The purpose of the Polk County Master Gardener™ Program is to support the OSU Master Gardener™ Program and to provide research based gardening information and educational opportunities to the residents of Polk County. They do this through classes and plant problem clinics in various locations throughout the year. The demonstration gardens at the Polk County Fairgrounds are practical examples of home horticulture principles that are the foundation of the Master Gardener™ Program.

Each Master Gardener volunteer has attended the 60 hour Oregon State University Master Gardener™ Training in various horticulture disciplines. The volunteer is then required to perform 60 hours at specific Polk County MG projects as 'payback' for the training.