Josephine County residents need affordable access to reliable gardening education, especially as local Oregon State University Extension Service programming resumed after a one-year pause in the county’s funding partnership.

Public gardening education helps residents grow food, manage landscapes sustainably and get answers to plant and pest questions. Master Gardener volunteers extend the reach of OSU Extension by providing science-based gardening education through classes, clinics, events and community partnerships.

Frank Boothby, 4-H Youth Development and Master Gardener Program manager and community relations staff member in Josephine County, has supported the return of Master Gardener volunteer activities.

The Master Gardener Program offered a speaker series beginning in fall 2025 and continuing into 2026. Workshops included propagating roses, growing organic and native plants, preparing gardens for spring planting, pruning roses, learning about Oregon owls, building pollinator watering stations and touring the Rogue Community College arboretum.

Attendance ranged from about 25 to 45 people per session, reflecting strong local interest in practical gardening education.

Outreach reaches residents

Master Gardener volunteers also expanded community outreach. They staffed the Saturday Growers Market beginning in September 2025, answered gardening questions, collected interest forms and shared information about classes and programs.

Other outreach included a Highland Elementary School garden cleanup, Seed Swap with the Josephine County Food Bank and Josephine County Fairgrounds, Fred Meyer Fuchsia Days, Grants Pass Greeters, a pre-Mother’s Day event and participation in the Boatnik Parade.

A six-week Seed to Supper course, offered with Options for Southern Oregon, exceeded expectations. Organizers had planned for a class of 18, but enrollment grew to 31.

Isaiah Davidson, a Master Gardener volunteer, helped facilitate the course. Recruitment focused on places where people seek support, including housing services, food access points, women’s shelters and other community service locations.

Participants included people connected through social services and court-mandated programs. Community partners and local businesses supported the course with compost, materials and plant starts. Participants who did not have space to garden were given access to raised beds, including newly renovated community garden plots.

Master Gardener volunteers planned to continue supporting participants through the summer by visiting weekly so students could ask questions and keep learning.

The plant clinic recorded at least 46 gardening questions.

Public value

Master Gardener volunteers give residents access to trusted gardening information at classes, markets, clinics and community events. This helps people grow food, support pollinators, manage pests responsibly and care for home landscapes.

The program also supports a volunteer network that multiplies the value of public investment in OSU Extension by providing local service and practical education across Josephine County.