Who we are
History
In 2006 in the southern Willamette Valley, a small gathering of avid gardeners, both amateurs and professionals, met to start a new gardening group. They wanted to propagate plant knowledge, encourage creativity in the use of the landscaping, and support responsible gardening practices for the greater good. They also wanted to have fun. As a result, Avid Gardeners was founded as a non-profit 501 C3 organization in 2007.
Mission Statement
Our mission: learn to garden with an ecological mindset by treading more lightly on the earth, promoting horticultural interests through education and encouraging laughter and fun.
Our Officers
President Mark Bloom – Mark, along with his wife Val and his best friend Charlie own Bloom River Gardens. When not involved with the nursery, the former teacher can be found at University of Oregon football and men’s and women’s basketball games as the official scorer.
Vice President Sandra Rossi – Sandra is impassioned about gardening, family, friends, running and lying on tropical beaches.
Treasurer Barbara Ganzel divides her time between gardening, quilting and reading.
Secretary Ernie O’Byrne is co-owner of Northwest Garden Nursery and spends many enjoyable hours playing Baroque flute with the Heartwood Consort.
Our Board
Alice Doyle is the co-founder of Log House Plants, a wholesale grower of unusual and classic annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs bound for retailers in Oregon and Washington.
Chuck Ganzel is a serious gardener who enjoys garden design, trellis and rock work.
Ginny Saunders Hargreaves is an accomplished garden designer with a gorgeous garden and farm, with whimsical art around every corner.
David Hess is co-founder of Lorane Hills, a small native and perennial plant nursery near Lorane and a retired architect active in the Oregon Track Club.
Evelyn Hess is an occasional nature guide. She is co-founder of Lorane Hills nursery and is involved in land restoration, including the Walama Restoration Project.
Mary-Kate Mackey’s garden writing has appeared in Meredith Publications, Fine Gardening, Sunset and the 2007 Sunset Western Garden Book.
Marietta O’Byrne is a totally dedicated gardener and co-owner of Northwest Garden Nursery, a wholesale nursery growing thousands of hellebores.