WSU Master Gardeners Workshop Series back for 2023

The annual Through The Garden Gate series organized by Mason County Master Gardeners brings new and resourceful information to community members. The program led by Mason County Master Gardeners has hit the ball out of the park with its 2023 workshop series.

The sessions will be in person at the Mason County Public Works Building, 100 West Public Works Drive, Shelton, and on Zoom to accommodate all who want to attend. There are a couple of hands-on activities exclusive for those attending in person, including creation of a native “seed bomb” and terrarium.

All workshops begin at 9:30 a.m. and end by noon. Cost for the workshop series is $30 via ttgg2023.cheddarup.com. We encourage early registration to save your seat.

Here’s the lineup:

■ Saturday — Rhododendrons and Their Cousins: Rhododendron expert and Mason County Master Gardener Jeanne Kinney will be joined by Mason County Master Gardeners Barbara Clark and Karen Temen who will share information on rhododendron propagation and how to transform your yard with beneficial native plants.

■ Feb. 4 — For the Love of Pollinators: Butterfly expert David Droppler and hummingbird expert Kim Adelson will help share information about ecological and habitat needs of these critical pollinators. Workshop attendees at the Public Works location will have the opportunity to create a native “seed bomb.”

■ Feb. 11 — Indoor and Outdoor Plants: Discover native plants like you never have before with Erica Guttman of the Native Plant Salvage Foundation. A team of Master Gardeners including Carol Acocks, Emily Maruca and Elizabeth Nesheim will discuss all aspects of houseplants and their care, including carnivorous plants. For attendees at the Public Works building, participants will see a terrarium building demonstration.

■ Feb. 25 — Veggies in Abundance: Shawna Oien from Old Frontier Farms will share tips and techniques for veggie seed starting. Presentations by Mason County Master Gardeners Erika Stewart, Christy Rowe, Amelia Savinova and Dorothy Skans will cover soil preparation, herbs, heirloom tomatoes and seed saving. All have tremendous experience in planning and hosting successful community food gardens and are eager to share their expertise.

■ March 4 — Is a Victory Garden for You?: Learn about sustainable gardening with Terry Conley, a workshop speaker series favorite. He will share information about garden succession plantings. Master Gardeners Jeannine Polanski and Laurie Williams will cover information about plant propagation, companion planting benefits and square-foot gardening.

■ March 11 — Native Bees-a-Buzzin’: Learn all about native bees and how to make a habitat garden for them with Through The Garden Gate Chair and Master Gardener Mary Dessel. Master Gardener Amelia Savinova will share information about Pieris japonica plants and their crucial role in Mason bee happiness. Participants have the opportunity to purchase a Mason bee box prior to the workshop until supplies run out.

We hope you can join us for our 2023 series. For more information, contact WSU Mason County Master Gardeners at 360-427-9670, ext 687, [email protected] or on Facebook at Mason County Master Gardeners.