Madison County Master Gardener

Auburn, Oct.16---Bess Parks was destined to be a Master Gardener. Her love of gardening runs deep, from her childhood years to the gardens she now spends time in. If you have visited the Huntsville Botanical Garden, you may have seen her digging in the dirt or working with the volunteers who maintain the Botanical Garden demonstration vegetable garden.

Her fellow Master Gardeners describe Bess as "a Master Gardener who works quietly to get the job done. She avoids the limelight and is dedicated to getting the job done and to continue to look for ways to improve the projects." Jean Lee, president of Master Gardeners of North Alabama Association, says "Bess can be found at all of our projects, helping out where she can. Bess Parks is truly a Master Gardener from the heart."

Bess Parks demonstrates one of the most important characteristics of a Master Gardener – she readily enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for gardening. Bess completed the Master Gardener training course in 1995. Dr. Bess Parks became a full time volunteer when she retired from her teaching positions with the Huntsville City School System and Alabama A & M University. In addition to heading up the Botanical Garden demonstration vegetable garden, Bess has been involved in area Master Gardener projects such as the Garden’s Spring Plant Sale (a major fundraiser for the Garden), Children’s Garden, "Plant the Square" project for the City of Huntsville, and she has worked on several committees for the Master Gardeners of North Alabama.

Bess has now logged over 1,000 hours of volunteer service as a Master Gardener. But as is the case with most Master Gardeners, she would be gardening and sharing tips with others even if there were no Master Gardener Program. Bess grew up in a gardening family. She is doing her part to pass along the value of planting seeds and sowing life.

Congratulations to Bess Parks, Madison County Master Gardener and 2001 Alabama Master Gardener Volunteer of the Year.