Central Gorge Master Gardeners: Of and For the Community
By Sarah Smeby, Central Gorge Master Gardener Volunteer
If you’re reading this, you’re likely familiar with the Central Gorge Master Gardener Association
(CGMGA). But, do you know all the different ways we connect with and support the community?
CGMGA Volunteers take great pride in offering advice and connection to our communities in
various ways. From advice in our plant clinics, to our beautiful demonstration gardens, we love
offering everyone in the Gorge a taste of gardening! Read on to learn about just a few of the
ways we connect with the Gorge community.
Plant clinics
CGMGA Volunteers are available in person, on the phone, and via email. This valuable
resource helps experienced gardeners as well as those learning to garden navigate problems
with their plants and gardens. You can talk to a Master Gardener in person or on the phone
every Monday afternoon and Thursday morning at the OSU Extension Office in Hood River, and
on Saturdays at different locations throughout the gorge. There is a QR code to the plant clinic
schedule below. You can also submit questions to Master Gardeners via our online submission
form, anytime! CGMGA volunteers will research your question and get back to you with detailed
information.
Free Workshops and Events for the Community
The CGMGA offers monthly gardening workshops to educate and engage people. Find the
schedule on our website! We offer learning experiences for topics ranging from tool usage to
seed saving, and more.
Garden Tours
Over the years, CGMGA has hosted biennial garden tours throughout the Gorge. This year we
highlighted 11 front yard gardens in the Hood River Heights and had a wonderful time
collaborating with neighbors as we admired and inspired each other!
Demonstration Gardens:
The CGMGA manages four demonstration gardens in Hood River County, and whether you
know it or not, you’ve probably admired at least one of them in passing! Coordination and
maintenance of these beautiful spaces is one of the ways we spend our time connecting with
each other and the community.
Learning Garden at the OSU Extension office in Hood River
This is actually 10 gardens in one! Just like the name suggests, Master Gardener
volunteers use these spaces to learn, create, and educate. The 10 features in this
location include: a Native Plant Garden, a Curbside Garden, Raised Beds, an Herb
Garden, a Small Space Garden, an Ecolawn, Bioswales, a Pollinator Garden,
Ornamental Grasses, and a Japanese Heritage Garden.
Each feature displays a garden type suitable for the Pacific Northwest, and is (as you
can imagine!) a beautiful space to wander and enjoy the views. Brochures for each
feature are available so you can learn and ponder as you stroll through the thoughtfully
curated spaces.
All these projects are a result of our strong sense of Community and volunteerism, the Central
Gorge Master Gardener Association does this and a lot more! For ways to connect, learn and
grow with us, make sure to visit our website and follow us on social media!
Resources:
Fish Food Bank Website
Plant Clinic Questions
Central Gorge Master Gardener Website
OSU Hood River Extension Master Gardener website.
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