The Portland community celebrates plants like no other. From vegetable gardens to native plant paradises, bonsai gardens to rain gardens, the amount of thought and expertise throughout the greater Portland community is one I’ve slowly been tapping into.

The Oregon State University (OSU) Extension’s Master Gardener program, though I’ve joked it should be renamed the “Slightly Better Gardener” program, was the first time I connected with community members who have lived in Portland for years. While volunteering during the summer at the Multnomah County Demonstration Garden, I met incredible people who supported my interests and showed they truly cared about my success and wellbeing as a new Portlander.

When I was a science teacher in Virginia, I often reminded my students that, although I am their teacher, we are all there to learn from each other and it has been the same for my clients. Through them I have learned more skills that have helped me become a better gardener who can continue to teach others.

My latest connection has been with Barb, a resident of East Portland and creator of the YouTube channel Barb Talks. Barb signed up to attend one of my workshops in December but, after being unable to attend, emailed me asking for tree identification assistance so I visited her property and earned my very own episode on her YouTube channel.

Check out what we learned!