Published: July 11, 2008 03:45 am      

Master Gardener training classes to start in September

PALESTINE — Have an interest in horticulture and community service?

If so, you might be interested in the Anderson County Master Gardener program’s new training class this fall.

This is an educational activity offered by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service (formerly known as Texas Cooperative Extension) of the Texas A&M University System.

“It’s a good opportunity to be able to give back to the community,” said Carolyn Karels, president of the Anderson County Master Gardeners Association. “Even when we are not in the office, we are asked horticulture questions. We can answer the questions, and if we don’t know, we find out the answer for them.”

The Anderson County Master Gardeners Association also has two beautification projects — one at the Federal Building and the other at BARC, The Humane Society.

“Through the beautification projects, we beautify the area for people to see,” Karels said.

The association also plans two conferences each year, one in the spring and one in the fall.

The goals of the Master Gardener program are to expand the capacity of AgriLife to distribute horticultural information to individuals and groups in the community as well as to develop and enhance community programs related to horticulture. Those applicants selected for Master Gardener training become volunteers who are trained and “employed” to assist these AgriLife community goals. They make it possible for AgriLife agents to reach more people than would otherwise be possible; e.g. by providing speaker’s bureaus; school projects; workshops and seminars; research and demonstration gardens etc.

Instruction is provided by Texas A&M Extension specialists, staff, Master Gardeners and local experts in various areas of horticulture.

Subjects include: plant growth and development; diagnoses of plant problems; lawn care; ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers; insect, disease and weed management; soil; plant nutrition; vegetable gardening, home fruit production; composting; propagation; pruning; landscape maintenance.

To help you decide if you should apply to be a Master Gardener, ask yourself some questions:

To be considered as a Master Gardener you must be able to complete 70 hours of instruction, pass an examination and volunteer at least 50 hours of compulsory community volunteer service, including minimum 20 hours at the local extension office answering horticultural questions from the public. These requirements must be completed within one year.

• Do you have the time?

• Do you look forward to sharing your knowledge with people in your community?

• Are you eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?

• Are you interested in learning about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?

If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program may be for you. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until noon from Sept. 2 through Nov. 25. Cost for the program is $140 and includes the 450-page “Texas Master Gardener Handbook” and additional handouts.

Applications are available by calling the AgriLife Extension office at 903-723-3735 or by coming to the office at 101 E. Oak St. Palestine. Online applications also may be downloaded at http://anderson-tx.tamu.edu; click on “Publications” then “Master Gardeners.” Applications must be returned to the AgriLife extension office by Aug. 22. Class size is limited.

The first class and orientation for Master Gardener trainees begins 10 a.m. Sept. 2 at the AgriLife Extension office. All applicants should attend the meeting. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, handicap or national origin.