YACHATS — Have questions about gardening on the coast? Want to nurture your joints while you nurture your plants?
The answers will be available from master gardeners from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Yachats Demonstration & Community Garden at the corner of West Seventh Street and Driftwood Lane during an open house and plant clinic.
On Sunday, people can get tips on these tactics, plus choosing appropriate plants for seaside cultivation.
“The wind and the salt air are our biggest challenge for plants here on the coast, besides the cooler temperatures,” said Carita Edson, master gardener and this year’s garden coordinator. “Most vegetables like heat, so we are dependent on the amount of sunshine we get, but wind breaks and cloches (protective structures) really help.”
Another major topic will be “ergonomic gardening” — gardening the safest way with less impact on knees, wrists and hands. Edson, master gardener Laura Hauert and other community garden members will demonstrate the proper use of ergonomic hand tools.
“These tools help people with arthritis enjoy gardening with less pain,” said Edson. Other versions of ergonomic tools enable a longer reach, or offer add-ons for arm support. The tools will be demonstrated by planting in the garden’s raised beds, which are two feet high to reduce bending.
The community garden includes a wheelchair accessible drive, walkway and plant bed.
Raised beds and plots are rented annually by community members and master gardeners in April. While all are rented for this year, people interested in future reservations may join the waiting list by contacting Edson (541-547-4168; email at oceanmt.girl@gmail.com).
Some plants and seeds will be available and gardening questions are also welcome at a plant clinic included in the open house.
While the pandemic forced a closure of the garden for more than a year, members have made extra effort this spring to get it back in shape.