Our Foundation
Mission Statement: Gardens and programs that inspire, educate, and enrich our lives and our community.
Purpose Statement: To educate and encourage citizens on the importance of developing, restoring, maintaining and conserving wildlife habitat and the native plants that comprise that habitat.
Welcome our new member! Many thanks to those who have renewed your memberships and given donations.
We are so grateful that many of you have increased your membership renewal levels–it is very much appreciated! Memberships help support our organization and our gardens! It is especially important during this continuing challenging time.
February Class
Wednesday February 10th ZOOM online class at 6:00 p.m. entitled ~ Beneficial Insects and Sustainable Gardening ~ presented by Irene Catlin, Instructor at CASEE.
We will discuss the identification and benefits of friendly insects and the more natural control of others. Also what are the various lessons of sustainable gardening?–the hows and whys.
We are partnering with the Camas Library.
January Class-Follow up
The “Ask the Experts” Q&A class was fun–just like sitting around talking to friends. As a follow up to one of the questions about propagation, Julie is making available a handout she obtained years ago from a past Fine Gardening magazine issue. It should be helpful to those who want to divide perennials.
Perennial Timing and Technique is Important (1)
Save the Date
Just to let you’all know that we are hoping to have a Bare Root Trees, Shrubs & Perennial Sale for members only (at least for the opening weekend) starting April 24th-25th. It will be a scaled back version from our regular sales in past years. Due to the probability of the continuation of social distancing requirements we will be limiting the number of shoppers per time period according to the regulations in place at the time.
More information to come.
Sharing….
So many folks are enjoying the gardens and have left comments and pictures. Thanks to our members who help us fulfil our mission statement with their support and of course to our amazing coordinators/volunteers!
Some comments…..
From our member Lorna:
“I live in Brush Prairie and so appreciate having these beautiful gardens in “my backyard” so to speak. I take my dog for walks out there at least every couple of weeks or so, if not more often, and will do whatever I can to continue to support Naturescaping for hopefully many more years :-)”
From Theresa (one of our loyal volunteers): (edited for privacy)
“The gardens have been a place for me to come and find some solitude when I need it. A beautiful peaceful environment to calm my anxiety. Walking through the gardens have lifted my spirits to help with the depression. It is a transformative place for those who battle these things in their lives.
But I think most of all, I got so much from becoming a volunteer. Working with the master gardeners, learning about each specific garden and there differences. I also learned about composting, the types of gardens and how to manage them. I learned to identify plant species, weeds, and harmful invasive species and how to pull, dispose and prune them the right way.
I’m a forever fan and plan to be a member this year and in the future. I love this place and the people who love it and care for it too! Thank you for welcoming me in and for the gardens. They don’t happen without the support of the community and the the wonderful people who care for them.
It truly saved me and my mental and emotional health during this past year. The gardens are a healing place for the mind and the soul. Putting your hands in the soil and breathing in the
smells of the gardens, is mother nature’s medicine for us all.”
From various visitors:
Mary Ann: “Lovely gardens to explore even in winter. Lots if birds, seating, plant ID. Very pleasant. Will return in Spring.”
Rachel: “Hidden little gem – a great place to take kids walking, or if you just want a short walk in town, it’s great. I haven’t been there in the spring/summer yet, but I’m sure it will be beautiful then.”
Danielle: “Love this place. So many lovely gardens to walk through with bunnies and hummingbirds. They have informative displays throughout the three acre park.”
Pictures from Larry (a member and regular contributor)
If you have comments, stories and/or pics to share–please feel free to send them to me!
Nature Related Quote of the Month
From Anton Chekhov: “Let us learn to appreciate there will be times when the trees will be bare, and look forward to the time when we may pick the fruit.”
Enjoy! Stay safe and take care.