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Masters of the garden

July 14, 2006 2:06 am

IF YOU ARE TIRED of buying plants for your yard or garden only to have them die, or if you're an avid gardener and want to learn more about the science of horticulture, the Master Gardener program could be for you.

In Virginia, the Master Gardener program is administered by Virginia Cooperative Extension, an educational outreach program of Virginia's land-grant universities: Virginia Tech and Virginia State University.

So what is a Master Gardener? Master Gardeners are university-trained volunteers who serve as educators in their communities. The Master Gardener program originated in Washington state to enable Washington State University Cooperative Extension to better serve the public--specifically home gardeners.

In the early 1970s, interest in home gardening mushroomed. Extension offices were overwhelmed with requests for horticultural information. The program was designed to provide volunteers with extensive horticultural training that they would offer the public through Cooperative Extension.

Since its inception at Washington State University, the concept has spread to all 50 states and four Canadian provinces.

Here in Virginia, VCE Master Gardeners are specially trained individuals who act on behalf of the Extension as volunteer educators within the community. They partner with VCE to disseminate information and present programs on topics including environmental protection, turf management, landscaping, vegetables, trees and pest management.

Master Gardeners receive 50 hours of training on subjects such as soils and fertilizers, lawns, ornamental annual and perennial flowers, pests and diseases, landscaping, watering, pruning, mulching and organic gardening.

The volunteers also learn to work with low-income, elderly or physically challenged individuals to help them learn and use horticultural concepts.

They can also help maintain demonstration gardens, work at booths at community fairs, lead plant clinic discussions, teach gardening to beginners and kids, and help maintain local historical sites.

One project they are involved with is the First Saturdays in the Garden program, held the first Saturday of the month from April through November at various area locations.

Other efforts include the horticulture therapy program conducted at Rappahannock Adult Activities Inc., plant clinics at Porter Library and the Spotsylvania Farmers Market, an Arbor Day programs at local schools, the community garden in Caroline County and various landscaping and educational programs at King George County schools.

Upon entering VCE Master Gardener training, the candidate agrees to attend 50 hours of classroom instruction and then volunteer an equal number of hours within one year of the contract date. All individuals receiving VCE Master Gardener training must be able to commit to a minimum of 100 hours within 12 months.

Becoming a Master Gardener is more than just receiving an education in horticulture. It is also an opportunity for fellowship with like-minded people with similar interests. The variety of personalities from diverse backgrounds brings a unique and enriching experience.

You can also join the Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area, which promotes the program and offers opportunities to further your education.

The next opportunity to become a Master Gardener is this fall at the Extension's Stafford County office. Classes will be held each Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, from mid-September to late November.

If you are interested, call the Stafford office at 540/658-8000 to receive an application. The cost of the course is $135, which includes the Master Gardener Handbook. Space is limited.