Museum’s Discovery Garden and Mariner’s Memorial Park to Get Facelift

WSU Master Gardeners Rachel Gana, Kelly Rupp, Bev Arnoldy and Shawn Stern approached Betsy Millard, the museum’s Executive Director, in August 2012 with a proposal to improve and extend the current Discovery Garden and Mariner’s Memorial Park. With approval from the WSU Master Gardener Program and Museum board, garden plans are now being confirmed for 2013 and beyond.  In addition to development of themed subplots in the garden itself, the project plan will include four free gardening workshops each year, coupled with plant clinics led by the WSU Master Gardeners, who will research plant questions and problems from the public.

Particular emphasis in the garden development will be given to native plants and gardening techniques appropriate for our coastal soils and climate.  A broad selection of plant species will be chosen to demonstrate what grows well, where such plants thrive and how to effectively garden in local conditions.  “This project will help realize the full potential for this garden space, connecting our focus on regional culture and heritage with an outdoor experience that celebrates the unique flora of this area,” said Museum Director Millard.

This multi-year project will officially kick off on Saturday, February 23^rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a plant clinic and a pruning workshop that will include a hands-on practice pruning in the museum garden. The workshop is open to the public and free of charge.

Join us for an educational and fun day on Saturday, February 23^rd, as the revitalization of the Museum Discovery Garden begins!

What:  WSU Master Gardener Plant Clinic and Pruning Demonstration

Who:     Master Gardener Rachel Gana will lead the pruning demonstration.

Where:  Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, 115 SE Lake Street, Ilwaco, WA

When:  Saturday, February 23^rd

              10 a.m. to 11 p.m.:  Workshop

              11 a.m. to 2 p.m.:  Hands-on Pruning Practice

If you are planning to practice pruning on the garden’s shrubs/trees, don’t forget to bring your favorite pruning tools! Dress for the weather and bring your own nibbles.

Plant questions or problems?   Come ask a Master Gardener! The group will also be sponsoring a plant clinic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the museum. If possible, please bring samples of your plant problem.