JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — More older adults are moving to Jackson County, both from within Oregon and other states, and many have become geographically and socially isolated.
That’s according to Oregon State University Service faculty and staff in the county, who have both experienced the phenomenon or heard similar stories from their community partners.
In response, the Jackson County Master Gardener Association received a grant from the Oregon Health Authority to develop a seven-week program called Cultivating Companions: Growing Connections Through Plants.
The program was created to support social connection among rural older adults and was designed with accessibility in mind, particularly for those with mobility challenges or limited outdoor space. It focuses on container gardening, indoor gardening techniques, and creating a comfortable space for conversation.
“The goal is to increase socialization and decrease isolation in adults,” said Grace Florjancic, Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener coordinator at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center in Central Point.
Partnering with local libraries
The program was offered in partnership with the Jackson County Library District, which helped bring the classes to closer to where the participants live. Libraries, already important hubs in their communities, were a natural choice for bringing learning opportunities closer to home, according to Florjancic.
Older adults met at six Jackson County library locations — Eagle Point, Rogue River, Medford, Ruch, Shady Cove and Butte Falls — to learn about topics like plant health, pests, propagation, floral design and pressed flowers. Each week introduced a new focus, allowing participants to explore both practical and creative aspects of plant care. All materials were provided for in-class and to take home.
Gardening was chosen for its broad appeal in the region.
“A common goal in Jackson County is making things grow and flourish. Gardening was a natural way to bring people together,” said Brystan Strong, programs coordinator for the library district.
“Butte Falls is isolated and rural, there are limited social opportunities,” said program participant Theresa Leonardo. “This was a good way to get together, chat and share ideas.”
To increase accessibility, the program offered fuel cards and coordinated rides to and from the events.
“Getting programming out into the more rural areas at the libraries was a way to bring education to people instead of them having to travel,” Florjancic said.
Friendship through gardening
Participants built social connections along with their gardening knowledge. In Shady Cove, the group shared contact information and made plans to stay in touch. Two participants discovered they lived on the same street. Volunteers leading other library groups reported similar outcomes — quick friendships, lively exchanges of plant knowledge and strong interest in continuing and expanding the program.
“The participants were building relationships as well as gardening experience,” said Marion Mensing, branch manager of the Shady Cove Library. “People needed to come together and this was a good way to do it.”
Florjancic sees the program as a success.
“Some participants have left as good friends,” Florjancic said.
The 2025 program will be offered at libraries in Talent and Gold Hill.
