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Spring is finally here and with our occasional sun breaks and milder temperatures we are ready to think about this season’s gardening. Even the smallest patio or porch can boast a crop of vegetables or a garden of flowers in containers. Container gardeners are limited only by their imagination! An OSU Extension Master Gardener will share tips and techniques for planning and planting your container gardens. They will cover some basics, dispel some myths and inspire you with container gardening ideas.

Bees, including honeybees, mason bees and bumblebees, are one of our most important pollinators. Loss of habitat, pesticide use and more have caused stress of their population. An OSU Extension Service Master Gardener will share how you, as a gardener, can make a difference. Topics include types of common bees and their needs, good plant choices and more.

An introduction to creating a safe and supportive landscape for birds in your yard. It covers bird biology and behavior; what birds need to survive and raise their young; how best to provide food, water, and shelter; dangers to birds and how to prevent them; and resources for further learning.

While gardening with native plants today is more popular than ever, gardeners often wonder how to best use them in the landscape. This presentation explores what makes a plant “native”, situates native plants in the context of native ecosystems, and adopts those ecosystems into concepts for the home garden. It also discusses where to obtain native plants and lists relevant resources.

We may know that putting some effort into improving and maintaining our soil is going to pay off in the long run by reducing our need for additional fertilizers, supporting healthier plants and creating a more satisfying experience for us as gardeners. But how do we do it? An OSU Extension Service Master Gardener will give you the “dirt” on good soil. Practical tips and techniques on how to improve your soil’s texture and structure, the use of compost and mulches, cover cropping and more will be discussed.

Want to learn more about one of Natures most eloquent creations? The Japanese Maple is a plant that has dozens of roles in the garden. From centerpiece, focal point, companion, container and bonsai specimen, or simply in a grove, these exquisite trees bring tremendous enrichment to any garden or forest. Learn about the Acer genus, including some exotics, our natives, and of course the Japanese Maples. Will discuss varieties and some specific cultivars known for their outstanding traits. Will also review hardiness, soil and nutrient requirements, water and light requirements, planting and transplanting, propagation, pest and diseases, pruning, container gardening and bonsai.

A garden with no pests, no diseases and no problems! Although it’s a sweet dream, it is seldom a reality. An OSU Master Gardener will share information that will help reduce or decrease the chances of developing problems and provide non-synthetic methods for dealing with them if they do occur. Topics will include Integrated Pest Management strategies for pest control and gardening practices that help prevent diseases in your garden.

Expands the term pollinators and why they matter beyond bees to include butterflies, moths, beetles, birds, among others.  Includes suggestions for developing pollinator habitat based upon flower traits and bloom time diversity selecting among native and non-native plants, annuals, perennials, culinary herbs and field cover crops. Topics provide ideas for questions to consider asking while shopping for plants at plant sales and nurseries by asking questions about growing and caring for your plants, and general considerations and challenges to managing a pollinator garden.

Often new vegetable gardeners, dreaming of lush, productive gardens, are frustrated with their lack of success. Don’t let that be you! An OSU Extension Service Master Gardener will walk you through the process of starting your own vegetable garden. They will talk about site selection, soil preparation, planting times, water and fertilization needs as well as general garden maintenance. Focus will be on the spring and summer gardens.