Cultivating community partnerships

By the mid-1980s, Clallam County Master Gardeners wanted a dedicated space to demonstrate gardening practices suitable for the Olympic Peninsula. They also hoped to test different plants and techniques. After visiting several MG demonstration gardens in the Puget Sound area, they decided to create a unique garden rather than use a public park. They then leased a 2.47-acre plot at 2711 Woodcock Road to establish their garden. To secure the lease, they formed a legal entity: the Master Gardener Foundation of the Olympic Peninsula.

In 1987, the Foundation became a registered nonprofit in Washington State. Over the following years, they improved the land and developed the garden. Besides showcasing gardening techniques, the Foundation donated produce to the local food bank. In 1990, however, the property owner chose to sell, leaving the Foundation without the funds to buy the garden they’d worked so hard to establish. Just as they faced losing the space, an anonymous donor provided funds to purchase the garden. By 1992, the Foundation officially owned the property on Woodcock Road.

With ownership came responsibility—the Foundation now covered all property expenses and improvements. They initially explored partnerships but eventually decided to retain sole ownership and fundraise independently. The Foundation gained 501(c)(3) charitable organization status and developed into a successful fundraising entity, allowing them to finance various property improvements (like a building, pavilion, well, and irrigation system) and support the MG program in collaboration with the WSU Extension office. In 2010, they renamed the Foundation to the Master Gardener Foundation of Clallam County. Membership is open to certified Master Gardeners in Clallam County.

Each year, select members receive the Golden Trowel Award, while a Master Gardener and an intern are honored for their contributions from the previous year.