Under Construction
My Climate Zone
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USDA Plant Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b -
Sunset Climate Zone
Zone 6 -
City
Portland -
State
OR -
Zip Code
97233 -
Country
Multnomah
Gardening Background
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Biographical Information
Transplant from the Rocky Mt states. Graduated from Hillsboro Sr. High in Hillsboro OR 1974. Garden with my folks as a child but in 1992 began to really get serious...quit my desk job and ran head first into the garden. Have worked at Portland Nursery, Oregon Trail Gardens, Pleasant Valley Greenhouses, Zimmerman Heritage Farm Volunteer Garden Curator, East Multnomah County Herb Society Co Founder. Am halfway through my hort. degree which looks like it will never be completed. Have taught gardening classes off and on for the past 5 years.
I live with my husband of 18 yrs...the man who helped me build my garden and it's structures, have a grown son, 3 granddaughters and a community volunteer.
My Mulch Profile
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Occupation
Garden Instructor/speaker -
Gardening Ability
6 - Gardening Professional -
What is a garden myth you hear frequently which you know is untrue?
The moles are eating my flowers! -
And, what is the reality?
A mole's diet is primarily worms and grubs and maybe some (less than 24%) of the roots/bulbs in their runs. The culprits eating the plants are more than likely voles or rats that travel in the mole runs. If the damage is above ground it could be rabbits. -
What is your favorite gardening outfit or costume?
My straw hat, blue jeans, a comfy t-shirt and if it's cool enough my old green shirt with the cozy flannel plaid lining. -
Who is your own favorite gardening personality on TV, radio or in print? Why?
Helen Dillon - love her down to earth, honesty about her personal experience. Funny, oh very funny. She is full of knowledge and good practical advice. -
Do you have a gardening philosophy you would like to share with other gardeners? What is it?
A shared garden is a blessed garden. -
If you could grow only one plant, what would it be?
Lavender -
What plant have you tried to grow that has given you the most trouble? Or, what plant would you like to grow and can't, and why?
Dill....I can grow carrots, fennel...but no matter how I try I cannot grow dill. -
What is your favorite time in the garden?
February with new growth starting and crocuses blooming and Fall when the leaves share their color with the ground and the shadows grow long. -
What is your favorite color in the garden?
Blues/soft purples -
What is your favorite place or activity in the garden?
Harvesting lavender and making lavender wands on my front porch with a iced drink as I look over our garden in the front yard, greeting passers by. -
What is your favorite public or private garden in the world? Why?
The Thyme Garden...great display garden of herbs, butterfly garden and other habitat (including salmon) concerns exhibited onsite. Great selection of seeds and plants, lunch (by reservation)...just a beautiful place. -
What individual has influenced your gardening interest the most? How?
Mariah S. from Portland Nursery...my first nursery job. She validated my gift. (Thanks M)
Rae Edlin - my best friend who gardens seemingly effortlessly, encourages and shares liberally her knowledge and plants. -
What do you dislike most about gardening?
Things that mow down all my efforts...cutworms, moles, heat waves that blast off the blooms and rain that melts them. (I like the rain otherwise) -
What do you like most about gardening?
The adventure and discovery of it all...oh...and digging...I really like digging. I love how it all works. -
Company/Organization
Garden Discovery/Good News Community Health Center -
Favorite Nursery
The Thyme Garden, Joy Creek Nursery, Nichols Garden Nursery -
Cat or Dog person
Dog Person -
What is your Garden Test Score?
I Haven't Taken the Test Yet
Education
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Interests
Herbs, propagation, Kitchen gardening
Plant Care Provider Profile
