Master Gardeners host ‘Open Garden’ day

INCLUDES GARDENING VIDEO | Find out why these gardening enthusiasts, some of them from outer East Portland, were thrilled to host this public event …

Many folks from outer East Portland flock to the “Open Garden” put on at Multnomah County’s Master Gardener Demonstration Garden.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Volunteers from the Multnomah County Master Gardener (MCMG) Demonstration Garden looked ecstatic as they welcomed the public back to their first “Open Garden” in more than two years, on August 20.

During the four-hour midday event, some 125 visitors trekked to the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood to roam the well-groomed garden.

At the “Ask-a-Gardener” booth are Master Gardeners Laurie Shentalevenn, Jack Lazareck, and Debbie Haas.

One of the dignitaries attending that day, OSU Community Horticulturist Weston Miller – who manages the Master Gardener organization – told visitors about the program.

“This is a community service program in which we train volunteers to serve as community educators. They help pass on sustainable gardening information to the community,” Miller explained.

“And the Demonstration Garden is a fabulous place – not only where our volunteers can learn, but where the general public can come and get information also,” he noted.

MCMG member Linda Goldser welcomes guests to their garden.

“Community members from all over the city came to speak with 28 Master Gardeners about things that go right – and wrong – when they’re growing edible and landscape plants,” MCMG member Linda Goldser told East Portland News afterward.

Caution: This video may grow on you!

“It was wonderful to finally have an event to which we could again invite the public to join us after the pandemic!

“We hope that seeing our edible beds, pollinator areas, and beneficial insect meadow were helpful – and that our xeriscape and dry farm beds, children’s garden, herb bed, and other features have inspired visitors’ plans for their own homes and gardens,” Goldser mused.

Master Gardener Robbie Veltman answers questions from visitors throughout the “Open Garden” day.

Find out more about the Multnomah County Master Gardeners by visiting their official website: CLICK HERE.

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