Metro Natural Gardening Workshop Schedule, Summer 2011
Metro’s FREE natural gardening workshops have been announced and are happening through September around the Portland metropolitan region. The workshops are just one part of Metro’s natural gardening program, which offers a range of free resources to the community about how to garden without harmful chemicals and protect our kids, our pets and our waterways. You can find instructional videos, free publications, coupons to local gardening stores and more at www.oregonmetro.gov/garden.
Gardens of eatin’: basic vegetable gardening
Saturday, July 16th, 1pm, Cooper Mountain Nature Park, 18892 SW Kemmer Road, Beaverton, OR 97007
Want to grow organic food but not sure how? Boost your garden IQ with simple steps to success. From picking edibles for the right spot and season to prepping the soil and watering waste-free, get the skinny on weeding, managing pests and growing a bountiful garden without toxic chemicals. Plus, learn where to find plants, seeds and more tips for easy organic gardening. Led by regional gardening expert Glen Andresen. Free event includes complimentary coupons and publications. Advance registration required; callTHPRD at 503-629-6350. Hosted by Metro, Oregon State University Extension Service and Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.
Gardens of eatin’: edible landscaping
Saturday, July 30th, 10am, Hughes Water Gardens, 25289 SW Stafford Road, Tualatin, OR
Get the skinny on blending edibles and ornamentals for a delicious low-maintenance landscape. Discover salad-boosting herbs and flowers, fruit trees for small spaces and native plants that hide ‘berried’treasures. Learn easy organic care methods and best varieties for blueberries, strawberries, tree fruits, grapes, kiwis, culinary herbs and more. Led by garden expert Jen Aron. Free event includes complimentary coupons and publications. Advance registration required; call Hughes Water Gardens at 503-638-1709. Hosted by Metro, Oregon State University Extension Service and Hughes Water Gardens.
Grow a greener green lawn
Saturday, July 30th, 10am, Metro’s Natural Techniques Garden, 6800 SE 57th Ave., Portland, OR 97206
Looking for easy, sustainable ways to keep your lawn looking great? Learn the latest on establishing, renovating and maintaining turf that meets your needs. Get time-tested tips practiced by golf course superintendents for mowing, mulching, watering and managing weeds without toxic chemicals. Discover eco-lawns, and learn where to get more information on low-input lawn care. Led by Oregon State University horticulturist Weston Miller. Free event includes complimentary coupons and publications. Advance registration required. Follow the registration link below, or call 503-234-3000. Hosted by Metro and Oregon State University Extension Service.
Gardens of eatin’: basic vegetable gardening
Sunday, July 31st, 1pm, Flat Creek Garden Center, 30039 SE Orient Drive, Gresham, OR 97080
Want to grow organic food but not sure how? Boost your garden IQ with simple steps to success. From picking edibles for the right spot and season to prepping the soil and watering waste-free, get the skinny on weeding, managing pests and growing a bountiful garden without toxic chemicals. Plus, learn where to find plants, seeds and more tips for easy organic gardening. Led by regional gardening expert Glen Andresen. Free event includes complimentary coupons and publications. Advance registration required; callFlat Creek Garden Center at 503-663-4101. Hosted by Metro, Oregon State University Extension Service and FlatCreek Garden Center.
Water less, save more and keep your garden green
Saturday, August 6th, 10am, Clackamas Community College, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City, OR 97045
Want to save on your water bill? Discover the secrets of low-maintenance plantscaping with beautiful, water-wise plants. Learn how soil amendments, mulch and proper planting save water and preventpest problems without toxic chemicals. Plus, get the basics of efficient irrigation using sprinklers, soaker hoses or a drip system. Led by regionalgardening expert Glen Andresen. Free event includes complimentary coupons and publications. Advance registration required. Follow the registration link below, or call 503-234-3000. Meet in Clairmont Hall room 117. Hosted by Metro, Oregon State University Extension Service and Clackamas Community College.
Grow a greener green lawn
Saturday, August 13th, 10am, Washington Co. Fair Complex Demonstration Garden, 882 NE 28th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97214
Looking for easy, sustainable ways to keep your lawn looking great? Learn the latest on establishing, renovating and maintaining turf that meets your needs. Get time-tested tips practiced by golf course superintendents for mowing, mulching, watering and managing weeds without toxic chemicals. Discover eco-lawns, and learn where to get more information on low-input lawn care. Led by Oregon State University horticulturist Weston Miller. Free event includes complimentary coupons and publications. Advanceregistration required. Follow the registration link below, or call 503-234-3000. Use the Cloverleaf entrance to the fair grounds on Northeast 28th Avenue immediately across from 809 NE 28th Ave. Hosted by Metro, Oregon State University Extension Service and Washington County Master Gardeners.
Native plants for birds, bees and butterflies
Saturday, Aug 20th, 1pm, Cooper Mountain Nature Park, 18892 SW Kemmer Road, Beaverton, OR 97007
Eager to see beneficial birds, butterflies and gentle native bees? Discover how beautiful native plants can bring these allies toyour yard, helping fight pests and improving garden productivity. Learn which natives might be right for your yard and how to plant and care for them without harmful garden chemicals. Plus, find out where to get native plants in yourarea. Led by garden writer Lisa Albert. Free event includes complimentary coupons and publications. Advance registration required; call Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District at 503-629-6350. Hosted by Metro, Oregon State University Extension Service and Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.
Intro to rain gardens
Sunday, August 21st, 1pm, Pistils Nursery, 3811 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 97227
Interested in building a rain garden to soak up stormwater runoff? This workshop introduces the steps involved in designing and building a rain garden including site assessment, testing soil drainage, sizing a rain garden, construction, picking rain garden plants, and maintenance. Led by East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District’s Candace Stoughton,Sustainable Urban Landscapes – Low Impact Development Specialist. Free event includes complimentary coupons and publications. Advance registration required; call Pistils Nursery at 503-288-4889. Hosted by Metro, Oregon State University Extension Service and EMSWCD, and Pistils Nursery.
Healthy soil for healthy plants
Saturday, August 27th, 10am, Metro’s Natural Techniques Garden, 6800 SE 57th Ave., Portland, OR 97206
Got a lackluster landscape or veggie garden? Learn how to turn any soil into a fertile bed for roots using all-organic methodsthat help plants thrive without costly chemicals or harmful runoff. Plus, learn how to ‘read’ your soil, prep it for planting and how to use slow-release fertilizers, compost and other soil amendments. Led by garden expert Jen Aron. Free event includes complimentary coupons and publications. Advance registration required. Follow the registration link below, or call 503-234-3000. Hosted by Metro and Oregon State University Extension Service.
Native plants for birds, bees and butterflies
Saturday, September 10th, 10am Clackamas Community College, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City, OR 97045
Eager to see beneficial birds, butterflies and gentle native bees? Discover how beautiful native plants can bring these allies to your yard, helping fight pests and improving garden productivity. Learn which natives might be right for your yard and how to plant and care for them without harmful garden chemicals. Plus, find out where to get native plants in your area. Free event includes complimentary coupons and publications. Advance registration required. Follow the registration link below, or call 503-234-3000. Meet in Clairmont Hall room 117. Hosted by Metro, Oregon State University Extension Service and Clackamas Community College. Led by gardenwriter Lisa Albert.
