{"id":24751,"date":"2026-04-07T14:08:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T21:08:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/?page_id=24751"},"modified":"2026-04-23T13:26:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T20:26:23","slug":"from-the-ground-up","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/educational-outreach\/from-the-ground-up\/","title":{"rendered":"From The Ground &amp; Up"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wsu-hero wsu-width--full wsu-pattern--wsu-light-radial-left  wsu-hero--style-boxed \">\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__background\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image-frame--fill\">\n\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/FTGU-Sprouts.png\"\n\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/FTGU-Sprouts.png 1024w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/FTGU-Sprouts.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/FTGU-Sprouts.png 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/FTGU-Sprouts.png 768w\"\n\t\tsizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\n\t\talt=\"progressive sprouts in soil\"\n\t\tstyle=\"object-position: 55% 37%\"\n\t\t\/>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__overlay\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__content-wrapper\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__inner-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"wsu-hero__title\">From The Ground &amp; Up<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__caption\">Annual Education Workshop<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__content\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"breadcrumbs \" typeof=\"BreadcrumbList\" vocab=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/\"><span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to WSU Extension.\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/\" class=\"main-home\" ><span property=\"name\">WSU Extension<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/span> &gt; <span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to Pierce County.\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\" class=\"home\" ><span property=\"name\">Pierce County<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"2\"><\/span> &gt; <span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to News.\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/news\/\" class=\"post-root post post-post\" aria-current=\"page\"><span property=\"name\">News<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"3\"><\/span><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-spacing-after--large wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"width:15%\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wsu-spacing-before--small\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/28\/MG-flower-150x150.png\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-130\" width=\"113\" height=\"113\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left  wsu-font-size--xxlarge wsu-heading--style-marked\">Garden Workshop<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-spacing-before--default wsu-spacing-top--default wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-crimson-wsu\" style=\"top:-22.6562px;left:24.1168%;height:73.9584%;width:19.8758%\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-overlap wsu-overlap-spotlight  wsu-overlap-spotlight--style-left-middle\">\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-overlap__container\">\r\n        <div class=\"wsu-overlap__column wsu-overlap--overlap-xmedium\">\r\n            <div class=\"wsu-overlap__column-inner\">\r\n                <div class=\"wsu-overlap-spotlight__image   wsu-notch--medium\">\r\n                    <div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image--ratio-3-4\">\r\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/FGU-Student.png\"\r\n                        srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/FGU-Student.png 640w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/FGU-Student-396x394.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/FGU-Student-198x198.png 198w\"\r\n                        sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\"\r\n                        alt=\"Student in class\"\r\n                        style=\"object-position: 50% 50%\"\r\n                        \/>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"wsu-overlap__column wsu-overlap--surface-column wsu-overlap--overlap-xmedium\">\r\n            <div class=\"wsu-overlap__column-inner\">\r\n                <div class=\"wsu-overlap-spotlight__caption  wsu-dropshadow--medium\">\r\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wsu-spacing-top--medium wsu-spacing-padding-left--medium\"><strong>Come learn with the Master <\/strong>(Gardeners, that is!) In order to keep their certification, Master Gardeners must take yearly &#8216;Continuing Education&#8217; (CE). <em>From The Ground &amp; Up <\/em>was created to keep Pierce County Master Gardeners up on the latest in gardening.<br><br><strong>Now, we are opening that training to the Public!<\/strong> So, if you are a gardening enthusiast and want to brush up on your gardening skills, read on.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column  wsu-border--color-midnight\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<article class=\"wsu-card wsu-card--outline-shadow wsu-spacing-top--none wsu-spacing-bottom--none wsu-color-background--gray-5\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-card__content\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wsu-title wsu-font-size--xxmedium\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMore Information\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wsu-card__content-custom\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\n    <nav class=\"wsu-navigation-vertical wsu-vertical-menu\">\n        <ul id=\"wsu-site-menu\" class=\"wsu-menu-collapse wsu-menu-collapse--style-vertical\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/\">MG Home<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/about\/\">About<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/educational-outreach\/\">Educational outreach<\/a><button aria-label=\"{Open submenu Educational outreach\" class=\"wsu-menu-collapse--action-toggle\"><\/button>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n<li aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/educational-outreach\/ask-a-master-gardener\/\">Ask a Master Gardener<\/a><button aria-label=\"{Open submenu Ask a Master Gardener\" class=\"wsu-menu-collapse--action-toggle\"><\/button>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/educational-outreach\/ask-a-master-gardener\/answer-clinics\/\">Answer Clinics<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/educational-outreach\/demonstration-gardens\/\">Demonstration Gardens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/educational-outreach\/community-gardens\/\">Community Gardens<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/educational-outreach\/youth-gardening\/\">Youth Gardening<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/educational-outreach\/speakers-bureau\/\">Speakers Bureau<\/a><button aria-label=\"{Open submenu Speakers Bureau\" class=\"wsu-menu-collapse--action-toggle\"><\/button>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/educational-outreach\/speakers-bureau\/2026-speakers-bureau-library\/\">2026 Speakers Bureau Library<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/educational-outreach\/from-the-ground-up\/\">From The Ground &amp; Up<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/gardening-resources\/\">Gardening Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/join-us\/\">Join us<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/contact-us\/\">Contact Us<\/a><button aria-label=\"{Open submenu Contact Us\" class=\"wsu-menu-collapse--action-toggle\"><\/button>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/contact-us\/contact-us-about-upcoming-training\/\">Contact us about upcoming training<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/contact-us\/speakers-bureau-contact-page\/\">Speakers Bureau Contact Page<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/contact-us\/ask-a-master-gardener-contact-page\/\">Ask a Master Gardener Contact Page<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/contact-us\/demonstration-gardens-youth-gardening-contact-page\/\">Demonstration Gardens &amp; Youth Gardening Contact Page<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/mg-home\/our-foundation\/\">Our Foundation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/volunteer-portal\/\">MG Volunteers Home<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/nav>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta wsu-spacing-before--medium\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/from-the-ground-and-up-copy.cheddarup.com\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button  wsu-button--style-action\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tRegistration &quot;From the Ground &amp; up 2026&quot;\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row  wsu-color-background--gray-5 wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading wsu-heading--style-marked wsu-spacing-before--small\">2026 Workshop:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-font-size--large wsu-spacing-after--default\">Saturday, June 20th<br>7:45am to 3:00pm<br>Franklin Pierce High School <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta \" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/venue\/franklin-pierce-high-school\/\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button  wsu-button--style-action\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tDirections\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Franklin-Pierce-High.png\" alt=\"Franklin Pierce High School, Tacoma\" class=\"wp-image-25002\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Franklin-Pierce-High.png 640w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Franklin-Pierce-High-396x178.png 396w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked\">Agenda:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>7:45-8:50am Check-in and Welcome<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>8:50-9:50am Keynote<\/strong> &#8211; WA Stormwater Center<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>10:00-11:00am  \n<ul>\n<li>Priscilla Jaeger &#8211; Lawns &amp; The European Chafer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guy Bengtson &#8211; The Begonia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don Pruett Jr. &#8211; It&#8217;s About What&#8217;s Below Your Feet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Troy Picou &#8211; Citrus Plants, Plus More<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>11:10am-12:10pm\n<ul>\n<li>James Moore &#8211; Wildfire preparedness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shari Roberts &#8211; Bloom 101: A Gardener\u2019s guide to growing Dahlias<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column  wsu-border--add-left\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<ul>\n<li>11:10am-12:10pm (continued)\n<ul>\n<li>Diana Wisen &#8211; Midnight Marauders: Managing Slugs &amp; Snails<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lisa Taylor &#8211; Feel Better, Garden for Life!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>12:10-12:30pm Bring your own Lunch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>12:40-1:40pm Keynote<\/strong> &#8211; Cecilia Monahan <br>Shadow Lake Nature Preserve , Bog<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1:50-2:50pm\n<ul>\n<li>Lisa Taylor &#8211; Made in the Shade: <br>Two Dozen Native Plants that Thrive in Low Light<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>James Moore &#8211; All about Bio Char<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diana Wisen &#8211; Poisonous Plants in Your Own Backyard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wsu-spacing-after--medium\">Tana Hasart-Aligning Permaculture and Priorities;<br> Designing for Abundance  (ends at 3:00pm)<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-font-size--small wsu-spacing-top--none\"><em>Additional information on Workshop topics below<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta \" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/from-the-ground-and-up-copy.cheddarup.com\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button  wsu-button--style-action\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tRegistration &quot;From the Ground &amp; up 2026&quot;\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row  wsu-color-background--gray-5 wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked\">Do a little book shopping during breaks!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If dozens of presentations on a wide range of topical gardening issues isn&#8217;t enough to boggle the mind, we also have a wide range of gardening books available for sale during breaks throughout the workshop!<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Book-Sale.png\" alt=\"Gardening Books\" class=\"wp-image-24938\" width=\"153\" height=\"145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Book-Sale.png 640w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Book-Sale-396x377.png 396w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 153px) 100vw, 153px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked\">2026 Workshop Topics &#8211; additional detail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Under our theme of Gardening for Life, this year we are presenting workshops on a wide range of topics important to Pierce gardeners. In addition, we have woven in topics relating to our changing climate and how local gardeners can begin to prepare for what is to come. Check below for talks of interest to you.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row  wsu-color-background--gray-5 wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Stormwater-logo.png\" alt=\"Logo for the Washington Stormwater Center\" class=\"wp-image-24916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Stormwater-logo.png 225w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Stormwater-logo-198x198.png 198w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keynote: <br>WA Stormwater Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>WA Stormwater Center<\/strong><br>The Washington Stormwater Center is a collaboration between Washington State University and University of Washington. Our mission is to provide stormwater management solutions and leadership through research, training, and education. We envision a future where communities are knowledgeable about stormwater research and apply planning and tools to minimize flooding, protect clean water, and promote thriving ecosystems.<br><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"320\" height=\"258\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Begonia.png\" alt=\"Begonia\" class=\"wp-image-24920\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Begonia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>Guy Bengtson<\/strong><br>Known as The Angry Gardener, Guy combines humor, experience, and hands-on knowledge to inspire others to grow with confidence\u2014whether cultivating a lush patio oasis or expanding a rare plant collection one propagation at a time. His mission is simple: to help others discover their own passion for plants and fuel it every day.<br><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"320\" height=\"296\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Citrus-Plants.png\" alt=\"Lemon on the tree\" class=\"wp-image-24924\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Citrus Plants, Plus More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>Troy Picou<\/strong><br>Caring for citrus plants brings a special kind of satisfaction that unfolds slowly. There\u2019s something deeply rewarding about watching buds form, and finally seeing bright fruit ripen under your care. Citrus plants also give back in tangible ways: fragrant blossoms, fresh flavors, and a sense of accomplishment you can see and taste. Whether you\u2019re a beginner or experienced gardener, nurturing citrus can turn an ordinary space into something vibrant and alive.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"320\" height=\"303\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Dahlias.png\" alt=\"Dahlia\" class=\"wp-image-24928\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bloom 101: A Gardener\u2019s guide to growing Dahlias<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>Shari Roberts<br><\/strong>Who doesn\u2019t love&nbsp;dahlias? This class&nbsp;covers&nbsp;how&nbsp;to grow healthy, vibrant&nbsp;dahlias \u2013 when to plant your tubers, why pinching your plants produces more blooms, and navigating common&nbsp;challenges.&nbsp; Practical advice&nbsp;will include&nbsp;watering and fertilization needs and tuber over-wintering options&nbsp;to set you up&nbsp;with the confidence to grow a garden bursting with beautiful dahlias to enjoy mid-summer into the fall<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"258\" height=\"254\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/FGU-Image.png\" alt=\"Garden scene\" class=\"wp-image-24837\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Feel Better, Garden for Life!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>Lisa Taylor<br><\/strong>Want to feel better and have more energy and focus?  Join Lisa Taylor, garden speaker extraordinaire, in an inspirational session all about increasing the benefits of growing plants and tending a garden. Explore simple practices that can increase the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of working in the garden. Learn ways to prepare for work, how to use tools and adaptive strategies to match all abilities. Discover some easy-to-grow vegetables and herbs that will nourish your body and thrill your taste buds. <br><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"315\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Trillium.png\" alt=\"Trillium flower\" class=\"wp-image-24991\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Made in the Shade:<br>Two Dozen Native Plants that Thrive in Low Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>Lisa Taylor<br><\/strong>Brighten those shady spots in your garden with easy-to-grow native plants that thrive in less than five hours of sunlight.&nbsp;This presentation will cover a wide range of options\u2014from groundcovers and perennials to shrubs and trees\u2014all well-suited for urban landscapes. Learn how choosing the right plants can enhance biodiversity, support local wildlife, and create a thriving, low-light garden space<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"320\" height=\"254\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Permaculture.png\" alt=\"arial view of a garden\" class=\"wp-image-24936\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aligning Permaculture &amp; Priorities: Designing for Abundance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>Tana Hasart<br><\/strong>Want to know the basics of permaculture and why these principles are even more important today? Come to listen, apply, and leave with a basic design plan for a space of your choosing through this hands on experience!&nbsp; Participants will learn how permaculture principles and the WSU Extension Master Gardeners priorities align and complement each other. Using this information, each person will begin to create their own landscape. Expand your knowledge, exercise your creativity, and be prepared to dream!<br><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column  wsu-color-background--gray-5\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"308\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/LawnsPests.png\" alt=\"Lawn above ground with European Chafer pest below ground\" class=\"wp-image-24918\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lawns &amp; The European Chafer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>Priscilla Jaeger<\/strong><br>If your lawn looks like it\u2019s been attacked overnight, the culprit isn\u2019t the crows\u2014it\u2019s the European chafer, an invasive beetle spreading across Washington. Its root-feeding grubs weaken turf, while crows, raccoons, and other wildlife dig them up in search of a meal\u2014acting as natural pest control. In this talk, you\u2019ll learn how to identify chafer damage, time control methods effectively, and create a more resilient landscape that\u2019s less vulnerable to pests. A quick, practical look at what\u2019s happening beneath your lawn\u2014and how to respond.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"320\" height=\"319\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Below-your-feet.png\" alt=\"Bare feet on soil with hoe\" class=\"wp-image-24922\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Below-your-feet.png 320w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Below-your-feet-198x198.png 198w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">It&#8217;s About What&#8217;s Below Your Feet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>Don Pruett Jr.<\/strong><br>Learn the components of a good soil. Soil is alive and crucial for a good plant-growing environment. The shake jar test will be demonstrated to help identify the components that make a rich soil. Then we will apply this information to the soil triangle to help identify different types of soil.&nbsp; The types of soil amendments necessary to correct imbalanced soils will be discussed. Composting will also be explored since it is an easy way to help amend all soil types. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of getting your soil tested.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"320\" height=\"285\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Wildfire.png\" alt=\"fire burning the mountainside\" class=\"wp-image-24926\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wildfire preparedness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>James Moore<\/strong><br>James [or a DNR\/Fire District Rep] will be giving a talk on the basics of wildfire preparedness around the home. The first 100 feet around a building is the most critical to inspect, taking care to choose fire resistant plants, building materials, and keeping a close eye on available fuels all while being as cost effective as possible. Free Wildfire Ready Neighbors visit signups will be available alongside information on how your community can receive thousands of dollars in grant funds to become more wildfire resilient.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"320\" height=\"297\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/slug.png\" alt=\"Slug on a leaf\" class=\"wp-image-24987\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Midnight Marauders: Managing Slugs &amp; Snails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>Diana Wisen<\/strong><br>Getting rid of snails and slugs in the Pacific Northwest takes persistence, but it can protect your garden and save your plants. The damp climate they love also means you need a steady routine. Diana will take you through best practices for getting on top of these meddlesome critters.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/SHADOW.jpeg\" alt=\"Shadow Habitat logo\" class=\"wp-image-25012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/SHADOW.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/SHADOW-198x198.jpeg 198w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keynote: Shadow Lake Nature Preserve , Bog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>Cecilia Monahan <\/strong><br>Cecilia Monahan is an established restoration ecologist, wildlife biologist and environmental artist. She oversees all the ecological restoration and research that is performed at SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve a 134 acre nature preserve and home to a 10,000 year old peat bog. With over 95% of Washington peat bogs lost to harvesting, draining and development, SHADOW Lake Peat Bog provides ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, picturesque landscapes and a biodiversity hotspot. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"320\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Biochar.png\" alt=\"burning wood for biochar\" class=\"wp-image-24934\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All about Bio Char<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>James Moore <\/strong><br>ames will be giving a talk on the basics of biochar including safety, uses, and local rules concerning Ring of Fire Flame Cap kilns. Although an ancient concept, biochar kilns have only recently been given the green light by Washington State legislature, paving the way for community members to experiment with biochar\u2019s multitude of potential uses and decrease their wildfire fuel load.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"320\" height=\"313\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2026\/04\/Foxglove.png\" alt=\"Foxglove in flower\" class=\"wp-image-24993\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poisonous Plants in Your Own Backyard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\" wsu-font-size--small\"><strong>Diana Wisen<\/strong><br>Discover the hidden dangers growing just steps from your door. Poisonous Plants in Your Own Backyard reveals common yet hazardous species lurking in everyday landscapes, from ornamental favorites to wild invaders. Learn how to identify, avoid, and safely manage these plants while protecting your family, pets, and community. This engaging presentation blends practical tips with eye-opening facts, turning your outdoor space into a place of awareness, confidence, and safer enjoyment for everyone in every season.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta \" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/contact-from-the-ground-up\/\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button  wsu-button--style-action\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tHave a question?\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row  wsu-color-background--gray-5 wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading  wsu-heading--style-marked wsu-heading--mark-color-crimson\">Frequently asked questions:<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-accordion\">\r\n    <h3 id=\"unique-id-1__88665\" class=\"wsu-accordion__title\">\r\n        <button class=\"wsu-accordion__title-button wsu-accordion--toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"unique-id-1__content\">Q: How much does this cost?<\/button>\r\n    <\/h3>\r\n    <div id=\"unique-id-1__content\" class=\"wsu-accordion__content\" aria-labelledby=\"unique-id-1__88665\">\r\n        <div class=\"wsu-accordion__content-inner\">\r\n            \n\n<p>A: Next to nothing, BUT&#8230;. Our service provider requires compensation for handling the booking. So, the &#8220;Please Pay what you can&#8221; field requires a minimum of $1 to be able to register. Please enter from $1 up to any amount. Our Foundation would love you if you upped your contribution as these funds support future classes.\u200e<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2026 Workshop Topics &#8211; additional detail Under our theme of Gardening for Life, this year we are presenting workshops on a wide range of topics important to Pierce gardeners. In [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":0,"parent":11988,"menu_order":9,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":0,"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","_expiration_date":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24751"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24751"}],"version-history":[{"count":113,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24751\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25028,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24751\/revisions\/25028"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11988"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/pierce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}