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The Master Gardener Program - Page 2

© Mary Henry

The Master Gardener core training is offered once a year. In Minnesota it is offered on the Internet, in the Twin Cities and in three other locations around the state that change from time to time. In the Cities and on the Internet the classes are offered through the University College of the University of Minnesota. This information is also available as a credit course for persons not part of the Master Gardener program. To find out about that course check out Horticulture 1003 here. The size of each year's new Master Gardener class is limited and there are always more people applying than can be accommodated. If you are unable to get into this year's class you can try again next year.

Volunteer service is what the program is all about and to make it work better for you, volunteer hours are flexible depending on your interests and available time. You also have a large network of resources to back you up. There are handbooks and extension publications, a horticultural database available on the Internet, email networks of Master Gardeners for the discussion of all things horticultural, local, state and national get-togethers with other Master Gardeners and awards programs for exceptional service. All in all it puts you, the volunteer, in the midst of a wide community of gardeners of all interests and abilities. This makes finding a level of expertise where you feel comfortable very easy and rewarding.

If this sparks your interest and you think you might be cut out to be a horticultural helping hand, contact your local County Extension Office for information and an application. You can also find the information online. For the state of Minnesota the information is here.

One thing that Master Gardeners are NOT is affiliated in any way with Jerry Baker, America's Master Gardener (he trademarked the term years ago). He is a retail guru with no horticultural credentials and a great snake oil pitch. I cannot find a link to the article about him that appeared in USA Today this summer, but the gist was that the Cooperative Extension Service wants it known that there has never been any connection between their Master Gardener program and Mr. Baker.

Next time you attend a local home show or county fair or some other gathering where gardening might be appropriate, look for the Master Gardener booth and get to know these folks. They are your neighbors and you could be one too.

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