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August 2010
Volume 23 Number 8
August 2010
A Message from our President
Dolores May
We reserved the Gentle Woods Park in Monmouth for this year’s annual potluck picnic on August 18,
at 6:00 p.m. The park has a covered picnic area with lots of tables and an area with playground
equipment. Please bring a main dish, salad or dessert, and tablecloths and extra chairs. We will
provide table service and drinks. Directions from Highway 99: turn onto Church Street E, then left
onto Myrtle Drive or left on High Street N. They both end at the park. Please note that we are meeting
on the third Wednesday because many of us volunteer at the Fair the second week of August.
The Polk County Fair starts August 12. I encourage all members to consider entering one or more of
the wide-ranging categories. Deadlines vary so read the Polk County Fair Book or go online to
http://www.co.polk.or.us/fair. If you want to volunteer from August 11 - 15, call LeRoy Rogers for
Fruits, Nuts and Vegetables, Dona Huffman for Floriculture, or Janelle Graham for clinics.
The July chapter meeting and tour of Dancing Oaks turned out to be a popular event with more than
40 people in attendance. We welcomed 12 guests this month. Advertising our meetings has increased
community participation. Yeah! After the business meeting concluded, we handed out door prizes
donated by Dancing Oaks. People waited eagerly for a chance to win a lovely plant. Then we moved
on to the delicious part of the evening with the Ice Cream Social.
Nearly 80 people attended the Extension Celebration on Sunday, July 18 at the Dallas Courthouse.
Capricorn Catering provided delectable desserts and drinks. Presenters included Jim Clawson, Save
Polk Extension Chairman; Barbara Nichols, Master Gardeners; Scott Reid, Extension Vice Provost; and
Derek Godwin, Polk/Marion County Staff Chair. We thanked the three Chief Petitioners—Bernie Faber,
Karen Lippsmeyer, and Warren Lamb. With their support, we moved forward. The dedicated
pavement-pounding Master Gardeners succeeded in getting more than half of the required signatures
to place the Service District measure on the ballot. Thank you all for your contributions. Let’s focus on
improving our services to the community and increasing our visibility. Please call me with ideas and
suggestions.
Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials – without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status – as required by
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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August 2010
A Message from our President Continued
The Donations Criteria Committee (Judy Nathe, Paul Manka, Dolores May) met on July 19. We found
that the Polk County Master Gardeners donated nearly 25 percent of our income back to community
projects or activities this year. We also looked at what criteria to use when donation requests are
brought to the Board. If the Board approves the criteria, they will be included in the revisions of our
Standing Rules. These will be voted on by the chapter at a future meeting.
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FALL IS THE TIME TO PLANT!
Salem Hardy Plant Society’s 13th Annual Fall Plant Sale
When
Saturday September 11, 2010, 9 am to 3 pm.
Where
Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall – just south of Hwy 22/Hwy 99W
intersection, Main Building, plenty of free parking.
Features
 20+ specialty nurseries
 5 garden art artisans
 Master Gardener consultation
 Tool sharpening by Edgemaster – bring any edge that needs
sharpening!
 Plastic pot recycling – bring all your used plant plastic pots
 Coffee and treats for sale by Rick’s Place
 Cash, checks and credit cards welcome
We have promised the Salem Hardy Plant Society a Master Gardener Clinic this year. We will need 4
people to staff the table throughout the day. The sale is September 11th from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. We
can do 4.5 hour shifts or something less if you want. Just e-mail Janelle Graham, Clinic Chair at
thornhillgardens@netzero.net to let her know when you can work.
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N
August 2010
OTES FROM NEIL
Neil Bell, County Extension Agent
With the advent of warmer dry weather, the
torrent of diseased plant samples which were
brought to the Extension office in April and
May, also, well, dried up. This really was a
banner year for fungal and bacterial diseases of
all kinds, with the usual suspects leading the
way. Black spot on rose, leaf spot on Photinia,
scab on apple and crabapple, Anthracnose on
Plane tree and so on, were all regular visitors to
the office. It seemed to be a good spring for
aphids, too, which must have appreciated all
that succulent new growth that most plants
produced because of the abundant water. So,
it’s good to see the weather warming up and
plant growth more or less returning to normal.
In our own garden, I’ve finally gotten most of
the weeds under control which had proliferated
with all the rain. The rain was kind of a double
whammy, in that it kept them growing longer
than they really would have had the weather
dried up, and it also made the prospect of going
out to pull them less than appealing. I still have
blackberries from the neighbor property
inviting themselves over, so I’ll have to take my
snippers over there and put them back
in their place (temporarily). This
year I probably had to mow more
grass than I can recall, as grass was
one of those plants that
appreciated the constant supply of moisture.
Typically, our un-watered lawn dries up in late
May,
and
my
mowing drops off to nothing in June. However,
here it is mid-July, and though there’s not much
growth, there’s enough to make it
necessary even now. I think I
might finally get a break in
August…
It has not been a banner year in our vegetable
garden, since a lot of the early-seeded crops
really did not emerge well. Exceptions to this
were cool-season crops like peas, greens, leeks
and potatoes, which have grown rapidly. But
the carrots and beets and others did not fare so
well, and so there is a lot more bare soil visible
in the garden than I would like to see. I guess
there is still time to get things planted, as long
as I do it soon!
I’ll have to do my planting soon in any case, as
this year we will be gone from August 13th
through the 29th. We will visit
relatives in Holland for 1 week
before traveling to Lisbon,
Portugal for the International
Horticultural Congress from August 22nd to 27th.
Both Bernadine and I will present at this
meeting. Both of our girls are going with us on
this trip. The last time we took them to Europe
(Holland and the U.K.) was in 2001, so our
travelling this time around will be very
different. It should be an interesting and
energetic trip!
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August 2010
Board & Chapter Meeting Highlights
June/July Board Highlights
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Introduced Derek Godwin, new Polk County Staff Chair at July meeting
Minutes approved
Treasurer’s reports filed
Recommended lab budget increase from $150 to $400 to cover weatherrelated plant diagnosis problems
Donations Criteria Committee formed—Judy Nathe, Paul Manka, Dolores May
Approved up to $200 purchase for two 2-drawer, locking file cabinets
Voted against OMGA metallic logo—we would prefer a garden-related logo
OSU Extension wants to raise awareness to public of Extension services
Miriam Hawk and Shawna Williams are the winners of the Polk County Master Gardeners OSU
Horticulture scholarships for one term each
Recommended purchase of Fairgrounds chipper up to $800
Discussed possible Polk/Marion County locations for Mini-College and co-chairing w/Marion
Mini-College donations collected by Judy Nathe
Print Spotted Wing Fruit Fly information to hand out at clinics and in office
July Chapter Highlights (no chapter meetings in May/June)
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April minutes approved
Treasurer’s report filed
Approved lab budget increase to $400
Discussed future office space needs/wants—please let Dolores May know your ideas
Handed out Marion County Weed booklets—if you want one, call Dolores May
Approved purchase of Fairgrounds chipper not to exceed $800
Due to budget cuts, OMGA Gardener’s Pen will go online for everyone with e-mail, those
without may still receive a paper copy—it costs over $10,000 a year to
mail three copies a year to 3,816 members
Extension Celebration July 18 at 3:00 pm, Dallas Courthouse—all
invited
Tour of Dancing Oaks Nursery, Ice Cream Social
August 18 chapter meeting at Gentle Woods Park in Monmouth—note
third Wednesday
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August 2010
NOTES FROM GAIL
New Days for Master Gardener Desk
The Polk County Extension office has returned to full service, open Monday
through Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00, and 1:00 to 5:00 pm. As of August 2nd, the
Master Gardener desk will be staffed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from
9:00 am to 12:00. I am now in the office Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm, and
Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Recertification
After graduation, Master Gardeners in Polk County are required to complete 12 hours of post-graduate
educational training each year, a process known as recertification. Thus, those who took the training in
2009 are certified for 2010, but must take classes during 2010 to recertify for 2011. Any MG who works
on the desk, at clinics, or serves as a Mentor must be certified. This requirement for veteran Master
Gardeners can be satisfied in a number of ways:
1) Attendance at Master Gardener classes that are approved for re-certification (check the
schedule in the December Polk Weed).
2) Attendance at workshops sponsored by Polk County, or other Counties.
3) Approved classes at Insights Into Gardening in February or Master Gardener Mini-College in
July.
4) Fall Fling 2010 presentations, ‘What’s Soil and Why Compost is King’ and ‘Fall – The Forgotten
Season,’ count for one hour each.
5) Educational seminars or workshops at other institutions – check with Neil regarding the
suitability of the class in question.
6) Attendance at chapter meetings when there is a presentation counts as one hour toward
recertification for each meeting.
7) Take an open book test provided by me. This is a new option this year.
Re-certification is really a form of continuing education, which is common in most professional fields.
Most County Master Gardener organizations in Oregon require some form of re-certification for the
membership. Re-certification hours are entered in the area indicated at the bottom of the orange
Hourly Report form.
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August 2010
Notes from Gail continued
Mini College Scholarships
Scholarships are available to cover the classes offered at Mini-College including
Leadership Day. Just bring a copy of your confirmation to the Extension Office, fill out
the scholarship form available in the Master Gardener file drawer, and turn them in
to me or Pam. If you have any questions, give me a call or send an e-mail.
Trainees and Certified MGs
We have lots of openings at the MG desk from August on. Please call or e-mail me if you are available.
Limited E-mails
If you would like to be on my list of people who receive limited e-mails from the Polk MGs because you
are on dial up, please let me know. You would not receive anything with attachments and no activities
other than Polk MGs.
Photo Forms
Please contact me if you don’t want your picture to be published in the newsletter or online. I have a
form for you to fill out that will be kept on file.
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Joyce Zook’s Garden
Lynne Rainwater’s Garden
Karen Rudelitsch’s Garden
Julie Serdar’s Garden
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August 2010
Many Thanks from Marge Colton
Marge sends her gratitude and thanks to all the wonderful Master Gardeners who sent cards and gave
her phone calls while she has been ill. They have been much appreciated.
FALL FLING IS COMING UP!
As summer days pass, there is still a lot to learn about the fall garden! Registration has started for this
year’s FALL FLING, to be held on Saturday, September 11, at Dallas High School. A registration form is
included in this newsletter to share with a friend.
The speakers and workshops are great, the vendors are fun, and the food will be wonderful, and….
there are prizes! Join other gardeners to learn something new and share as we prepare to take
advantage of our beautiful Oregon fall, in the garden!
This popular event has limited enrollment, and pre-registration is required, so send in your registration
soon! Registration forms are available online at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/polk/mg.
Volunteers are always needed, especially on the day of Fall Fling. If you would like to help, our next
meeting will be August 18, in Room 212 at the Academy Building. Or, if you can’t attend the meeting,
please contact a Fall Fling Committee Member.
 Chair
Linda Yerbick
lyinor@q.com
503 623 2983
 Presenters
Nick Yerbick
nyinor@q.com
503 623 2983
 Workshops
Bill Leedy
b.leedy@minetfiber.com
503 838 2646
 Catering
Gwenn Iott
GwennIott@yahoo.com
503 831 1241
 Registration
Vicki Brink
vickibrink@aol.com
503 831 1373
 Publicity
Arlene Pate
aapate@mac.com
503 362 1828
Joyce Zook
jtzook@comcast.net
503 589 4826
 Facilities
Bill Lenzke
billandcreta@comcast.net
503 589 0547
 Door Prizes
Mary Eiswerth
eisbanc@msn.com
503 831 3316
 Vendors
Christie & Jon
cjfpens@aol.com
503 838 5416
Hendersen
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August 2010
Field Trip to McNeil Point
On Sunday, August 15, from 7 am to 6 pm, John Savage will lead a hike to McNeil Point near
Rhododendron in the Mt. Hood area. This 7-mile hike will take you through lush forest areas to
meadows filled with a variety of mountain wildflowers. To register, call 503-399-8615 after 7 pm.
Sponsored by the Willamette Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society, the hike is free and open to
the public.
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The Burren - A Journey Through Time
On Thursday, September 9, from 7 to 8 pm, Aislinn Adams, Irish-born water colorist and botanical
illustrator, will speak on the Irish limestone wilderness called the Burren. This limestone plateau in
northwest Clare County Ireland has a unique geology that is home to both alpine and tundra plants,
often growing side by side. Adams’ illustrated talk will combine her photographs of the region's flora
with its 5,000-year-old human history. The program will be held at Straub Environmental Learning
Center, 1320 A St. NE, next to Olinger Pool, near North Salem High. It is free and open to the public.
For more information, please call 503-399-8615 after 7 pm.
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Join the work party! Every Friday at the Fairgrounds!
9 a.m. to noon (coffee break and goodies at 10:30)
Please join us; there is something for everyone at the Fairgrounds! The Rose Garden, Annuals Garden,
Butterfly Garden, Native Garden, Cottage Garden, Shade Garden, Vegetable Beds, Orchard and Grapes
and we can’t forget the Highway Gardens! The Highway Gardens will be getting a make-over this year
and next year. It will be fun and a challenge to design the gardens, remove plants, add walkways,
choose new plants, and to do it together!
See you soon!
Nick and Linda Yerbick and the Fairgrounds Crew!
Home 503 623 2983, Cell 503 871 6238, lyinor@q.com
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August 2010
AUGUST 2010 OFFICE SCHEDULE
SUNDAY
1
MONDAY
2
TUESDAY
3
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
4
5
8
9
Jessica Sipe*
10
11
Joyce
Zook
12
Janice Ames*
Janelle
Graham*
15
22
16
Polk
County
FairOffice
Closed
Karen
Rudelitsch*
17
18
19
20
Kyle
Piering*
Lynne
Rainwater*
Lynne
Rainwater*
Jessica
Sipe*
24
25
26
Judy Phipps*
30
Allen
Combs*
Karen
Rudelitsch*
31
14
Polk
County
FairOffice
Closed
Teresa
Othmer*
Janice Ames*
29
13
Allen
Combs*
23
SATURDAY
7
Jeanne
Wheeler*
Kyle Piering*
Carole
Allen*
FRIDAY
6
27
21
28
Kyle
Piering*
Jessica
Sipe*
As of August 2nd , the MG desk will be staffed on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 12:00.
* indicates trainee
Notice to Contributors: Submissions from writers, photographers, and artists are welcome. Deadline is the third Monday of each month
or as indicated in each newsletter. Submit to the editor, Marcia Plass, by e-mail marciaplass@gmail.com. Include your name and phone
number. Contributions may be edited and shortened as necessary.
Polk County Master Gardeners™
Neil Bell, OSU Extension
For Master Gardener Merchandise
Shirley Sloan: 503-838-3355
Horticulture Agent
Gail Miles, Program Assistant
Dolores May, President
Board Meeting – Wednesday, August 4, 1 pm,
Academy Bldg, Room 108.
Chapter Meeting – Wednesday, August 18, 6:00 pm,
Gentle Woods Park in Monmouth.
Membership Dues - $20.00 per year.
Please send inquiries, address changes, and membership
renewals to:
Gail Miles, Master Gardener Program Assistant
Polk County Extension Office
P.O. Box 640
Dallas, Oregon 97338
gail.miles@oregonstate.edu
503-623-8395
Trees to Know in Oregon (color edition) - $13.00
Cuttings Through the Year - $7.00
Mac’s Field Guides: NW Trees, NW Good/Bad Garden
Bugs, NW Park/Backyard Birds - $6.00 each
Coco Lite Bricks - $2.00 each
Master Gardener license plate frames - $1.00 each
Polk Soil and Water Conservation District:
www.polkswcd.org
Polk County Master Gardeners:
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/polk/mg
Newsletter: Marcia Plass @ marciaplass@gmail.com
Proofing/Printing: Dolores May
Distribution: Andrena Freeborn
The Polk Weed is the publication of the Polk County Master Gardeners™ published monthly and mailed to members.
Next deadline is Monday, August 16, 2010.