In the Garden
Amy Jordan, Special to The Gazette
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Volunteers are an important asset to K-State Research and Extension.
Extension Master Gardeners are individuals who are trained in many aspects of horticulture, then are depended on to share the information they gained within the county, extending the services Extension can offer.
They are a hard working group of individuals that share a common interest and are willing to teach others. Master Gardener volunteers are enthusiastic about gardening and eager to learn more. A new class of Master Gardener trainees is now forming. This article addresses frequently asked questions about the Extension Master Gardener program.
Q What is the Master Gardener Program?
A The Master Gardener program is a volunteer organization in which K-State Research and Extension "trades" classroom instruction for the purpose of enabling volunteers to serve their communities through horticulture. Training consists of 40 to 50 hours of training in all aspects of horticulture. Instructors include state specialists from Kansas State University, extension agents and local experts in specific subject matter.
Q When is the Master Gardener training offered?
A Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 9:00 am to 3:30 p.m. beginning September 11th and ending November 13th.
Q What does the Master Gardener Program provide?
A Volunteers will be given an initial training of approximately 40 hours in home horticulture. Class subjects include landscaping, soil fertility, insects, diseases, fruits and vegetables, annual and perennial flowers, trees, shrubs, and turfgrass. After completion of training, Master Gardeners serve in educational roles, have leadership opportunities and participate in advanced training.
Q What does The Master Gardener Program require?
A After completion of the training course, graduate Master Gardeners are committed to a 40 hour volunteer effort during the following calendar year conducting educational programs on behalf of K-State Research and Extension in Lyon County. After completing the initial 40 hours, 15 hours of volunteer service are required each year to sustain membership.
Q Why become an Extension Master Gardener?
A Extension Master Gardeners can become involved as volunteers in many ways. In the past, volunteers have taught horticulture lessons to children and adults at various events. Some have staffed plant clinics to help diagnose plant problems. They also do the planting and maintenance of the Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens. Volunteers have staffed educational booths at the Emporia Spring Expo, served as 4-H horticulture project leaders and have given talks to civic groups and garden clubs about topics in which they are knowledgeable. Other possibilities of activities for Master Gardener volunteers could be teaching horticulture enrichment units in local schools, conducting horticultural therapy programs at assisted living facilities, or judging horticulture exhibits at the county fair or a school science fair.
Application Process
Applicants will be selected based upon ability to attend all class sessions and commitment to satisfy a minimum of 40 volunteer hours. Contact the Lyon County Extension office at 620-341-3220 to request an application or learn more about the program.