Michael Christy

I have been gardening on and off for 50 years…mostly small plots that fit on a balcony for all my moves working for the USN (retired) and Fedex, throughout the world.

I am currently finishing my Master Gardener qualifications here in Lincoln County, Newport, Oregon. After trying to find good soil for a garden, larger than a few containers, I discovered straw bales.

I currently have a straw bale demonstration (2 bales) at Yaquina Bay lighthouse as part of the Master Gardener demonstration garden working with the local 2nd grade elementary school children. Additionally I have 6 bales at my home. Four of my bales are in a raised bed with a cloche cover and two are out in the elements of wind and rain and fog and salt.

I have been asked to do a small presentation to this coming years Master Gardener program so I am excited to share my solution to gardening here at the coast, and my new passion to share.

Next year: 20 bales