Master Gardeners … are volunteers trained by Washington State University Extension to provide science-based information to home gardeners about best gardening practices.
Our Foundation … supports the Master Gardener Program through fundraising, organizing educational events, managing demonstration gardens and more. Learn more by visiting the Who We Are page.
Featured Events
Check our full calendar for more.
Thank you to everyone who came to our in-person sale at Hovander on May 7th. We enjoyed helping you pick out plants and talking about gardening with you.
The sale was a huge success and your purchases will go a long way to support the WSU Whatcom Master Gardener Program, which provides education for all ages, plant clinics, demonstration gardens, and donations of produce to the Ferndale Food Bank. Proceeds from these sales will also be used for remediating damage to our demo gardens suffered during the November 2021 floods, as well as relocating some of our gardens away from an underground pipeline easement at Hovander Homestead Park.
Hovander Park and our Demonstration Gardens are now open to the public once again
Hovander Homestead Park, in Ferndale, was closed to the public for almost six months following the record-breaking flood in November of 2021. The Parks Department has been very busy clearing mud and debris, repaving roads, rebuilding fences, repairing waterlines, maintaining structures, and much more.
Come view how we have restored garden beds that were covered by six feet of flood water. We are using this past November flood event as a learning experience and future teaching opportunity by studying what changes to garden layout and planting might lessen the impact of future floods. For example, we are getting rid of fencing, since most of it was either damaged or displaced by the force of the floodwaters.
Click here to view more photos of the flood damage and our clean-up efforts.
Want to become a Master Gardener?
The Washington State University Extension in Whatcom County offers an intensive training program leading to certification as a Master Gardener. You don’t have to be an expert gardener to apply, but must have a desire to give back to the community through gardening. Training for the 2022 cohort is underway, but check back in September to apply for next year’s class. For more information, click here.
Demonstration Gardens
Whatcom County Master Gardeners maintain two Demonstration Gardens where you can view plant varieties, learn about sustainable gardening techniques, and experience history in two beautiful Whatcom County Parks.
Hovander Homestead Park Demonstration Gardens: Bring your family and enjoy the children’s garden, vegetable garden, pollinator garden, and much more at this lovely park in Ferndale. Learn more here.
Roeder Home Demonstration Garden: Experience this beautiful and unique urban garden at one of Bellingham’s historic landmark homes. Learn more here.
Plant Clinic
Got gardening-related questions? Need pointers on pruning your fruit trees, or suggestions for what to plant in a particular spot?
Our WSU Diagnostic Plant Clinic has trained Master Gardeners available to assist you in diagnosing a problem, identifying garden pests and plants, and solving most gardening challenges. You can also visit the WSU Extension website and find links to many sources of gardening-related information. Also, be sure to check our“Your Garden This Month” column below for useful tips and advice.
Master Gardener News
Save Those Plants You Are Digging Up Out of Your Gardens
We can use them in our Spring Plant Sales. More details in the Member Area.
Volunteers Needed
Continue to check Signup Genius here for new volunteer opportunities.
Ways to Get Involved
Master Gardeners do so many beneficial things in the community – growing vegetables and fruit for food banks, educating children, staffing Answer/Plant Clinics, engaging youth with gardening, taking care of demonstration gardens, mentoring new gardeners and much more. Find out how to become a Master Gardener here. Or you can help support these activities by donating here.
Your Garden in August
Planting Your Fall Garden – continued from last month…
As discussed in the July column, our relatively mild winters allow us to extend our veggie growing season. Plant the veggies listed below beginning now, to get them established before our reduced sunlight and cold snaps slow their growth.
CONGRATULATIONS! to the recipients of these two honored awards:
John Van Miert Master Gardener of the Year
Someone who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and service, contributions of time and effort, and compassion to their fellow Master Gardeners and the community.
Broken Shovel Award
A Master Gardener who worked tirelessly in the Demonstration Gardens, creating new gardens, executing new activities, mentoring, and inspiring volunteer teamwork.
Visit the “Member Area” to find details about Master Gardener-Only workshops, events, sales, volunteer opportunities and news.
Community Partners
The Whatcom Master Gardener Foundation is grateful to all the organizations that have supported our activities. Those local businesses shown below have contributed money, goods, and/or services worth $50 or more, within the last two years.
