Departing summer hath assumed
An aspect tenderly illumed,
The gentlest look of spring;
That calls from yonder leafy shade
Unfaded, yet prepared to fade,
A timely carolling.
~William Wordsworth
September, 1819
If your enthusiasm and energy for gardening has waned from this summer’s triple-digit temperatures and smoky haze, then September may be just […]
Sarting new outdoor projects can be daunting, whether it’s the sheer size of the task or knowing that starting something is going to be a long and time-consuming commitment.
Projects around the house and specifically yard projects linger in our minds—some get done but others […]
Retaining walls offer stunning aesthetics and down-to-earth benefits by beautifying your home, helping with erosion control and water drainage, and providing privacy to outdoor living areas. Retaining walls also increase the value of your home, which is a great return on your investment.
If you are planning to construct a retaining […]
Here are other Jackson County Master Gardener services offered in August 2015. All are at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, 569 Hanley Road, Central Point.
Why Is My Tree Dying?–Tuesday, August 4, from 7:00-9:00pm: Max Bennett, OSU Extension Service Forester, will offer information about tree care, causes of tree health problems, and how to […]
“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.”–Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden, 1911
Speaking of secret gardens, did you know there are 20 demonstration gardens just five minutes from downtown Jacksonville? It’s true! […]
The Jackson County Master Gardener Association will host “The Lazy Gardener” from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, 569 Hanley Road, Central Point. If you think gardening is too much work, Master Gardener Bob Reynolds will surprise you with tricks he’s learned from more than a half […]
From wall fountains to basin fountains, water features can be stylish and low maintenance, allowing you to create a serene oasis outside your door. Water fountains improve aesthetics, add home value and curb appeal, and establish a sense of balance and harmony in your landscape.
“I judge that the flowers of Lavender quilted in a cap and worn are good for all diseases of the head…and that they comfort the brain very well.” ~ William Turner, New Herball, 1551
Many of the students I teach at Rogue Community College tell me they hope to use their […]
“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.” ~ May Sarton, Plant Dreaming Deep, 1968
I agree that patience is becoming a lost art in our hectic, fast-food, fast-everything lives where […]
The Southern Oregon Lavender Trail (SOLT) comprises four lavender farms and a nursery in the Applegate Valley of Southern Oregon between Jacksonville and Grants Pass. We are local farmers who are dedicated to growing quality lavender, making handmade lavender products, maintaining the Applegate Valley’s agricultural heritage and contributing to the region’s development of a tourism […]
“So, tell me, what is it with mulching?” a good gardening friend asked me recently, as we were planting a second crop of salad greens in the 85° that had given us an early May, Rogue Valley warm up.
“Every garden article I read, every nursery I shop at, and you […]
DIY landscaping projects can be a great way to work outside, gain new skills and increase your home’s value. However, there may be some outdoor projects that are too overwhelming or challenging for the average homeowner.
When considering an extensive landscape project, budget is always a primary concern. The thought of […]
“If the English language made any sense, ‘lackadaisical’ would have something to do with a shortage of flowers.” ~Doug Larson, columnist
My English Composition students are often overwhelmed by the word choices they face when they write an essay. It’s the same with me, as a gardener. When I pour over […]
WHITE CITY, OREGON — Rogue Disposal & Recycling, “Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days” is Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rogue Transfer & Recycling Station, 8001 Table Rock Road, White City.
Jackson County residents can bring in their hazardous waste materials for a $5 charge, which includes […]
Family gardening reaps a host of benefits, but the bottom line is it’s a lot of fun. You’re getting outside, spending time together and creating memories, working toward common goals, and learning communication, responsibility, patience, and the cycle of life firsthand. Family gardening not only teaches your kids, it also […]
Jacksonville Garden Club’s 30th-Annual Spring Sale will be held in downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, May 9th from 10:00am to 2:00pm in the alcove next to the Post Office on Oregon Street. The sale will feature beautiful fresh-cut flowers arranged in vases by Club members. Unusual plants, handmade papers, and cookies, brownies, breakfast pastries, and other […]
“And the Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.”
~Percy Shelley (1792-1822)
For thousands of local gardeners, spring does not merely arise but leaps forth the minute they step into the Spring […]
In recent years, the synthetic grass turf industry has experienced rapid growth despite the slow economy in the commercial and residential building markets. The turf industry coasted through the recession relatively unscathed, propelled by growing demand primarily due to advancements in quality and cost reduction efforts by sporting venues, municipalities, […]
Cindi Hickey, owner of Blue Door Garden Store, relocated her quaint retail garden and gift shop in early April to 130 W. California Street. Since 2008, the shop had been located on North 3rd Street, just stepping stones away. “The chance to move into a much larger, higher-profile space wasn’t in my plans when I […]
Hardscapes encompass landscape components such as pavers, concrete, stone, brick, block or wood. As an industry, hardscaping saw significant growth in concurrence with the U.S. economic downturn when people started looking at outdoor living spaces in unconventional ways. Rather than spending hard- earned dollars on expensive get-away vacations, Americans began […]
During classes there will also be a sandbox, treasure hunt, and some kid friendly activities (children are still under parents supervision) as well as hot coffee and refreshments.
*denotes kid friendly class, bring your […]
The OSU-Jackson County Master Gardeners™ will host three classes in February from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays at the OSU Extension Service Auditorium, 569 Hanley Road, Central Point. The cost of the classes is $15 each; it’s free for certified Master Gardeners. The classes are also eligible for MG recertification. There will be outdoor […]
As winter approaches and the days get shorter, a perfect way to brighten your landscape is by adding a low voltage (LV) lighting system.
Though outdoor lighting is also very practical for security reasons, it’s also a great way to create an ambience that enhances your property and creates definition. By […]
Contemporary autumn gardens are greatly brightened by the sundry colors of cultivated chrysanthemums (C. X morifolium); however, their name comes from the Greek words ‘chrysos’ (gold) and ‘anthos’ (flower) because native species in China were just yellow. For a time, only the nobility in Old China were allowed to grow the sacred chrysanthemum, and the […]
Jacksonville is a wonderful place to enjoy fall colors! If you’ve lived here very long, you’ve probably identified your favorite tree for fall color, whether in your own yard or somewhere in town.
This month, we’ll have a show that lasts several weeks thanks to the large variety of deciduous trees […]
Summer is definitely here with temperatures commonly soaring above 100 degrees, making it a challenge to keep our landscaping and lawn looking green and healthy. With current summer conditions, the demand for water can be extreme but there are ways to keep your water use low and your landscape looking […]
Ordinarily, one’s reason for installing a retaining wall is for pure function, but in many cases, retaining walls can add depth, beauty and interest to a sloped or steeply-graded area.
There are many options when choosing materials for a new retaining wall. The style, color, and texture are all important but […]
It’s easy to add splashes of color to empty and challenging spaces on patios, porches and decks. This time of year, with flowers and landscapes in-bloom all around us, open spaces on patios, porches and decks can be challenging to soften due to a lack of color and/or greenery. One of […]
Most of us in Jacksonville love having a thick, lush and beautiful lawn! This is a great time of year for planning, preparing and implementing turf care. Here are a few spring tips that will make your grass healthy, green and lush.
Most of us are familiar with natural fertilizers and […]
After a record-setting dry and cold winter with little-to-no precipitation and some of the coldest consecutive days on record, it’s a good idea to check how your plants have fared.
We’ve barely received enough moisture to keep temperamental plants alive through this dry winter. I found myself watering some of my […]