The Hardy Plant Society of Oregon - Distribution of Grants Funds in 2009

Grants Awarded in 2009

Interest in the 2009 HPSO grants program was greater this year than in the recent past. There were thirteen interesting and potentially important projects from applicants. This year's pool of applicants requested more than twice what we had available so, regrettably, not all could receive funding, and some not the full amount they requested. However, we did make eight awards to deserving projects, as approved at the February Board meeting. Funding for grants comes from donations and special fundraising projects as well as some of the profit generated from book sales, plant sales and other activities.

The Grants Committee carefully reviewed each proposal and focused on providing support to projects most closely aligned with HPSO's mission. With complete approval from the Board, HPSO is pleased that this year's projects represent multiple cities around the state, including three public schools, and four projects that address food security for people in need. HPSO is pleased to be able to sponsor this year's grantees' efforts which we could not do without the generous support of our members and their financial contributions to the Elaine Joines Memorial Grants Program.

Beverly Cleary K-8 School, Portland: Hollyrood Garden Plant Up
The project goal is to install native, hardy plants in portions of the Hollyrood garden in order to lower weeding requirements, increase wildlife and to serve the kindergarteners and 1st graders at the school as a place to learn about science (nature, composting, etc), math, art and writing (garden journaling).

Bienestar: Bienestar Community Gardens
Bienestar is a supplier of housing for low-income farm worker families (avg. income $20K/yr for family of 4). Bienestar offers community garden plots at their properties in western Washington County and Columbia County. The goal of the project is to allow greater access to fresh food, and reduce food insecurity.

Canby High School: Plant Identification - Cut Flower Garden
Their primary goal is to have students in floriculture courses learn to identify, plant, maintain, process and use cut flowers and greens. Landscaping students will learn to install and maintain planting beds. About 150 students participate in floriculture classes at the school, with another 70 students in Landscaping.

Franklin High School: FLIP - Landscape Restoration Project
This parent-driven effort was launched last year to install and maintain attractive planting beds at Franklin HS in SE Portland. Working with a landscaping plan donated by Portland Nursery, a group of parents, students and others planted trees, shrubs and perennials in the project's first phase. The current goal is to create more beautiful grounds for the student body (48% of whom qualify for free or reduced lunch), thereby increasing student and community pride. Future plans call for greater curricular integration.

Growing Gardens: Home Garden Program
The project goal is to implement the Home Garden Expansion Package, to offer additional edible plant material (fruit trees and berries) and tools to interested, eligible program gardeners. Support includes mentoring to properly plant and care for new fruit trees and berry bushes as well as vegetable gardens.

Oregon Master Gardeners, Multnomah Chapter: Demonstration Garden
The project is to create a demo garden on the Learning Garden Lab site (6801 SE 60th) to showcase plants and gardening methods, and support food security efforts. Produce from the site will be donated to the Food Bank.

Oregon Rural Action: La Grande Community Garden
This Community Garden was started in 2003 by Eastern Oregon University students to help alleviate hunger. Grant funds are requested to support an increase of the number of raised beds from 9 to 15, and to increase the number of garden members from 11 to 20. About 40% of last year's gardeners were on food stamps. An Oregon Rural Action coordinator will manage the garden, continuing to partner with EOU, Master Gardeners, La Grande High School, and others.

South Burlingame Neighborhood Association: Triangle Site Project
The project goal is to develop a healthy, natural garden and habitat in a prominent, public, 6,000 square foot area that has been seriously neglected. This will be accomplished through nature-scaping and developing a site-appropriate garden. The project is a partnership between several public and private organizations.