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Horticulture
Barb Fick, Home Horticulture Agent
The Linn County office of the OSU Extension Service receives more than 3,000 requests for home gardening information annually. To provide this information, Extension enlists the assistance of Master Gardener volunteers.
The Master Gardener program, begun in 1978, teaches volunteers about technical horticulture, the Extension Service, and sources of information at Oregon State University. It provides Master Gardeners with tools to become better gardeners, a network of fellow gardeners, and a means of service to others.
Extension Agents enjoy watching Master Gardeners become more confident, outgoing and aware of the need for their knowledge.
In spite of budget constraints and reduced staffing, the Master Gardener program continues to grow. These enthusiastic volunteers serve an increasingly larger home gardening audience.
Who are Master Gardeners?
Master Gardeners are volunteers who are experienced gardeners, who receive horticultural training from Oregon State University Extension Specialists, agents and other Master Gardeners, and who want to share their gardening skill and training with others.
How can I become a Master Gardener?
Potential Master Gardeners must have had gardening experience. They must be willing to spend one day each week for nine consecutive weeks during January, February and March for a total of 60 hours of classroom instruction. They must agree to return 66 hours in volunteering gardening information, public service, or remit $250 for the course.
How much does it cost?
Each new Master Gardener who is accepted for training must pay $65 to cover the cost of the Master Gardener reference notebook, class materials, and classroom expenses.
How do I pay back the 66 hours?
A minimum or 46 hours is spent at the Extension office answering gardening questions. Additional time can be returned in such activities as staffing information booths and/or giving demonstrations at the Linn County Fair, the Spring Garden Festival, and the farmers markets. One might volunteer hours working in the Linn County Master Gardener Demonstration Garden located at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center, or lead a 4-H horticulture club, present windowsill gardening to second and third graders, or lead a gardening class at the Gardening in the Pacific Northwest series sponsored by Linn County Master Gardeners and LBCC. Other ways to pay back volunteer hours might be to provide gardening programs for service clubs, write newspaper articles, or tape radio spots.
How do I apply?
If you wish to be a Master Gardener, contact the Linn County Extension Office at 541-967-3871 or toll free at 1-888-883-0522 to receive an application by mail. Return it to the Linn County Extension Office, PO Box 765, Albany, OR 97321.
How long may I be a Master Gardener?
You may be a Master Gardener as long as you wish. A few have remained active since the first class was held in 1978. Others have remained active since their training. Many become members of Master Gardener Association of Linn County. This association holds monthly meetings to become better acquainted with each other, to have fun, to gain additional knowledge, and to plan community and educational gardening activities.
Links
Northwest Grape &
Berry Information Net
International
Master Gardener Site
Gardening
in the Pacific Northwest class schedule
CommentsLast Update: January 4, 2002