Yard and Garden Lecture Series 2026

The Yard & Garden lecture series is a fundraising and educational community event hosted by the Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation and Washington State University Jefferson County Extension. We’re excited to bring you six lectures focused on cultivating resilient gardens, helping our wildlife, growing food, water conservation, and gaining a better understanding of how nature improves our well-being. Events run from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. $15 for single lectures (+ tax) , and $75 for the series (+ tax). Pay for 5 and get one free! Ticket sales help support Jefferson County Master Gardener programming. Bring your friends!

Info: Weather is perhaps the most crucial factor determining the health of our plants, and many gardeners have begun to notice changes in the regular patterns of weather. As one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier gardens, Heronswood has begun to adapt its plant selections and cultural practices to accommodate our changing climate. Join Director Ross Bayton to find out what Heronswood is doing and whether it is working.

Info: Organic gardening practices can positively impact soil health and build climate

resilience — all while growing a bountiful edible garden. Gardener, educator and small-scale

farmer Marni Sorin will discuss techniques for supporting soil health, strategies and tools to

adapt to changing weather patterns, and ways that gardens can help mitigate the effects of

climate change.

Info: Gardeners and naturalists intuitively know that time in nature is good for people.

Research of recent decades confirms those hunches, and also expands the depth and

dimension of knowledge about nature experiences and human health. Research social scientist

and writer Dr. Kathleen Wolf will provide findings from a number of different studies, and how

nature can be designed to boost community and individual resilience of mind and body.

Info: No matter where you live in Washington, water conservation is an issue. Educator,

consultant, and author Lisa Taylor will share how landscaping with native plants, rain gardens

and cisterns help conserve and filter water and provide habitat for pollinators. She will show how small changes — for example, creating contours and rain gardens, and adding cisterns and rain barrels — can lead to big improvements in water quality and retention. No matter where you live in Washington, water conservation is an issue.

Info: When it comes to supporting wildlife habitat in the places we live, there are both

opportunities and challenges. Avid birder and author Steve Hampton will walk attendees

through how to attract a wide diversity of species by creating edge habitat in backyards, all the

while navigating a variety of urban hazards and invasive species.

Info: Let’s face it — pests can make gardening a real challenge. Jenny Glass, plant diagnostician for the WSU-Puyallup Plant and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory, will share practical strategies for resilience: choosing hardy plants, improving soil health, and adapting to changing conditions. In addition, she’ll highlight different gardening practices that help avoid pest problems, and showcase some of the good (and surprisingly interesting) organisms that are in your yard that are eager to help.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Port Townsend, Arts events in Port Townsend, Literary Art events in Port Townsend.