Oregon State University’s master gardener program has been running for 50 years and provides advice for gardeners in all but nine counties in Oregon.

It has evolved since its 1976 conception to include plant clinics, an internet helpline and counsel for gardening questions via phone by a master gardener who lives and gardens in your county.

But what is the evolving role and importance of this kind of guidance when information is so widely available online?

To answer that, we’ll hear from Chris Rusch, president of the Oregon Master Gardener Association, and Pat Kolling, who’s been a master gardener volunteer for the last two decades, based in Bend.

“Think Out Loud®” broadcasts live at noon every day and rebroadcasts at 8 p.m.

If you’d like to comment on any of the topics in this show or suggest a topic of your own, please get in touch with us on Facebook, send an email to [email protected], or you can leave a voicemail for us at 503-293-1983.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/09/01/oregon-state-university-master-gardener-program-providing-gardening-advice-throughout-the-state/