What is a Master Gardener Anyway?

360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
by 360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
I found the answer to this question in 1999. I know I have seen many of you posting on Hometalk, so stand up and be counted! And if I give any misinformation, please correct me.
The Extension Master Gardener program is a national and international program of volunteers trained by professionals to assist in educating people about all things garden and landscape related, such as, Environmental Stewardship,Home Food Production, Gardening with Youth, Value of Landscapes, or Health Benefits of Gardening. There are other topic too.
Yes, you have to go through a training given by professionals, usually one day or night a week for about five or six hours, 8 to 12 weeks or so long. But don’t worry about falling asleep or starving to death. By the second class people usually will be warm and friendly and decide to “help out” with the break snacks. YUMMY! Then there are the plant trades, seed trades, networking to go to garden centers and gardens and friends’ gardens and parks. You get trained by fascinating and knowledgeable folks giving the classes, college professors,local professionals, county extension agents. They all bring their particular expertise to the table so you never WANT to fall asleep. When I teach a MG class I usually present a show and tell,and I never go home with the plants I brought with me, even the organic amendment class I taught was a show and tell! You do have to pay to participate and pay for a totally wonderful book that you get to keep. (Mine is in tatters and I really need to purchase an updated copy, but I have my notes all over my original book.)
OK, so soil sciences might be a little dry… but pay attention. It will make you a better gardener and an educated one at that. You will find out how things work and the best garden practices for your area. It isn't word of mouth misinformation;it is based on the knowledge researched by Universities Extension Departments and the Department of Agriculture. You will know the correct stuff when you are finished;totally worth the stress of the test at the end of the session.
I am a industry professional and I am also a MasterGardener. We make a commitment not to use that Master Gardener recognition to promote ourselves or our businesses. The Master Gardener program is not for professionals to use other than as gardeners just like anyone else. The program was designed to help for the county extension help local people with all things garden.
Way back in 1999, we agreed to do 50 hours of volunteer service the first year and 25 per year after that. You volunteer to do things like nab plant clinic booths where you answer questions asked by all levels of gardeners from newbies to veterans. I have been to homes, worked on park gardens; I even helped design and identify plants at the Butterfly Garden at the UGA Griffin Experiment Station more years ago than I care to remember.It was a privilege to take part in that activity. The camaraderie is infectious and you make lifelong friends. Many counties have Master Gardener clubs that meet each month or and guess what..YES ! they have more yummy food than you can shake a stick and they discuss trips and events; and then there are always the plant swaps (my personal favorite).
Anyone can become a Master Gardener who has a passion for gardening, landscaping and sharing that knowledge and passion. Contact your local extension office for more information.
Annandale Project (Courtesy of Gwinnett MG's)
Bunten Park, Duluth Project #1 (Courtesy of Gwinnett MG's)
Me a million years ago at SE Flower Show booth with some plants grown via Master Gardeners and GardenSmith Green house and nursery
Me a million years ago at a festival plant information booth in Maysville GA
McDaniel Farm Park Workday-with prize watermelon 8-1-12 (Courtesy of Gwinnett MG's)
No. Ga. Home Show (Courtesy of Gwinnett MG's)
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2 of 18 comments
  • Kate Kate on Aug 16, 2016
    This sounds like a great program to know about!
  • Linda B Linda B on Aug 17, 2016
    The EMGV program, at least in North Carolina, includes the word VOLUNTEER in the name. It's designed to provide research-based education to gardeners who then go out and SHARE that knowledge with people in their community. In Guilford County, NC, where I was the Volunteer Coordinator for a few years, we have 50 hours of classroom education. In the first year, there's also 50 hours of volunteering required. In following years, members have to have 10 hours of education and 30 volunteer hours. We work with Community Gardens, School Gardens, we grow plants for an annual plant sale, we sponsor a Bee Day along with several other educational programs in our Demonstration Garden, we have a Speakers Bureau, and we put on an annual Gardening Gala and Seminar in early Fall. As to corporate support -- we are totally self-supporting, taking no money from even the land-grant university system we're affiliated with. We're there to share EDUCATION and help people become more successful gardeners -- WITH THE LEAST POSSIBLE HARMFUL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
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