2014 OMGA Mini-College . . . There’s still time to register!

 

Gardeners’ Mini-College is coming up soon, July 12-13, at LaSells Stewart Center in Corvallis and we have a spot waiting for you!  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a wide variety of gardening classes, workshops, and discussion groups and earn Master Gardener recertification credits, too.  But don’t delay; register soon!  Some workshops are already full, and the deadline for ordering lunches and banquet tickets is June 27.

 

But Mini-College is not just for Master Gardeners.  It’s for ANYONE with an interest in gardening!  Please spread the word to your gardening friends and neighbors by participating in the GROW A GARDENER raffle.  Invite a non-MG friend to attend Mini-College and, if both of you register, your name will be entered into the GROW A GARDENER raffle for two free registrations for next year’s Mini-College.   Just ask your friend to type in your name when prompted for a Master Gardening chapter on the registration form.  As a Master Gardener, you can enter more than once by recruiting more than one non-MG friend!

 

And start thinking about what you’d like to do at Mini-College besides attending classes.  We’ve put together an exciting array of tours that we hope you’ll enjoy.  Tours are Saturday 4:30 – 6:00 PM, prior to the social event.  Some tours are right on the OSU campus and some are within a short drive.  Most are free of charge.  Sign up for a tour when you arrive at Mini-College.  Here’s a brief summary of what you can expect.

 

ON-CAMPUS TOURS

·      OSU’s Northwest Native Tree and Shrub Tour

Join a walking tour led by OSU’s Dr. Ed Jensen, author of “Trees to Know in Oregon” and “Shrubs to Know in Pacific Northwest Forests”.

 

·      Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture Tour

Explore OSU’s learning laboratory and demonstration site for sustainable horticultural practices.

 

·      Honey Bee Biology--Laboratory Hive Tour

See the beehive museum and learn about OSU’s current bee research, as well as the challenges facing beekeepers.

 

OFF-CAMPUS TOURS

·      Woodlands Hike at Fitton Green Natural Area

Stretch your legs on a 1.2-mile hike through a beautiful area of prairie and forests led by Benton County Master Gardener, Janet Throop.

 

·      Garden of Gentle Breeze ($5.00 fee)

http://www.gardenofgentlebreeze.com

Enjoy a peaceful, relaxing stroll through a Japanese-styled garden with its creator, Jay Gray.

·      Thyme Gardens

http://www.thymegarden.com

Discover this charming organic herb garden and nursery nestled in the coast range hills near Corvallis.

 

·      Gathering Together Farm

http://www.gatheringtogetherfarm.com

Visit this family farm that produces certified organic vegetables and fruits for local markets, an on-site restaurant, and a CSA.

 

·      Vivacity Spirits

http://vivacityspirits.com

Taste unique gins and vodkas created by the first female owner of a micro-distillery in the Willamette Valley.

 

For more details about Mini-College classes and tours or to register for Mini-College, go to:  http://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/minicollege