Solid Waste is partner in the Sustainability Summit and is part of the Zero Waste working group. Other partners include but are not limited to BRICK, Enterprise for Equity, GRuB, Northwest EcoBuilding Guild, SPEECH, Sustainable South Sound, The Sherwood Press, Thurston Climate Action Team, TCPronet, Transition Olympia-Climate Action. Volunteers are needed for the event and for the working groups. Contact Brian Stafki at (360) 709-3053 or [email protected]. To learn more about Sustainability and Transition Initiative program go to http://www.transitionnetwork.org/support/what-transition-initiative. For more information about the event or to get involved in the planning go to www.TransitionOlympia.org

Sustainability Organizing at the Community Level


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Each year, Earth Day -- April 22 -- marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

The height of hippie and flower-child culture in the United States, 1970 brought the death of Jimi Hendrix, the last Beatles album, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. Protest was the order of the day, but saving the planet was not the cause. War raged in Vietnam, and students nationwide increasingly opposed it.

At the time, Americans were slurping leaded gas through massive V8 sedans. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. “Environment” was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news. Although mainstream America remained oblivious to environmental concerns, the stage had been set for change by the publication of Rachel Carson's New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment for the modern environmental movement, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries and, up until that moment, more than any other person, Ms. Carson raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and public health.

Earth Day 1970 capitalized on the emerging consciousness, channeling the energy of the anti-war protest movement and putting environmental concerns front and center.

The idea came to Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, he realized that if he could infuse that energy with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, it would force environmental protection onto the national political agenda. Senator Nelson announced the idea for a “national teach-in on the environment” to the national media; persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair; and recruited Denis Hayes as national coordinator. Hayes built a national staff of 85 to promote events across the land.

As a result, on the 22nd of April, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common values.

Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, city slickers and farmers, tycoons and labor leaders. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endan-gered Species Acts. "It was a gamble," Gaylord recalled, "but it worked."

The History of Earth Day-April 22nd By: Earth Day Network


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Ecological Footprint Calculator: http://www.earthday.org/footprint-calculator

Earth Day TV: http://www.earthdaytv.net/

EPA Earth Day Resources: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/index.html

RECYCLING INFORMATION Thurston County Solid Waste Department- Where Do I Take My?......Webpage http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/cm/solidwaste/index.asp 2 Good 2 Toss http://www.2good2toss.com/ City of Olympia Garbage and Recycling Information: http://olympiawa.gov/city-utilities/garbage-and-recycling.aspx LeMay, Inc.: http://www.lemayinc.com/index.html Information on Roosevelt Regional Landfill-Where Thurston County Trash Ends Up: http://www.rabanco.com/regional_landfill/default.aspx

SP Recycling (our local MRF): http://www.sprecycling.com/

Washington State Recycling Association: http://www.wsra.net/

Chris Jordan, Running the Numbers: http://chrisjordan.com/gallery/rtn/#moon

Terra Cycle: http://www.terracycle.net/en-US/

COMPOSTING INFORMATION Silver Springs Organics Composting Facility in Rainier: http://www.silverspringsorganics.com/products.html (current list of what can and can’t go into the organics/yard waste bin for Thurston County home collection (does not include City of Olympia policies)

Adventures of Herman the Worm (everything you want to know about worms): http://urbanext.illinois.edu/worms/

WSU sponsored Composting Pages: http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/soilmgmt/Composts.htm

Washington Organic Recycling Council: http://www.compostwashington.org/

US Composting Council: http://compostingcouncil.org/

Seattle Tilth Composting Information http://seattletilth.org/learn/resources-1/compost

Other Earth Friendly Resources & Links


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Mary Robson (Ret.) Area Extension Agent Regional Garden Column Many folks till up a some soil, plant vegetable seed and then wonder why it failed to produce. They planted according to the instructions on the seed packet. They watered, weeded and even fertilized. It's not that the crop was eaten by bugs or wiped out by a deadly blight. It just didn't grow. I've seen this repeatedly and the cause is usually the same. The gardener was in too big a hurry to do a first rate job of soil preparation. Some excellent gardeners say that they focus on growing soil not veggies. This idea of "growing" soil is not really far-fetched. Soil is more than just its mineral component of sand, silt and clay. A good healthy garden soil is actually a complex community of interrelated organisms. This living part of the soil includes bacteria, fungi, nematodes, protozoa and tiny arthropods (insects and their relatives), as well as earthworms and the bigger arthropods that we commonly see. These soil organisms are extremely important. They break down organic residue to release nutrients. Certain bacteria are able to take nitrogen from the air and make it available to your plants. Some fungi form associations with roots and use their extensive network to collect and deliver nutrients and water to the plant. Good fungi and bacteria compete with and suppress the ones that cause plant diseases. These soil organisms also create good soil structure. Ideally, your soil's mineral particles are clumped together in tiny chunks called aggregates. These allow air, water and plant roots to move easily through the spaces between them. The thread-like fungi bind the soil into aggregates and bacteria waste products act like glue to clump the soil. Larger worms and arthropods help soil structure as they burrow and pass soil particles through their gut. You can nurture this web of life in your soil by adding organic matter. Organic waste is the fuel that keeps this system going. Decomposer organisms will break it down and multiply and then serve as food for the predator organisms. There are lots of ways to add organic matter. In a natural ecosystem the ground is usually covered with leaf litter. Gardeners can copy that and spread organic mulch around their plants. Worms and other critters will slowly attack it from below. Then you can till it in at the end of the growing season. The best way to add organic matter is to mix compost into your soil. Compost is already partially decomposed and goes right to work feeding the soil organisms. Try to add about 2 inches of compost a year to keep your soil in peak form.

Growing Soil– Reprinted from http://gardening.wsu.edu


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It's best to make your own compost on-site to recycle your garden wastes. If you haven't produced enough homemade compost, there are lots of commercially available composts that can be purchased. The third and last way gardeners add organic matter is by growing and tilling in green manures. These crops are grown specifically to add to the soil, although they have other benefits. Vetch, field peas, annual rye, fava beans, crimson clover are frequently planted in the fall and then turned under about now. In a couple of weeks they will have decomposed sufficiently to allow planting. (I'm often in a hurry to plant, so I pull the green manure plants out and add them to my compost pile. Then I mix finished compost with the soil and I'm ready to go. Some experts believe this works best and that we should call green manures "compost crops.") Adding organic matter will cut down your need for fertilizer, but it doesn't completely replace it. Have a soil test run every few years to determine your soil's fertility needs. If you don't have time to have a test done, try 5 - 6 pounds of complete organic fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed. (That's about 1 cup per 10 square feet.) Hopefully, you added lime last fall, if it was needed. Lime mixes lots better with a drier soil and takes months to sweeten the soil. Lime should be added in about the same amount as the fertilizer, but only every other year. Again a soil test will tell you exactly what is needed.

Growing Soil Cont...

For a truly inspirational example of building soil and growing food in the most unlikely of places, check out Geoff Lawton’s videos “Greening the Desert” and “Greening the Desert II: Greening the Middle East”. http://permaculture.org.au/2007/03/01/greening-the-desert-now-on-youtube/


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The US Dept of Agriculture has just published a new hardiness zone map for the US based on more complex and recent data. The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones. The new map can be found at: http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov This edition of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) is GIS (Geographic Information System)-based for the first time. This is also the first USDA PHZM that is specifically designed for the Internet. It enables viewers to examine plant hardiness zones at a much finer scale than ever before. For the first time, a very sophisticated algorithm was used to interpolate low-temperature values between actual weather reporting stations. A personal ZIP Code zone finder is also included with this version of the map. Simply type your ZIP Code in the proper box and your zone will be reported.

New data

Zones in this edition of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM) are based on 1976–2005 weather data. A trial check did not find that the addition of more recent years of data made a significant difference in the definition of these zones. Each zone represents the mean extreme minimum temperature for an area, calculated from the lowest daily minimum temperature recorded for each of the years 1976–2005. This does not represent the coldest it has ever been or ever will be in an area, but it simply is the average of lowest winter temperatures for a given location for this time period.

The previous edition of the USDA PHZM, revised and published in 1990, was drawn from weather data for 1974–1986. The longer period (30 years) of data was selected by the group of horticultural, botanical, and climatological experts who led the review of the latest revision as the best balance between smoothing out the fluctuations of year-to-year weather variation and the concept that during their lifetimes, perennial plants mostly experience what is termed "weather" rather than "climate."

What do these updates mean? If your hardiness zone has changed in this edition of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM), it does not mean you should start pulling plants out of your garden or change what you are growing. What is thriving in your yard will most likely continue to thrive. Hardiness zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum temperature during a 30-year period in the past, not the lowest temperature that has ever occurred in the past or might occur in the future. Gardeners should keep that in mind when selecting plants, especially if they choose to "push" their hardiness zone by growing plants not rated for their zone. In addition, although this edition of the USDA PHZM is drawn in the most detailed scale to date, there might still be microclimates that are too small to show up on the map.

Updated USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map


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Microclimates, which are fine-scale climate variations, can be small heat islands—such as those caused by blacktop and concrete—or cool spots caused by small hills and valleys. Individual gardens also may have very localized microclimates. Your entire yard could be somewhat warmer or cooler than the surrounding area because it is sheltered or exposed. You also could have pockets within your garden that are warmer or cooler than the general zone for your area or for the rest of your yard, such as a sheltered area in front of a south-facing wall or a low spot where cold air pools first. No hardiness zone map can take the place of the detailed knowledge that gardeners pick up about their own gardens through hands-on experience.

Many species of plants gradually acquire cold hardiness in the fall when they experience shorter days and cooler temperatures. This hardiness is normally lost gradually in late winter as temperatures warm and days become longer. A bout of extremely cold weather early in the fall may injure plants even though the temperatures may not reach the average lowest temperature for your zone. Similarly, exceptionally warm weather in midwinter followed by a sharp change to seasonably cold weather may cause injury to plants as well. Such factors are not taken into account in the USDA PHZM.

All PHZMs are just guides. They are based on the average lowest temperatures, not the lowest ever. Growing plants at the extreme of the coldest zone where they are adapted means that they could experience a year with a rare, extreme cold snap that lasts just a day or two, and plants that have thrived happily for several years could be lost. Gardeners need to keep that in mind and understand that past weather records cannot be a guarantee for future variation in weather.

Other Factors

Many other environmental factors, in addition to hardiness zones, contribute to the success or failure of plants. Wind, soil type, soil moisture, humidity, pollution, snow, and winter sunshine can greatly affect the survival of plants. The way plants are placed in the landscape, how they are planted, and their size and health might also influence their survival.

Light: To thrive, plants need to be planted where they will receive the proper amount of light. For example, plants that require partial shade that are at the limits of hardiness in your area might be injured by too much sun during the winter because it might cause rapid changes in the plant’s temperature.

Soil moisture: Plants have different requirements for soil moisture, and this might vary seasonally. Plants that might otherwise be hardy in your zone might be injured if soil moisture is too low in late autumn and they enter dormancy while suffering moisture stress.

Temperature: Plants grow best within a range of optimum temperatures, both cold and hot. That range may be wide for some varieties and species but narrow for others.

Duration of exposure to cold: Many plants that can survive a short period of exposure to cold may not tolerate longer periods of cold weather. This articles is reprinted from: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map & Information, 2012. Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Accessed from http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Updated USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map cont.


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THE MASTER GARDENER FOUNDATION OF THURSTON COUNTY wants you and yours to grow with us! Join the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County and assist us in supporting

environmental health through advocating sound and sustainable horticultural practices for Thurston County.

Who we are: The Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County (MGFTC) is a non-profit [501(C) (3)] organization committed to supporting and raising funds for: • WSU Master Gardener Program and Master Composter Program in Thurston County • Diagnostic Clinics • Our three Demonstration Gardens • Gardening workshops and educational programs Members receive:

• Bimonthly news letter (via email)

• Notice of garden activities and events

• Educational and travel opportunities through our Activities and Events program at reduced prices

• Master Gardener CE units for attending educational events

• Great opportunities to cultivate friendships with other like-minded gardeners and composters Foundation voting privileges Membership: Membership is open to all who have an interest in supporting the purposes and goals of the MGFTC. You do not have to be a Master Gardener or Master Composter to be a member of the foundation. Pick the membership that’s right for you and return the attached application form with dues to MGFTC Membership, 5033 Harrison Ave., NW, Olympia, WA 98502. Do not send cash. Or you may drop off at the WSU Extension Office at the above address. Remember, enclose the completed membership forms and payment for yourself and any one else that you know who would like to join us. Forms are available on-line at www.mgftc.org and click Membership and Meetings on the left side bar….it’s that easy. A membership application is on the following page. Help us support a network that cultivates knowledgeable gardening and promotes economic well-being and quality of life for Thurston County citizens. Deborah Welt, MGFTC Membership Chairperson

Master Gardener Foundation Membership News


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Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County

“Helping Gardeners Grow”

5033 Harrison Ave. NW

Olympia, WA 98502

Membership and Sponsor Application

___I wish to be an Individual (MG/MC) or Associate Member of the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County.

Dues of $10 PS calendar year (Jan-Dec) are enclosed. Individual and Associate members may vote and hold

elective office. They may attend Member Meetings, classes and events at no or reduced charge.

___I /we wish to be a Business Member of the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County.

Dues of $25 per calendar year (Jan-Dec) are enclosed. Business members may vote and hold elective office. They

may attend Member Meetings, classes and events at no or reduced charge.

___I /we wish to be a Sponsor of the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County at the level designated below.

A check is enclosed. Sponsor names will be mentioned in the next issue of the newsletter unless otherwise

specified. Sponsors will receive a letter acknowledging their tax-deductible contribution.

___ Friend: $50 - $99

___ Donor: $100 - $249

___ Patron: $250 - $499

___ Benefactor: $500 - $1000+

The Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County is a non-profit

501(c)(3) corporation organized and existing under the provisions of

the Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act (Chapter 24:03 of the

Revised code of Washington) with Tax ID# 91-1898726. Your

contributions are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Today’s Date: ____________

Name/Business Name: ______________________________________________________ Year MG______ Year MC ______

I prefer to have my/our name listed as: ________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________ City, State and ZipCode_______________________

Telephone: ___________________________ E-mail Address: _____________________________________________

I prefer to be contacted with Foundation business information (newsletter, notification of special meetings, etc.) by:

___ E-mail ___ Letter

Make checks payable to: “MGFTC” Mail to: MGFTC Attn. Membership

5033 Harrison Ave. NW

Olympia, WA 98502

Interests: Please tell us the areas which interest you:

___ Plant Sale ___ Foundation Board ___ Newsletter ___ Composting

___ Publicity ___ Website ___ Fundraising

Skills: Please let us know of any special skills or interests you have and may like to share: ______________________

__ Computer __Accounting __ Grant Writing __ Legal __ Crafts __Artist __ Leadership __ Teaching __ Design

__ Heavy Machines __ Plumbing/Irrigation __ Electrical

Master Gardener Foundation Membership Application

The Common Sense Gardener WSU Thurston County Extension 5033 Harrison Ave NW Olympia, WA 98502

Master Gardeners and Master Recycler Composters have many talents to share with the public and with each other. One of those talents is photography! Whether it’s a hobby or a profession, you all have fabulous garden photos to share. If you would like to have one of your photo’s highlighted in one of the upcoming newsletters please send a print to the office or by email at [email protected]. If you want submit a short caption with your photo to describe the image. If you submit a print please make sure you have your name on back of the photo and state if you would like it returned or not. Thanks! Iris taken at Olympia Farmers Market Garden by WSU Master Gardener Gloria Mitchell.

All WSU Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin: physical, mental or sensory disability; martial status, sexual orientation, and status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension Office.

Volunteer Snapshot - March/April/May

Documents

WSU MASTER GARDENERS, MASTER RECYCLER COMPOSTERS, … · 2012-03-16 · The Common Sense Gardener Volume 12, Issue 1 Page 3 Cori’s Corner by Cori Carlton, Program Manager Well 2012