OSU Extension Demonstration Gardens around the state are open for end-of-season visits.

The gardens are maintained by Master Gardener volunteers, who are trained through the Extension Service of Oregon State University to demonstrate sustainable gardening practices for the public, free of charge.

The Linn County demonstration garden is located at 3700 Knox Butte Road, in the Linn Co. Fair/Expo Center. Visitors are welcome. Entering the eastside gate, which is always open, you'll be greeted by grape vines, while the northern enclosure is dressed in an espalier of apples and pears.

The new adaptive gardening section (for the disabled) is taking shape with the addition of a 50-square-foot pad made from recycled tire pavers. Raised beds are packed with ideas to try at home. Also on the site are square-foot gardens, creative mulches, eight types of composting bins, a cottage garden, river birch trees and a waterfall.

For more information go online to http://extension.oregonstate.edu/linn/home-horticulture and scroll down to the link for the Master Gardener demo garden.

The demonstration garden in Benton County is located in the fairgrounds in Corvallis. Master Gardeners are available to answer questions and demonstrate garden techniques every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until noon, February-November. Talks to groups can be arranged.

Highlights include: easy-access beds, drip irrigation, vegetable-growing techniques, espalier fruits, non-toxic ways to deal with insects, varieties suited for the Willamette Valley and weed-controlling mulches. Most of the plants are started with seed from local suppliers and include unusual varieties, edible flowers and annual herbs. Perennials include blueberries, grapes, apples, pears, persimmons, huckleberries and herbs. For more information, go online to http://extension.oregonstate.edu/ benton/horticulture.