Seed Library News - July 2024

 Happy July, Gardeners!

Our Master Gardener Program, Growing and Using Herbs, was quite a hit. One of my takeaways: when thinning out your seed starts do not pull the starts you want to thin, rather cut them with scissors. This way you will not disrupt the delicate root system.

All Things Herbs!

Let Your Herbs Bloom: Creating a Pollinator Paradise In Your Garden

Peaceful Valley had sent out a Tip of the Week regarding herbs and the benefits of letting them bolt in your garden. I found it to be lovely and feel I will want to look into some herbs that I let bloom and another set that I might keep leafing to use in the kitchen.

The article also touched on an interesting aspect, that of creating a rich aromatic sensory feature in your garden. I recently discovered that Oral Hull Park in Sandy has the Gardens of Enchantment, which is a sensory garden that has sections dedicated to each of the 5 senses. I went at the beginning of spring and it was a little too soon as most of the garden was not fully awake yet. If you go, I'd love to hear about your experience.

Upcoming Events - Bee City, USA

Parks and Rec's Amy Lytle is hosting a few events this month that may be of interest. If you would like to know more please send her an email at alytle@ci.sandy.or.us Vegetable Gardening Success A volunteer with OSU Master Gardener Extension Service will teach you all about growing veggies. When: Wednesday, July 10 at 4:30pm Where: Community Gardens at Bornstedt Park (19383 Pine St, Sandy) Bee City Action Group Meeting Want to get involved with the pollinator conservation efforts in Sandy? Join us at the Community and Senior Center to talk about various pollinators and what outreach activities we can plan for the Fall!  When: Tuesday, July 23 at 5:30pm Where: Sandy Community Center (38348 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy) Sunset & Full Moon Hike at Tickle Creek Trail In honor of National Moth Week, Oregon Naturalist, Lecia Schall, will lead a group on a nocturnal hike to explore and learn about the environment at night. Folks are encouraged NOT to bring flashlights, but if an extra light is needed please bring a red or UV (purple) light only. As the sun sets the goal is for eyes to adapt to the darkness. Any bright lights (particularly from phones!) will disrupt this process and they encourage participants to keep their cellphones in their cars. Children 4 and up are allowed to attend with a parent, and teens 13+ can attend. It costs $5 to register and you can register here:  https://cityofsandy.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs?leaguesid=2149 When: Sunday, July 21st at 8:30pm Where: Tickle Creek Trail, exact location to be disclosed closer to the date What I've Been Reading: The Little Gardener by Julie A Cerny This has been one of my favorite books this year. Julie has it laid out in a way that is so visually appealing, and as an educator she really includes engaging content for both the big and littler gardener.  "The best way to connect with nature is to eat it. And everyone eats." "There is something profoundly joyful and deeply fulfilling about being responsible for where our own sustenance comes from, and then sharing that sustenance with others." Julie makes reference to keeping a garden calendar and many of you remember the great calendar we used to have at the Sandy Seed Library. That calendar was put out by Food Hero and it is available as a downloadable PDF now: https://foodhero.org/gardening-calendar There is such a wealth of information in this book that I am almost tempted to give you a mini book report, but I will spare you. -Brianna Clark Want to receive the Seed Library Newsletter each month? Email bchase@ci.sandy.or.us to be added to the newsletter.