Master Gardeners host ‘planting’ class in Brentwood-Darlington

Here’s why ‘green thumbed’ come to volunteer with, and learn from Multnomah County Master Gardeners …

In the Multnomah County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden, newcomers to the organization meet one another, and seasoned volunteers.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Unusual weather, including that freak April “snow day”, haven’t stopped the Multnomah County Master Gardeners Association (MCMAG) from working in their Demonstration Garden, across the street from Lane Middle School, in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood.

Along with longtime members of the organization, several new folks were in the garden when we visited on Saturday afternoon, April 23.

Showing a cutting that will be used in her “Propagation Workshop”, here’s Linda Goldser, Director of the Multnomah County Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden.

“Today we’re having a workshop for our 2020 and 2022 trainees – it was delayed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained MCMAG Demonstration Garden Director Linda Goldser. “In our ‘Propagation Workshop’, we’ll be demonstrating and teaching how to propagate plants by seeds, and by stem and leaf cuttings.

“All gardeners would like to know how to propagate plants; and propagating plants is cheaper, but not faster, Goldser told East Portland News. “Actually, you can get clones of shrubs and other plants by using stem cuttings.”

With newcomers gathered around, MCMAG Marilyn Frankel provides an orientation talk for the group.

So far this season, she said, “In March, we started planting our crops and putting up a lot of row cover canopies – they’re like tunnels – because the weather has been sporadic, with everything from cold temperatures to hail, Goldser pointed out. And, we’ve already had one harvest of lettuce!”

And if you have an interest, the Multnomah County Master Gardeners are accepting new volunteers. Learn more about the organization and what they do, at their website: CLICK HERE to open it.

© 2022 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™

 

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