Washington State University Master Gardeners On the Road Tours
Join us for the WSU Master Gardeners on the Road Tour of Zumstein Tree Farm in Woodland WA and Watershed Garden Works Nursery in Longview on March 18, 2010.
Press Release and Flyer.
Prospective nursery owner?Join us for one of our tours to a multitude of different ornamental production firms here in the Pacific Northwest. Suggest one that you would like to tour and we will try to set up a visit. |
Since the year 2001, WSU Master Gardeners have organized tours for themselves as well as the general public to area nurseries, garden centers, and public gardens in southwest Washington and northwest Oregon. Tours are designed to offer an educational overview of the horticultural industries and public supported gardens that are commonly found in the Pacific Northwest.
By traveling along side a group of skilled and trained volunteers, tour participants can gain a firsthand understanding of the issues related to ornamental plant production, marketing, pest management, and appropriate plant selection. Field tours are one of the best methods for enabling participants to put into practice in their own yards and gardens the most sustainable practices possible. Guided tours have attracted a diverse audience of participants, some of whom have gone onto to enroll in the WSU Master Gardener program. We have also seen tour participants go on to establish their own horticultural business as a result of touring one of the inspirational establishments that have been visited.
Tours for 2008
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The On the Road Tour team, which consists of 10 dedicated volunteers, has planned a season long itinerary for 2006. Plans include visits to:
- A Greenhouse tour in Woodland WA in January
- Tour and tastings at three wineries in Clark County in February
- Tour of Portland Japanese Garden and Bamboo Nursery in March
- Native Plant tour of Tryon Creek and visit to Bosky Dell Nursery in April
- Nursery production tour of Monrovia and Glen Walter’s Nursery in Oregon in May. Register online.
- Eco-friendly tour of sites in Portland and Vancouver in June
- Music in the Garden at the home of Rob Rosser in June – free
Check back on this web site periodically for further details as they emerge. The Tour Committee advertises the upcoming events through flyers, mailings to WSU WSU Master Gardeners, email, and in the Inspirations section of the Columbian Newspaper.
Tour History
In previous years volunteers have organized trips to visit the Classical Chinese Garden in Portland, Joy Creek Nursery in Scappoose Oregon, Tsugawa Nursery in Woodland, Washington, and Cistus Design and Blue Heron Herbary both located on Sauvie Island west of Portland. We have toured some the largest commercial ornamental production firms in the Willamette Valley including Monrovia Nursery, Edmunds Roses, and Glen Walters Nursery.
Tour Logistics
All tours have been thoroughly planned, and pre-toured by organizers, in order to ensure a well-run event. We utilize safe, accessible vans, driven by responsible volunteers, and provide for the comfort of participants by stopping for meals and stretch breaks. In general, tours leave Vancouver in early morning and return by late afternoon. Participants are asked to bring clothing appropriate for the weather and a pair of walking shoes. Don’t forget your camera and notebook to record the details of your trip!
Registration
The price of tour registration varies and covers the cost of transportation and insurance. Meals are not included. There is a lunch site selected for each tour, either for enjoying your prepared sack lunch, or a restaurant to enjoy. Pre-registration is required. On the Road Tours are limited to 30 participants and usually fill up quickly. In order to register for a tour contact Carolyn Gordon, WSU Master Gardener Program Coordinator at 360-397-6060 X7718 or by e-mail at gordonc@wsu.edu. Registration for all tours is available online and payment can be made by credit card or check made out to “WSU”.
Music in the Garden
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The Tour team has also taken on the role of organizing a series of open garden tours in southwest Washington. Gardens have been selected on the basis of beauty and accessibility. The team arranges for live musicians to play throughout the day as people wander among the landscape and visit with one another. Come join us for a serine and lovely way to spend a summer afternoon!
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