Registration begins for Gardeners Mini College at Oregon State University

By Judy Scott, 541-737-1386, judy.scott@oregonstate.edu Source: Betty Faller at 541-389-8088 or minicollege2010@gmail.com. CORVALLIS, Ore. – Amateur and professional gardeners, as well as trained Master Gardener volunteers, are invited to sign up for the 27th annual Gardeners Mini College July 28–31 at Oregon State University. Early registration for this popular conference is due June 14 and can be done online. The theme is "Beyond Backyard Basics: The Science of Sustainability.”

Tweet

“Scientific advances are leading us to ever-better practices in home horticulture, and OSU is where it’s happening,” said Gail Langellotto Rhodaback, statewide coordinator for the university’s Master Gardener program. “These advances are taking us beyond the basics of backyard gardening and are increasing our knowledge and understanding of best practices.”

More than 30 classes, tours and workshops on a wide variety of gardening topics will be presented at the CH2M-Hill Alumni Center on campus. Topics include composting, sustainable lawn care, plant problem diagnosis, breeding non-invasive ornamentals, rain gardens and sustainable landscape design and maintenance,

Discussion also will be on protecting natural areas from invasive species, the truth about organic gardening, WaterWise plants in the Willamette Valley, what sustainability means to Oregon and helping protect Oregon’s berry industry from the spotted wing drosophila fly.

Registration is $259 until June 14 and $267 until July 5 and includes all classes, three nights lodging and all meals. Rates also are available for single-day classes and single meals. Register online at: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/mini-college or contact Betty Faller at 541-389-8088 or minicollege2010@gmail.com.

Other events are a silent auction, seed exchange, garden tours, barbecue, awards banquet, onsite OSU Bookstore and OSU Master Gardener chapter sales and displays.

The Gardeners Mini College is presented by the OSU Extension Service Master Gardener program and the Oregon Master Gardener Association, in cooperation with the OSU Extension Service.