The Wonderfulness of HPSO (the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon)

If you are a gardener, someone who loves plants and to dig in the dirt, and you don’t know about the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon, “Quell dommage!” (What a pity!). You do not have to be a professional in the landscape field to be a member (although many members are professionals), just someone who loves gardens and to garden.
 
HPSO is a non-profit 501c (3) run by a few part-time staff and an army of volunteers who created a top-notch organization.  Founded in 1984 to serve Oregon and Southwest Washington, the organization now has 2700 members and continues to grow.  There are now Hardy Plant groups across the country inspired by this local group.
 
I just renewed my membership for another year and was dumbfounded when reminded that I have been a member of HPSO for 30 years! 
 
I keep coming back to the group because 1. The Speaker Programs (even during the pandemic) were and are educational for everyone at all levels. 2. The events HPSO sponsors are great fun (Study Weekends, Garden Travel, After Hours at various nurseries, Plant Nerd Night, Plant Sales, to name a few) 3. The Open Gardens HPSO organizes are a treat because you are invited into private gardens others never have the opportunity to see.  4. As a member you get discounts from nurseries and businesses around the region.  And 4. The people are nice and always welcoming (gardeners are some of the kindest, nicest folks I know – there must be something in the dirt…).
 
So now that you know about HPSO, run as fast as you can to the website and join (the cost of membership is a bargain).  www.hardyplantsociety.org
 
See you at the next gathering!