Happy February, Gardeners!

I want to thank everyone who made it to our 6th-annual seed swap! It truly was a wonderful event. The smiles and laughter were contagious, and it was a joy to see everyone who left with their arms full of the bounty that was offered.

Stay tuned for the exciting, new collaborations sprouting up in our community and some new seeds being added to the library! Not only do we have donations from the seed swap, but I have received donations from the following nurseries: Baker Creek, Peaceful Valley, Portland Nursery, and Territorial Seeds. With some help from my volunteers, we will get these processed and into the cabinet as soon as possible.

Upcoming Events

Sandy Bee City, USA 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.

When: Monday, February 10, from 6 to 7pm

Where: Sandy Community & Senior Center (38348 Pioneer Blvd, Sandy)

Sandy Garden Club - Garden Pests: Slugs, Snails & Other Slimy Creatures

When: Wednesday, February 5, from 9:30 to 11:30am

Where: The Sandy Grange (34705 SE Kelso Rd, Sandy, OR 97055)

Estacada Garden Club

When: Thursday, February 13, from 1 to 3pm

Where: Estacada Public Library Community Room (825 NW Wade St, Estacada, OR 97023)

Clackamas County Master Gardener Association's

10-Minute University 2025

I have already attended the Greenhouse 101 webinar and am registered for the Gardens as Stepping-Stone Habitats. As a reminder, the videos of previous events will be made available a week after the event, and if you register for it but are unable to attend, the link to the video will be emailed to you directly.

When: Every Wednesday from January 8 to May 14

Where: Virtual - Register Here

What I've Been Reading

Weeds of the Pacific Northwest by Mark Turner

I appreciated that this book clarifies what makes a weed noxious, and that often depends on how it affects agriculture. It explains why English ivy is not on any noxious list as it is primarily found in forests. I think we would all agree that it is invasive at the very least.

It also helped me identify two weeds that are really trying to take over my garden and the best methods of removing them: the small hop clover (Trifolium dubium) and creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens).

Dig In!: 12 Easy Gardening Projects Using Kitchen Scraps by Kari A. Cornell

Using kitchen scraps to grow more food can be fun as an adult, and to bring that wonder to kids is magical.

Have you had any success growing food from your kitchen scraps?

Edible Houseplants: Grow Your Own Citrus, Coffee, Vanilla, and 43 Other Tasty Tropical Plants by Laurelynn G. Martin

I love the idea of having a small tree in my house that provides me limes or lemons. And I have always loved olive trees. Having a houseplant that provides fruit and not just aesthetics is kind of wonderful sounding. Plus, if you do the activity of growing a pineapple from kitchen scraps, as mentioned in the DIG IN! book, now you will know how to care for it!

Rainwater Harvesting in Tanks or Cisterns

The OSU Extension Service put out an article on harvesting rainwater into a tank or cistern, and as many of us are becoming more resource conscience, water is a resource that our gardens need. This article gives you a general idea of when you need to consider permits or hiring a tradesperson for installation. Hint: if you require a tradesperson there is a strong chance you will also need a permit. Below is Oregon's building code book for further clarification.

OSU Extension Service Article