Who Me? Bettye McMillen
"Who, me?" "I don't have a green thumb; why, I've been known to kill artificial flowers." "Have you seen my yard? And you still want me to become a Master Gardener?" These are typical responses one gets when talking to others about becoming a master gardener. The misconception is that you have to be a great gardener (master, duh) in order to participate in this program.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Case in point--me. I have a lot of flowers in my yard, mostly perennials such as daylilies and iris, but they are all scattered in a haphazard fashion. There is no rhyme nor reason, no plan: I plant wherever there is a spot. Dig a hole, insert a plant, presto--I garden.
Just who are the master gardeners? According to Ed Williams, co-chair for the Mississippi Master Gardeners Conference held in May, 2009, they are just like you and me--with a few differences. They are "adults with a passion for gardening knowledge and helping people. ..trained volunteers who assist with horticultural education and promotion in the communities, etc."
And exactly what is it a master gardener does? Again, quoting Williams, "they use university research-based horticultural information...protect and enhance our environment...introduce children and others to the world of plants, adopt community beautification projects, educate the public on horticultural topics...etc." Does this sound like someone you know?
The Master Gardener Program began in 1972 in Washington state and came to Mississippi in 1991 in Harrison and Hines Counties. The program comes under the area of natural/agricultural research and is led by County Extension Agents. It is strictly on a volunteer basis. A degree is not necessary. A desire to dig in the dirt is essential.
The master gardener must undergo forty (40) hours of classroom instruction and must complete forty (40) hours of approved service within one year of training. Projects may include, but are not limited to, public speaking opportunities, writing opportunities, conducting tours of garden assets around the state, working with groups or individuals, etc.
Before 2008 there was a very small number of master gardeners in Union County, not enough to establish an organization. These indivduals joined county groups in either Lee or Tippah counties. In 2008 eight individuals signed up for the program. Stanley Wise,Union County Extension Agent, led the new class of recruits under the supervision of Dr. Lelia Kelley, Extension Associate Professor of Horticulture (MSU). At the completion of training, the Union County Master Gardener Association came into being. The group has participated in many activities county-wide in an effort to encourage horticultural interest, activities, teach, etc. The first project which touched a large number of Union County was the "Saturday Farmers Market held in downtown New Albany. Fresh produce, local farmers, demonstrations by master gardeners.
The event which "puts us on the map" , so to speak, was the first New Albany Home and Garden Show, held mid-march, 2009. The Union County Master Gardeners sponsored a well-received, well-attended garden show with displays, classes, seminars, booths showcasing items for purchase, and presentations by such individuals as Felder Rushing. By all accounts, the day was a huge success. The spring show will be held again in 2010.
The Union County Master Gardener Association meets monthly; we would love to see more persons become members of our group. All it takes is forty (40) hours of classroom training and then forty (40) hours of service to become a certified master gardener. You will learn a great deal of information, but more importantly, you will learn where to go for information whenever you need it for yourself or someone else; you will meet some wonderful people with interests similar to yours; and you will have a great hobby that you can enjoy for many, many years.
If you would like more information on the master gardener program, leave a message for us at the Union County Exrension Office at 662-534-1916 or drop us a line at colorsbytim@hotmail.com
