Tillamook Habitat for Humanity Partners with The Master Gardener’s

There is a thrill to the heart of Master Gardeners when the seeds for a new lawn begin to sprout, turning to a lush green carpet. And a yard adorns a new home bringing out its beauty with finishing touches. This year the Habitat for Humanity program required that their homes compliment the communities by also assisting the owners with landscaping. The Master Gardener's stepped up to this challenge by working with volunteers and homeowners to design and plant a yard to instill interest in the outdoor setting. Informal meetings have also continued with the homeowners to discuss their plants and maintaining the yards they have chosen. 

This year we have assisted with 3 landscape projects. The first 2 homes were done simultaneously and featured a front yard sprinkler system, paver patio area and a decorative planted burm separating the combined front yards from the street. Karen Matthews assisted the homeowners in the landscape design and Penny Eberle donated a decorative fence to adorn one of the homes. 

The most recent dedication took place at the home of Sandra Pickard with her sons Jesse and Donald. Sandra said her dream was to have an "English Garden". Those words piqued the creative minds of Sally Goodwin and Phyllis Holmes, who commandeered volunteers to assist in making a recycled cement-chip patio with surrounding flowerbeds and a stone walkway path with Corsican mint and a "glass vase" bird bath.  Sandra was also interested in a vegetable area and a raised garden bed was creatively made from dockyard recycled lumber and now contains herbs and strawberries. Add to that a lush green lawn and a wreath made from vines in Sally's yard and you have a home that is a showplace for the community, demonstration of recycling, a very grateful family, and volunteers who feel good about the gifts they have given. We estimate the expense at about $150 in addition to the donations from Averill Trucking, The Port of Tillamook Digester material, Hidden Acres Nursery and Rainforest Nursery and plants donated by individuals and the payoff "priceless". 

We plan to continue meeting with the homeowners for "Spring training", and more homes to come next year. Care to help or donate materials? Contact

TCHfH will receive 100% of each donation.
Click below for more information.

Tillamook Habitat for Humanity
2610 Third Street, PO Box 937 Tillamook, Or 97141
(503) 842-7472 Fax (503) 842-9244
habitatforhumanity@tillamookhabitat.org