All sorts of garden-related stuff (and more) coming up in February and March – shared out by ERIKA JOHNSON,  Clark County Master Gardener Program Coordinator!   Some are free, some cost $$, some require pre-registration, some are on-line.

Minimizing Health Risks in the Garden – a Great Read on Watching for Potential Hidden Risks for Gardeners

This Royal Horticultural Society article offers a commonsense approach to reducing potential risks posed by plants or diseases and ensuring we are able to continue to enjoy the health benefits of gardening; https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/health-and-wellbeing/minimising-health-risks-in-the-garden

Pollinator Posse Workshop – Feb. 22

You’ve likely heard about the recent decline in bee populations. And you probably know that bees and other pollinators play an essential role in food production – making possible, development of all variety of fruits, vegetables, coffee, chocolate, beer and wine and more.  Did you know that you play an important role in helping to support our local native pollinators?!

There are simple actions you can take to provide food, shelter, water and space for a wide variety of beautiful and interesting-to-watch pollinating insects and birds. And the bonus is a beautiful addition to your home landscape.  Join the Pollinator Posse! This introductory level, small, interactive, group learning session put on by the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program will introduce you to our pollinators and the plants upon which they depend. Get ideas on how to start a pollinator garden.

This is an introductory workshop. Some movement around the space is involved as this is an interactive event. Saturday, February 22 from 3 to 5:30pm at the Camas Library (625 NE 4th Ave., Camas, WA 98607). Free. Space is limited. Registration required at https://camaspl.librarycalendar.com/event/pollinator-posse-14850. Put on in partnership with Clark County Public Health Green Neighbors Program. Participants will receive flower seeds to take home. Bee the Change.

Mason Bees-Ultimate Spring Pollinator! Presentation – Feb. 25

Would you like to attract mason bees into your backyard? This presentation by WSU Clark County Extension Master Gardener Anne Bulger will prepare you to host these non-aggressive native bees with research-based information about their lifecycle and habitat and how you can provide the perfect home for them on your property. An added bonus? Learn about our mid-late season native bee pollinators, the innocent Leafcutter bee! Feb. 25 from 6pm to 7:30. Zoom link Advanced registration at https://wsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIod-2uqjkvH9RTDzvgjAmIJNk7eaABQghV. (Please note: you must have a (free) Zoom account in order to attend.) For more information: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

Grape Pruning Workshop – March 1

Imagine having sweet and colorful table or wine grapes growing right in your own backyard.  And what if you could start your own vines through cuttings taken from other vines? Grapevines are wonderful producers of luscious fruit, but they require consistent annual pruning to be at their best.  Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardeners for a hands-on workshop on young (1- to 3-year-old) grapevine pruning and propagation.  Participants may take cuttings home if desired.

Step one: view a short video from the comfort of your home. Step two: join us in-person at our demonstration vineyard to practice your skills. This entails a 5 – to 10-minute walk up a steep hill. Those with mobility issues may drive. Dress for the weather and bring water, garden gloves, and a pair of sharpened loppers or hand bypass pruners if you have them. This event is fully outside.  Space is limited and participants will work in small groups.

Saturday, March 1 from 10am to noon. Cost: $10. No admission without advance registration at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1107243006639?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more information: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

Grow Your Own Kiwifruit; It’s Easier than you Think Workshop – March 22

Did you know you can grow delicious, nutritious kiwi right here in your Pacific Northwest backyard? You can! If you’ve got a sunny spot 30 by 15 feet in size or more and are willing to construct a strong trellis, you can enjoy an abundance of this tasty fruit loved by adults and kids alike. Join the WSU Extension Clark County Master Gardener program for an experiential workshop on getting started on your own kiwi growing adventure, Saturday, March 22 from 10 to 11:30am in Vancouver, WA. (Exact location provided upon registration.)

We’ll start out indoors and then move out to our kiwi demonstration site. Dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes and bring water. We’ll be standing and walking. No admission without advance registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1112910097059?aff=oddtdtcreator. Cost: $10. For more information: (564) 397-5738 or Erika.d.johnson@wsu.edu. Visit us online at https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/workshops-events/.

2025 Environmental Film Series: Native Seeds: Supplying Restoration – March 25

The Vancouver Watershed Alliance is holding its 10th annual environmental film series. Native Seeds: Supplying Restoration is a nine-part video series that explores the native seed supply chain in the western United States. Filmed over four seasons, this series weaves together footage of seed collectors, farmers, researchers, and land managers working to scale up the supply of native seeds to meet the growing restoration demand. We see the staggering scale of damage to vast landscapes and meet tenacious people who are finding creative, scrappy solutions to restore ecosystems. March 25, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm at 901 C St., Vancouver, WA 98660. Pizza (including gluten friendly/vegan options) will be provided. A water station will also be available. Please help us reduce waste by bringing your own water bottle. Learn more about the film and watch a trailer here. Please register in advance here. This film series was made possible by Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries, Clark County Green Neighbors and PeaceHealth.

Cascade Gardener Classes – Many – Online!

The Cascade Water Alliance is a Puget Sound area organization whose mission is to provide water supply to meet current and future needs of its members in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner through partnerships, water efficiency programs, acquiring, constructing and managing water supply infrastructure and fostering regional water planning. They also offer lots of free gardening classes (online!) to help you have beautiful, healthy landscapes while using water efficiently. Visit https://cascadewater.org/water-efficiency/cascade-gardener/ to see their 2025 offerings.

These are NOT Garden Club events, but, we are happy to share them with all!

[Image:  BR]