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What Is
a Master Gardener? And What's So Special About Becoming One?
Auburn, June 15---What
is a Master Gardener? It's an individual who learns about the art
and science of horticulture and shares that information with others.
 Master
Gardeners in Alabama are a diverse group of individuals with a
common interest in learning more about gardening, says Mary Beth
Musgrove, a horticulturist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension
System.
The only requirements
for becoming a Master Gardener are an interest in learning more
about gardening and horticulture, having the time to attend an
intensive training course on all areas of horticulture, and a
willingness to share what you learn with others.
Today, more than ever,
home gardeners are becoming active Master Gardener volunteers,
joining as partners with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System,
to meet the growing interest in landscaping and gardening.
Recent national surveys
report gardening remains the number one leisure time activity in
America. Growth of the green industry over the past 20 years
indicates this trend will likely continue.
Master Gardener
volunteers play an important role in the mission of Cooperative
Extension in Alabama, says Musgrove. As the Alabama landscape
changes from predominately rural agriculture to rural-urban
interfacing, county Extension agents are overwhelmed with requests
for home gardening and landscaping information. Master Gardeners are
trained and certified in research-based, cutting-edge horticultural
practices and not only become better gardeners and environmental
stewards, but also help county agents share important gardening
information with others in their community.
What is so special about
Master Gardeners? They make a valuable difference in their
communities by giving of their knowledge and of their time. Because
Master Gardeners are your neighbors, they are more likely to provide
information on growing and maintaining plants suitable to your
specific geographical location rather than generalizing to a
regional area.
Musgrove says there is
no substitute for having someone give a hands-on demonstration when
it comes to gardening. Master Gardeners consider it an honor, and
part of their duty, to teach others the "how to's" of
gardening and landscaping.
To find out if your city
or county sponsors a Master Gardener volunteer program, contact your
county Extension office listed under the county government section
in your telephone director.
Source: Mary Beth
Musgrove, Extension Horticulturist, Alabama Cooperative Extension
System, (205) 221-3392
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