Beth grew up in Austin, Texas, an environment that she describes as ever changing and challenging for gardening. Her mother had many indoor plants, but the climate was inhospitable for outdoor gardens. Beth’s mom “always had a garden and it always struggled.” Beth remained in Texas into her mid-40’s. She and her husband David attempted to grow different outdoor plants but the extreme weather and deer often put a kibosh on their efforts. Eventually, Beth realized that the only plants that thrived in her garden were native. Decidedly, the lawn was removed and the entire outdoor space filled with native plants and pollinators. In between Texas and Oregon, Beth and David lived in Petaluma, California. At that time, Beth realized that she was in a very different climate and began experimenting with growing food. The coastal climate allowed for “not too hot and not too cold, everything grew there.” Beth became interested in permaculture, had chickens, fruit trees and grew vegetables. In California, Beth recalls excitedly buying baby plants and planting seeds, but then feeling confused about their repeated annihilation. She quickly discovered the presence of giant snails, and later found out that there were many more than she could have imagined since they are apparently nocturnal. Fortunately, the chickens were thrilled to take on the task of eating every snail that they could find and Beth’s garden thrived. Beth and David moved to Oregon from California about 12 years ago. Their 10-year temporary Hood River home was on a steep lot on the north side of a hill. It had been used as a rental, “and did not have a loved garden.” Beth felt challenged by the landscape and found Master Gardeners for inspiration and education. Not only did she find inspiration, but “I found my people.” Her favorite part of the program is “the community.” Beth describes gardeners as “very optimistic people.” She encourages master gardener trainees to “stay involved. The first year there is so much coming at you. You get a little bit, but if you keep coming back you get a deeper understanding.”Beth is an active member of many community organizations. Fortuitously, she attended a few charity events at her current home as a guest. Beth and David had been searching for a decade for their forever home in Hood River. Since she was familiar with her current home, Beth immediately contacted her realtor an hour after the home was listed for sale and their offer was accepted by the end of the day. She and David are still in the process of visualizing their garden, which is “basically on solid basalt.” Beth excitedly bought several bulbs the first year in her current home and could not in fact dig a hole.
For this interview, Beth graciously invited me to her beautiful bluff home overlooking the Columbia River. The windy location and Beth’s inclination toward fire-wise native plants obviously influences her stellar gardening choices. I was fortunate to view this scenic landscape in the early spring with daffodils and tons of garlic sprouts, which Beth “sticks everywhere.” She and David also grow food in raised beds, side by side with pollinators and herbs. Beth is a retired chemical engineer. She went to school in Austin and worked for 30 years for 3M, mostly traveling and working for startups. Beth loves traveling and has spent time all over the world. Last year she went to the Cook Islands and Greece, where she appreciated the warmth and kindness of the locals. When she moved to Hood River, she worked part-time with contract work but has since retired. In her spare time, she has volunteered with multiple organizations, including; Master Gardeners, Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association (current president-elect), Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute/Discovery Center, Master Naturalists, Friends of the Gorge, Hood River County Democrats, and Get Out the Vote Program. Additionally, Beth plays the ukulele every week with a local group of musicians. As a Master Gardener, Beth has been involved with multiple projects. She especially enjoys the plant sale and the FISH food garden. She loves the library garden because it is water-wise, full of bees, hearty, and one of the most outward facing gardens for the community to learn from. Beth encourages gardening with native plants, mindfulness of water, and growing food. Beth is inspired “by people who care about the environment, the land and conservation. People who make an impact that goes beyond their life.” Well said, Beth. Thank YOU for your considerable contributions to this community.
Written by
Kellie Oosterbaan
Leave a Reply