The Oscars of gardening

Master Gardeners gears up for awards event

Sitting in a covered picnic area in the Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden on Woodcock Road, member Gail Nelson gestures around the property.

"You see the results of all of the hard work," she said, referring to 2.5 acres of flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs. "But you don’t always see who did it."

The desire to recognize the hard workers prompted the Clallam County Master Gardeners to present its first Golden Trowel Awards in 2005, when they honored five members who had a big part in making the club successful.

Earlier this year, plaques with the previous winners’ names were prominently displayed on a stone path in the garden, which Nelson called "our very own walk of fame," leaving room for future recipients to place their own plaques.

On Aug. 27, the gardeners will host the fourth Golden Trowel Awards ceremony, presenting awards to five women Nelson and fellow award chairwoman Betty Ashland say have been instrumental in helping the Gardeners bloom, including former club presidents Donna Rettig and MJ Tyler; Peg Brown, instigator of the Youth Enrichment Program; Marle Brandt, former garden manager; and Cathe Muller, who designed the demonstration garden. Each of the honorees has put in at least 10 years or 750 hours to the Master Gardeners.

"We need their expertise," Nelson said of the past and present winners, four of whom have died. "We need their knowledge and this is a good way to publicly acknowledge them."

The award presentation, being held 12:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, is open to the public and costs $15, which includes a box lunch. To reserve a spot or for more information, call Gail Nelson, 681-7727, or Betty Ashland, 681-4024, before Aug. 15.