Master Gardener program to begin

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Monday, September 06, 2010

News	September 06, 2010

6/11/2010 1:06:00 PM

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Master Gardener program to begin

By Tommy Neyland

CENTERVILLE - The Texas Agrilife Extension Service in Leon County will begin a new program for Master Gardeners on Friday.

This highly trained core of volunteers will assist with programs and projects in Leon County. Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups.

What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, those who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through the local Extension office to provide horticultural-related information to communities.

Please ask yourself these questions to help decide whether to apply to be a Master Gardener:

• Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?

• Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?

• Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?

• Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?

If the answers were "yes" to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you. Contact The Texas Agrilife Extension Service in Leon County for an application at (903) 536-2531.

Those who are accepted into the Master Gardener program in Leon County will attend a Master Gardener training course. Classes are taught by Texas Agrilife Extension Service specialists, agents and local experts. The program offers a minimum of 50 hours of instruction that covers topics including lawn care, ornamental trees and shrubs, insect, disease and weed management, soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, home fruit production, garden flowers, and water conservation. The training will be offered at the Leon County Annex Great Room from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday, and running through Friday, Nov. 19.

In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer time to the Leon County Extension program. At least 50 hours of volunteer service within one year following the training is required to earn the title of "Texas Master Gardener."

The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs, and the abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening. Others staff plant clinics or displays in shopping malls or community centers.

Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community garden projects, work with 4-H youth or assist the county agent with news or radio releases related to gardening. The Master Gardener Coordinator in the Leon County Extension office decides how volunteer time can be best utilized.

Master Gardeners are representatives of Texas Agrilife Extension, through the Texas A&M University System. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of Texas Agrilife Extension. The title "Texas Master Gardener" can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension-sponsored activities. Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.

Application forms and additional information are available from the Leon County Extension office at 113 W. Main St., Centerville, or by email at twneyland@ag.tamu.edu.

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