OSU Master Gardener state conference open to all

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Stellar speakers, inspiration and new friends await gardeners attending the Growing Gardens conference July 13-14 at Linfield College in McMinnville.

The event, presented by the Oregon Master Gardner Association in cooperation with Oregon State University Extension Service, was formerly known as Mini College.

A wide range of speakers are in store, including Thursday’s keynote speaker Philip Mote, who will talk about what climate change means for gardeners. Mote is director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute and professor in OSU’s College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences.

On Friday Gail Langellotto, statewide coordinator of the OSU Extension Service Master Gardener program, will share a vision for the role of gardening in environmental sustainability and public health.

In 38 sessions – yes, you have to pick – you’ll learn about everything from orchids and plant identification to dwarf conifers and rain gardens. Some are hands-on workshops, including building a birdhouse and creating table centerpieces. There are four tours to choose from as well. Check out the OMGA website for a full listing of classes as well as bios of each speaker.

Registration is open and starts at $96 for the two-day conference with extra costs for breakfasts, banquet, tours and workshops. You can go to just one day for a reduced price. Dorm housing is available on campus.

“The Growing Gardeners conference is a fantastic opportunity to learn from Oregon State faculty, and other experts in the field of sustainable gardening,” said Langellotto, professor in the Department of Horticulture. “The venue is relaxed and welcoming. The class offerings are diverse. There really is something for everyone.”