Tag: Monmouth Oregon

  • Apple Trees at the Homestead

    We have four apple trees (two varieties for cross-pollination) planted in the the hugelkultur berm along the back fence line nearest the Middle Fork of Ash Creek.

    Tending the hugelkultur berm

    Recently I made sure I removed the deteriorating plant tags — really injured a poor cherry tree in the front garden by not paying attention & girdled a limb when it grew into the tag. Before I tossed the tags and got them off my desk I wanted to record the info. The trees are doing well for us (and even better for our daughter in nearby Independence, Oregon with full sun in her garden) but I have to laugh at the marketing/branding — as I’m learning the code to insert trademark, copyright, registered symbols on a blog post — I think this might be a record! (Anyway, as always, I’ll post this….and then get back to it later to add more info….hmmmmm)

    Golden Treat™ Urban Apples© Garden Debut are “Tall on Taste for Limited Space™” They grow straight up, creating an elegant tree for small landscapes and patios. Golden Treat™ has sweet, golden apples and fruit in the first year planted. A choice of two varieties is required for cross pollination.

    Golden Treat™ Urban Apple Patio Tree

    Tasty Red™ Urban Apples make a great cross-pollinator

    Tasty Red™ Urban Apple®

    Garden Debut

    According to the plant tags, “Garden Debut (R) is a Superior Landscape Collection made up of Great New Plants™ and Trusted Selections™ that have been thoroughly tested for long-term performance.” Find them on Facebook and Pinterest.

    Plant details

    Growth Habit: Reaches an average size of 8-10 feet tall by 2 feet wide

    Use: Perfect for patios and containers.

    Exposure: Sun

    Soil: Wide tolerance of soil types and moistures. Grow in loam, sand or clay.

    Hardiness: Cold Hardy to -20 to -30F/Zone 4

    Care: Feed plants in early spring and again in early fall with all-purpose fertilizer. New plants require more frequent watering than established plantings.

    Where to find

    Available online when in stock at Gurney’s Seed and Nursey Company (since 1866). We were able to buy ours locally.

  • Pinwheel Gardens — CASA of Polk County Inc, Dallas, Oregon

    Grand daughters Mai & Olivia helping to “plant” pinwheels in front of the CASA of Polk County office in Dallas, Oregon. Their Grandma Joy McGavock was a long-time volunteer. #PassThePinwheel

    April is Child Abuse Awareness month and we like to support by planting a Pinwheel Garden at the Homestead at Ash Creek — getting warmed up at the CASA office.

  • Public spaces for pollinators – ODOT

    This PDF, available on the ODOT website, was published in March 2017. I would love to see something like this happen along Highway 99W as it comes into the city of Monmouth, just past Gentle Woods Park.

    HOW ODOT (OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION) HELPS PROTECT POLLINATOR HABITAT PDF

    — Partnerships help ODOT balance its safety efforts with habitat preservation. Here are a few examples:

    — ODOT has partner with the Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs to plant wildflowers along highway rights of way.

    –ODOT is partnering with a central coast community to implement a pollinator pilot along 25 miles of U.S. 101 that supports wildflower plantings with pollinator-compatible maintenance practices.

    — We seek input from experts with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and others to learn how our practices can be most effective in supporting pollinator needs.

    For more information: ODOT Vegetation Management — 503.986.3010 ODOT Adopt-A-Highway — 503-986-3031

  • Peacocks on Olive Way

    Is this my best side?
    Better?
    Such beauty
    Hard to imagine walking around with a tail that long
    American folk art terracotta pottery figurine by Ash Creek Nativities™

    An amazing creature — In the year 2022 the neighborhood is home to a free ranging flock of seven.

    Shop this folk art figurine

  • Black History Month in Monmouth/Independence, Oregon – February

    Our two “sister communities” of Monmouth & Independence, Oregon have joined together with a new committee —

    Monmouth/Independence Black History Month Planning Committee

    Some upcoming fun & local activities in the month of February —

    + Student art displays in local businesses

    + Western Oregon University events

    As we update this post, if you are interested in helping out with the Monmouth Independence Black History Month Planning Committee, contact Monmouth City Councilor Carol McKiel.

    Carol’s phone: 547-520-9245

    Thanks to all our local teachers for all you do!

    From the Mayor’s Community Newsletter – Utility Bill insert

    A major focus of the Monmouth Independence Black History Committee is ensuring that everyone feels welcome, safe and valued in our community according to Carol. Plans for next year 2023 include re-using the 34 Black History Month street lamp banners & the 17 Hispanic Heritage Month street lamp banners which are interspersed with WOU banners during the month of September.

    The Monmouth Elementary School Diversity & Equity Team is looking forward to participating again next year.

    The Opening Ceremony for Black History Month at Western Oregon University on YouTube.