By Marilynn Elliott,
MG Class of 2003
Not even a thunderstorm could keep 50-plus Master Gardeners from attending a recent outdoor event, at the Woodcock Demonstration Garden, which honored four of their fellow volunteers. However, not only were the 2022 recipients honored but because of the pandemic, recipients from 2020 and 2021 were also recognized.
The 2020 honorees were: Bev Dawson, Betsy Burlingame, and Bruce Pape. Those from 2022 were: Teresa Bibler, Jan Danford, laurel Moulton, and Audreen Williams.
Those recognized for 2022, with combined volunteer hours totaling over 4,500 hours, include Jan Bartron, Barbara Heckard, John Viada, and Diane Wheeler.
Jan Bartron became a Master Gardener in 2012. Her love of gardening came from her grandmother, mother and aunt, who had large vegetable gardens. Jan currently spends her volunteer hours in the orchard at the Woodcock Demo Garden and the sth Street Garden in Pt. Angeles.
Barbara Heckard took the Master Gardener training in 2013. Her husband suggested that she take the classes after her retirement from the educational field. She has spent countless hours conducting Plant Clinics, as well as assisting with the organization of the Spring Plant Sales, working on the home garden tours, and sharing her vast knowledge of herbs.
John Viada was a member of the Master Gardener Class of 2011. Ever since John was a teenager, he has had dirt under his fingernails, having grown up on a farm. He has always had an interest in Ornamental Horticulture. After college graduation, John accepted a job at a wholesale nursery. Many of his most recent MG volunteer hours have been spent with the county weed control program.
Diane Wheeler joined the 2013 MG training program, at the suggestion of her life partner, Steve. Her interest in gardening can be traced back to being a youngster, with having a dad who just happened to be a florist. Rather than help with inside chores, she planted, watered, mowed and weeded outside.
Diane has volunteered her time to the Petals and Pathways Garden Tours and has done a Brown Bag presentation on aphids. She currently is the editor of “Between the Vines” -the monthly newsletter for the MG’s.
If you happen to come across any of these 2020, 2021, and 2022 honorees, thank them for their many hours of service to the Clallam County Master Gardener Program. Kudos to all of them. Jobs well done!
