From county fairs to safety programs, the local Extension office relies heavily on volunteers to accomplish the work that we do. Two groups of volunteers that I have the pleasure of working with on a regular basis are the Fillmore and Houston County Master Gardeners. These volunteers give significant amounts of their free time to the people of our area and through the education they provide, bring great value to our communities. For that I want to say thank you to each and every one of our Master Gardener volunteers.
For those that are not aware, our Master Gardeners are public citizens that give their time to share research based information on a range of topics that include but are not limited to: gardening, landscapes, pollinators, water conservation, and healthy foods. And their activities are not just limited to answering phone calls. Among other things these groups give grants to local schools for school gardens, their members provide education at local farmers markets, they diagnose plant and garden problems, they are responsible for coordinating plant sales and exchanges, and they take part in school programs that help teach our local youth about healthy foods and healthy living.
Our Master Gardener volunteers are passionate learners that love sharing knowledge with others. Though no single Master Gardener will ever have the answer to every question, they do have access to resources that enable them to address a wide range of inquiries.
So how do you get a hold of a Master Gardener when you have question? Feel free to call or email your local Extension office. We will put you in contact with a Master Gardener with expertise related to your question. You can also use Extension’s online system or contact the state Yard and Garden Line at (612) 301-7590.
What about getting more information on Master Gardener activities or even possibly joining the group? We are always looking for new members or new community partners to work with. Rest assured you do not need to be a master of gardening to be a part of this group. You just need to have that passion for learning and the willingness to share your knowledge with others. If you do have an interest in joining the group or just want to know more about Master Gardener activities, please give your local Extension office a call. Or better yet, talk to a current Master Gardener volunteer and find out first hand about the good these people do for our communities.