November 2017

Jackson County Master Gardener™ Association Celebration Time by Kate Hassen, President Master Gardener 2013

JCMGA through Mail Chimp and all publicity for JCMGA events. Although Cindy is the last person to toot her own horn, I will gladly do it for her. Congratulations, for many jobs done well!

The JCMGA Behind the Scenes ello November. I love this Award went to Barbara Davidson Signature orange Master month of shorter days and in recognition of representing our Gardener badges await longer nights, of colder Association at the OMGA quarterly presentation to the H temperatures and warm evenings by meetings for six years. graduating class of 2017. the fi replace, of hot chocolate and Continued on page 2 foggy mornings, of garden memories and future dreams. On October 7th we celebrated our 2017 Jackson County Master Gardener In November, the trees Graduation and Awards Banquet. Just in case you were unable to attend, here are standing all sticks are the award winners for this year: and bones. Without their The OMGA Jackson County Master Gardener of the Year was given leaves, how lovely they to Cindy Williams for her amazing contributions as our Marketing and are, spreading their arms Publicity chair. She and her daughter, like dancers. They know Melissa Williams, worked with a web designer, Laurel Briggs, to create our it is time to be still. beautiful new website. Please visit it —Cynthia Rylant at jacksoncountymga.org. Cindy also manages all the communication for Celebration by Kate Hassen, continued from front cover...

Barbara manages the Book Garden at Golden Greenhouse Award — Jodi the Spring Garden Fair, has served as Willis for her work as chair of the the chair of the Social committee and Greenhouse committee. on a myriad of other behind the scenes Two non-members were given committees over the years. Thank you, awards for their contributions to our Barbara, for your service. Association: Steve Gies for designing The Class of 2017 Service Award was and building benches and signs for presented to fourteen students this the gardens. And, Steve Hassen for year. Each student was nominated by designing and organizing the crew to multiple committee chairs for their build the tables in the new greenhouse. outstanding service. Hats off to all! We will be enjoying the fruits of their labor for years to come. Thanks, guys. Kathy Apple Rod Bumgardner The Master Food Preservers once again Margaret Clark prepared a delicious meal for all those Jo Daane who attend this year’s celebration. I Karen Finnegan would be remiss if I did not add my Teri House sincere appreciation to those who Rod Kolkow cooked and served it. I love a good Pete Livers potato bar! Heidi Martins And, last but never least, I want to Erik McFarland give a big shout out to the team who Erica Rische-Baird planned and prepared for the evening, Jo Terrell Jane Moyer, Sherri Morgan, Pam Hillers, Juliette Van Weeghel Sandy Hammond, and Cindy Tilley- The OMGA 20-year Award was given in Case. It is their work behind the scenes absentia to: that made an enjoyable evening for Bob Law everyone. Jim Scannell So, as the month of November leads Diane Seitz us into winter holidays and dreams of The JCMGA Golden Award recipients: a new year, I thank all of you for your Golden Guide Award — Regina Boykins contributions to Jackson County Master for her work in revising and reprinting Gardener Association. For it is each and the Month to Month Garden Guide. every one of you who work to make the memories and to make our dreams Golden Ledger Award — Annette Carter come true. ❖ for her work as JCMGA Treasurer. Golden Patch Award — Roberta Heinz for her work in the Children’s Garden. Golden Bug Award — Katy Mallams for her work in the Plant Clinic. Top: Regina Boykins and Jane Moyer Golden Garden Award — Barbara Middle: Larry Clauson receives his Turner and Mona Rausch for their work Master Gardener badge from Kari Gies. in the entry garden. Bottom: Juliette Van Weeghel 2 Celebration continued from previous page... THE BEST GARDENING SYMPOSIUM EVER

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SATURDAY,SATURDA NOVEMBER 4, 2017 9:009:00 ama to 4:30 pm RegistrationRegi Fee (includes lunch) $45 FFreeree Parking RCC/SOU Higher Education Center 101 S Bartlett Street, Medford, Oregon

This 19th annual event will include more than 35 classes covering topics such as soil compositionp and hehealth; building and maintaininging raised beds; ssettinget up a Monarch Way Station;tion; andand mmuch, much more. FoFor registration and payment iinformationn plus full class descriptionsde and schedule: wwwwww.jacksoncountymga.org

StStudentd tD Discountsi t andd ScholarshipsS hl Available

Time to stock up! Bulb Sale Available to Winter Dreams/ Summer Gardens Attendees, November 4. Top: Aryn Duncan and Diane Liguori Sale of bulbs will benefi t our School Middle: Kate Hassen and Marsha Waite Grant Program. Bottom: Jane Moyer and Jody Willis

3 Things to do in the Garden by Julie Engleson, Master Gardener 2012

eye view of the valley in its cloak of many colors. We got some important exercise as well as some catch-up conversation. The woodpeckers were out in full force, and hearing them chatter on the way up the mountain was lovely. Yes, I am grateful I live here in this lovely place, the Rogue Valley where each season is demonstrated without being too extreme. I am grateful I work to improve the soil in my garden, that within a couple of years will grow anything! I am grateful for the “rest” we all get for a month or so, before we will start it up all over again. And I am REALLY grateful to pass on this information, this seasonal knowledge to the next generation. It’s like fi nally sharing your biggest secret: how to grow things in your own backyard. I hope you too will pass the knowledge you’ve gained through the Master Gardener classes on to others. We really do live in a special place, with a special group of people helping us learn ts that time of year again… so much more about growing in the As I look around the yard, the Rogue Valley. I hope you’ll be attending Ineighborhood, and over the valley, the Winter Dreams—Summer Gardens I really enjoy seeing all the beautiful Symposium. What a great time to learn colors. I think we have a tendency to more, meet great people and become forget just how beautiful the seasonal re-excited about the whole gardening changes are here. Recently, I took my process. Invite your neighbors and two grandchildren to Lithia Park to friends; let’s pack the house! play, and the colors along the creek were phenomenal! (We, of course had Have a lovely, festive Thanksgiving to collect some of those leaves to take Season! ❖ home.) Yesterday I took my grandson on a hike on Upper Table Rock. The weather was perfect and again, spectacular colors everywhere! The hike was exhausting but the benefi ts were multiple. We got the red-tails hawks’

4 In the Garden by Maxine Cass, Master Gardener 2015

October segments concentrated on Fall gardening. Sherri Morgan talked about Soil and Fall Garden Must Haves. Erin Krenzer made How to Grow Mushrooms viewer friendly, while Ronnie Budge detailed Planting in Fall for spring harvesting. Bonni Criswell debuted on “In the Garden” to preview her class on Deer Resistant and Still Beautiful. And, Sandy insured that Anna’s hummingbirds can be overwintered successfully. The 2017 season paralleled events, weather, and gardening in the Rogue Valley and beyond. Sixteen speakers braved rain, cold, heat, smoke, winds, equipment failure, screeching birds, and a mourning dove pair raising two sets of young ones within cooing distance of the microphone. “In the Garden” co-chairs, Linda Holder, Maxine Cass, and Sandy Hammond, would like to thank our fabulous, awesome and amazing speakers: Ronnie Budge, Maxine Cass, De Davis- Guy, Erin Krenzer, Kristina Lefever, Robin McKenzie, Sherri Morgan, Jane Moyer, Laurin Parker, Teresa Reavis, Rhianna Simes, and Kenda Swartz (all appeared on air several times each). Kari Gies returned to ITG for Cool Season Gardening in July. Newcomers Bonni ast Friday, “In the Garden” Criswell and Rhonda Nowak rounded Top: Sherrill Morgan talks wrapped up eight and one-half out the 2017 speaker team. about the importance of microorganisms in the soil Lmonths of twice-weekly garden Lastly, we have appreciated the warm and keeping them happy. education for 50,000 viewer households comments from Master Gardeners who on KDRV-TV, Channel 12 Newswatch Bottom: “In the Garden” have seen us on the air. KDRV has 2017 co-chairs, Linda Holder, Midday. Sandy Hammond’s Useful ITG programs online on its Community Sandy Hammond, and Garden Tips capped an impressive 64 menu. Watch them anytime, and please Maxine Cass. presentations in 2017. be sure to join us next year—In the Garden! ❖

5 Upcoming Event Learning Opportunity

Students learn no till gardening methods in Scott Goode’s class earlier this summer.

6 Upcoming Event Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center Pear-a-Palooza A Volunteer Appreciation Event

• Learning Stations • Pear Tasting • Games & Contests • Pear Parings • Refreshments • Door Prizes Save the Date Thursday, November 9, 2017 5pm–7pm Please RSVP Call Sheila or Jackie at 541-776-7371 Location Extension Auditorium 569 Hanley Road, Central Point, Oregon 97502 Admission Free Accommodations for disabilities may be made by contacting 541-776-7371 or [email protected]

7 Gardening Gourmet — A Currant Event by Syd Brown, Master Gardener 2000

It seems July 4th has nothing over that jams and sparkling jellies. However, currants, labeled as “black currants”, of autumn’s annual fi reworks-fi nale of the pure whites are sweet enough to are available at some markets if you the year including that of the radiant swallow right off the bush. want the real thing. currant. With fi ery foliage fl aming fence As for black currants, Ribes nigrum, Fortunately us Oregonians, our state line or forest fl oor, lingering pearl-sized they’re highly esteemed for the isn’t currently on the list of those bedeck delicate branches like aromatics of their fruits and scented banning currant plant propagation. And brilliant jewels. foliage (when rubbed). However, what a blessing that is considering how While coming across the occasional despite their alluring fragrance, these these attractive 3’-5’ bushes can add wild currant bush in higher woodland very astringent fruits are only suitable such glistening clusters of jeweled fruits elevations, we’re more likely to glimpse for culinary usage. with their tart-sweet fl avors as well free-standing garden shrubs offering they’ll grow in sun or part shade and us their opulent leaves. Fortunate even pots. observers may fi nd those fl aunting “Currant plants aren’t Whatever is the size of your garden or their foliage upon espaliered fans, their where you are, you can likely cultivate clustered fruits for all to observe. only ornamentally these lovely plants. So get out soon and Did you know currants are amidst attractive to have in your enjoy their fall foliage and fresh fruits. some 150 known species of fl owering They’ll surely sass up a sauce for pork plants in the Ribes genus that grow garden scapes but grow roast, add jazz to jams and jellies, create throughout temperate regions of the colossal cordials, sweeten your favorite northern hemisphere? No, they’re not very well here.” holiday baked goods, ice cream, and related to the dried “Zante” currant secure a smile on your face. (they’re actually a type of small Purchasing Dried Black Currants cultivar dried for using in baking and So how have we come to believe Zante When purchasing dried currants, either other such treats) found in markets. currants are real currants instead of look at the package label ingredients their truly being small ? Since the Currant plants aren’t only or ask a store clerk if they’re true black early 1900’s currant plants suffered the ornamentally attractive to have in your currants or Zante “currant” raisins. True bad rap of being charged with hosting garden scapes but grow very well here. black’s nutritional levels will be way the culprit disease, white pine blister They’re also delightfully deer-resistant higher then Zante currants. ❖ rust. Thriving without harm within its so you can actually sample fruits not host, it’s passed to surrounding white as readily consumed by such uninvited or other 5-needled pines in the vicinity. grazing guests. After losing many pines in the US to this Although small, currant berries pack disease, cultivation of the true currant lots of punch in many ways; they was outlawed nation-wide. excel nutritionally containing more After started exporting a small C, phosphorous and potassium variety of dried grape, it was thought than any other fruits. Second only to the name “Corinth” mistaken for elderberries with protein and iron, currant hence “Zante Currant” was they’re also lower in than any other born. With this mistaken identity, fruits except nectarines. dried Zante currants replaced the true Currants come in a variety of colors currants that were no longer available. including red, pink, white and black. Not to fret though, as true dried Reds and pinks are usually very tart lending themselves readily to beautiful 8 Peggy’s Propagation Gardening Gourmet, continued from previous page by Peggy Corum, Master Gardener 1989

very day is a grand day when we all get together and work Spiced Currant-Pumpkin Muffi ns Ein the Extension gardens. This year’s Propagation Garden team is an Ingredients incredible group! I encourage all our 2 ½ cups white whole-wheat fl our (or gluten free) with ½ max that can be veteran and new members to come substituted with another kind of whole grain fl our like teff, almond meal, by on our Wednesday work days and spelt, and so forth preferred alternate fl ours become acquainted. In the summer 2/3 cup thick rolled oats (not quick cooking type) season our hours are 8:00 or 9:00 to ½ cup organic raw noon, but now that fall is upon us, 10:00 to 2:00 feels better. Do come by 1 tablespoon baking powder any time you’re in the neighborhood ¼ teaspoon salt and meet our crew. This past year 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon we have had willing workers: Maxine ½ teaspoon ground cardamom Cass, Rebecca Jurta, Teri House, Aryn ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg Duncan, Rebecca Cohn, Ed Hansen and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves a large cog in our wheel, Rod Kollow. (It is said that due to his work ethic, his 1 teaspoon ground ginger ability to be everyplace at once, and his 1 cup cooked mashed pumpkin willingness to help all in need, other 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt gardens are claiming Rod also.) ¼ cup fresh organic lemon juice and zest from one lemon Recently we have been rejoined by 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger root Barbara Steely, an ex-apprentice. She is ½ cup milk (cow, soy, almond or other preferred) a hospice volunteer and has suggested 2 tablespoons extra virgin oil that we propagate vintage shrubs 2 cups fresh currants red or white or 1 cup dried black currants (not Zante) from their new residence (Southern ½ cup chopped toasted , almonds or pecans or a mixture (optional) Oregon Friends of Hospice has recently purchased the Holmes Mansion on 1/4 cup coarse raw sugar Modoc Avenue in Medford.) I’m Instructions currently lusting for a clone of their beautiful pink Kalmia, also known as Preheat oven to 400˚ Mountain Laurel. Wish us propagating Oil or spray with pan release one 12 or two 6 count muffi n pans successes! In a large bowl combine all the dry ingredients (fl our through ground ginger) We’ve had a lot of plants moving out and stir to mix together. Stir together yogurt, lemon juice, zest, ginger root, of our propagation area, but that’s milk and . Pour liquid over dry mix along with currants and nuts if good news as it keeps pushing us to using. Gently fold batter just until mixed. If too dry add a ¼ cup more milk. propagate new little treasures. Have Spoon batter in to muffi n cups and sprinkle tops with coarse sugar. Bake you noticed our low prices? Right now, in preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes until raised and lightly golden most plants are $5.00 each. Strike while and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in muffi n. Cool about 15 the buys are hot! ❖ minutes then remove from pan. Makes 12 muffi ns.

9 From the Editor by Cindy Williams, Master Gardener 2014

rewarding. The really rewarding aspect of my job is dealing with such gifted Gardeners. Not only for their gardening talent but their expertise in writing, art, photography, graphic design, bookkeeping, organizational skills, and for some, the ability to get people to do almost anything without it seeming to be work. Such talent. Whether you realize it or not, we are a growing community. Our voices and good deeds are seen and heard all over the Rogue Valley. JCMGA is known for being well run and we are respected for our dedication to getting a job done and the vast number of volunteer hours we accumulate. So, my friends, be proud of being a Master Gardener because we are a great organization. Remember to share with your friends, family and acquaintances that new classes begin in two months. Let them know, drag any of you know that I sold them in or give them the gift of love for Largest ball of twine, my home and right now I’m Christmas —The Master Gardener Class Cawker, Kansas. Mon the road in an RV. When for 2018. you own land, it must be taken care On the Road Again…Next stop of and when you live on the river that Memphis, Tennessee. ❖ land has unique challenges that must be addressed yearly. Which means you must make sure your plants are healthy, robust and grasses planted seasonally. This lifestyle at times can be a 24/7 job. So, to be on the road not having to mow, plant or water gives me a sense of freedom I haven’t had for six years. Those of you that even have small yards understand this feeling of freedom. I love the responsibilities given to me by the Master Gardener Board and the opportunity I have been given to learn new things is unbelievably

10 Board of Directors Meeting, October 6th, 2017 by Cindy Tilley Case, Master Gardener 2015

Voting Online Pam Hillers, JCMGA Membership Secretary said we should think about voting by e-mail this coming year. She added, Master Gardeners should vote online in the future, but it might require a minor change to our bylaws. The Board discussed if it was a secure way to vote, and Pam said because Master Gardeners must use a password to access our website it would be safe. A motion was made to move toward online voting for 2019. Spring Garden Fair Booth Rates Linda Holder told the Board our booth rates for the Spring Garden Fair (SGF) have been the same for several years JCMGA Elections Greenhouse because we wanted to keep them President Hassen reported JCMGA’s Jody Willis (class of 2003), was happy to reasonable. She added, the SGF Co- election ballots would be handed out to report we received our permits for our Chairs felt we need to make a low, those attending the 2017 Graduation new greenhouse. Jody said this is the incremental raise for our booth spaces. on October 7th. Pam Hillers, JCMGA”s fi nal step to fi nishing our greenhouse The Board voted to raise our fees for Membership Secretary will hand them project which has been ongoing for SGF 2018. out personally as students come in to three years. Several Master Gardener the graduation venue. A ballot box will Next Meeting volunteers worked tirelessly during be available to return ballots during November 10th, 2017 that time to make sure our greenhouse the graduation dinner and ceremony. project was completed. The entire Board Respectfully submitted, President Hassen added ballots for gave a big cheer and a boisterous round Cindy Tilley Case all other Master Gardeners will go of applause for a job well done. Recording Secretary out in regular mail delivery. She said Unfi nished Business ballots must be returned by November President Hassen said because there is a 7th, at which time designated Board vacancy in our President-Elect position, Offi cers will tally the ballots. Newly- our association bylaws state the Board elected candidates will be announced of Directors needs to nominate a former at JCMGA’s November 10th Board of Master Gardener President to fi ll the Directors meeting. position for 2018. Discussions with the Organizational Committee Nominations Committee resulted in Kari Gies gave an excellent presentation Kate Hassen being asked to stay in the to the Board which defi ned how role as our president. Thankfully, Kate our newly-drafted Working Groups has graciously agreed to continue as Organizational Chart will help facilitate JCMGA’s president. A vote was made a clearer understanding of roles, and the Board unanimously chose Kate responsibilities and related information Hassen to lead us through 2018. within JCMGA.

11 ✔ Beet Box Your Calendar Editor ...... Cindy Williams ...... [email protected] Saturday, November 4 Graphic Design ...... Pete Livers and Karen Finnegan Winter Dreams Summer Gardens Photography ...... Cindy Tilly Case, Karen Finnegan, Glenn Risley, Symposium Pete Livers, Lynn Garbert This is a fun one-day conference full of educational classes! For more information go to www. The Garden Beet is published monthly by the OSU Jackson County Master jacksoncountymga.org. Location: Gardener Association, Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, 569 HEC/ RCC More info online www. Hanley Road, Central Point, Oregon 97502. Phone: 541-776-7371 JacksonCountyMGA.org/Calendar Publishing Information: All articles and photos are due by the 15th of the Thursday, November 9 preceding month. Articles should not exceed 600 words. One-time articles Pear-a-Palooza! should be emailed to the editor for review. If a photo needs to be taken, 5:00-7:00pm please contact Kenda Swartz. Photos submitted cannot be less than Location: Extension Auditorium 600x800 pixels. Taste the many varieties grown at Southern Oregon Research and Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, Extension — this is a fun event with lots activities, and materials without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or of delicious pearings! See ad on page 7. disability as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of Saturday, December 16 the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Seasonal Maintenance: Winter Wrap Up Act of 1973. Oregon State University Is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 12:30-3:00pm All information provided by the Garden Beet is believed to be accurate. This Seasons Color Readers must assume all responsibility for their own actions based on this Learn how to keep your garden looking information. Occasionally a product or company may be named in an article good (despite the frost), and what but this does not constitute an endorsement of said product by JCMGA. seasonal maintenance should occur in winter. 4-part series

JACKSON COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center 569 Hanley Road, Central Point, OR 97502

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