The Master Gardener Program, as it is known now, was initially started in 1972 when the Extension agent/farm adviser in Snohomish County, Washington, could no longer handle the calls from the growing number of "urban" farmers in his area. The concept of a group of trained volunteers with the specific goal of assisting the farm adviser was contemplated. A core group of interested gardeners was recruited and trained by the local land grant university cooperative extension office to meet the need. This was the beginning of the Master Gardner Program.
Master Gardener programs exist in every state in the U.S. and six Canadian provinces. It is estimated that more than 60,000 volunteers contribute hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours.
Master Gardener International hosts a North American Continent Conference every other year in various locations and acts as a clearinghouse for ideas and information. The United States is divided into regions which hold Master Gardener conferences on a biennial basis. Arkansas belongs to the Southern Region.
In 1988, four Arkansas counties, Pulaski, Garland, Jefferson and Saline, started a pilot Master Gardner program. Classes were held at the Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale, in Pulaski County. Ten Garland County residents took the course. In March and April 1989, Garland County held the second set of classes at the Garland County Fairgrounds. Saline, Hot Spring and Clark counties were invited to participate. Since 1990, classes have been held every year. At the end of 1993, the group organized and began having officers. The Articles of Establishment and Bylaws were adopted by the membership in November 1997.
Garland County Master Gardeners currently has 188 active members, of which 23 have become Life Members, having served as a Master Gardner for at least 15 years. Paula Wallace is the longest lifetime member, having served 24 years.
There are 14 advanced Master Gardeners. This status is obtained by people who have been a Master Gardener for a minimum of three years and then have attended five advanced courses. There are two Master Gardeners who have achieved the title of Advanced Master Gardener II (having attended 13 advanced classes). They are Gaye Harper and Lin Johnson.
Currently, there are 28 First-Year Master Gardeners who will complete their five week training course at the end of February. They must participate in 40 working hours and 20 hours of education during their first year.
Garland County Master Gardeners participate in projects throughout the county. They include: Community Education which provides an Ask A Master Gardener Booth at the Farmers Market, the Brown Bag Luncheon at Garland County Library; COMO Square; county and district courthouses; the police memorial; the county fair; Entergy Park; extension office; The Caring Place; Garvan Woodland Gardens; Habitat for Humanity; the Langston Alumni Legacy Garden; Ouachita Children's Center; Paul Bewie Complex; Farmers Market; triangle at Malvern and Grand avenues; city greenhouse; Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village Xeriscape; and youth gardening at participating schools. During the spring and summer months, the Master Gardeners in Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village choose a monthly recipient for their outstanding yard for each month.
During 2014, the Garland County Master Gardeners volunteered 14,537 work hours, valued at $327,815, and logged in 8,685 education hours. These numbers reflect the spirit of volunteerism of this organization. Their dedication is a definite asset to Garland County.
The Master Gardener Program is under the auspices of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Services. Janet Carson is the state Master Gardener coordinator. The local Master Gardeners meet at 1 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Elk's Lodge, 132 Abbott Lane. Everyone is welcome.
If interested in the classes, please contact the local Extension Office, 623-6841 or 922-4703, for further information.
Society on 02/22/2015