MASTER GARDENERS

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WSU Master Gardener Program accepting applications

posted 09/13/02
Do you have experience with plants and enjoy gardening? Do you like to work with community members of all ages, teaching them about plants, soils and gardening? If your answer is yes to these questions, then the WSU Master Gardener program of San Juan County is for you.

WSU Cooperative Extension, San Juan County is now accepting applications for the WSU Master Gardener class of 2003. WSU Master Gardeners attend five weeks of training in Anacortes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning January 21, 2003 and lasting until February 25, 2003. The training is held in conjunction with Skagit and Island counties and fifteen people are accepted from each county.

Some of the topics that will be taught include basic botany, insect and plant disease management, plant identification, small fruit and tree fruit production and plant problem diagnosis. Upon successful completion of the training, WSU Master Gardeners volunteer a minimum of 90 hours over two years. Master Gardeners serve all residents of San Juan County by sponsoring workshops, clinics and answering plant related requests from home gardeners that come into the WSU Extension office.

To request an application, or receive more information, contact the WSU Cooperative Extension office at 360.378.4414. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, October 24, 2002.

Fifteen new master gardeners

Photo by Ron Garner.
From left to right are: Karin Agosta, Lindalena Dingman, Tom Schutlz, Pat Savage, Karina Serna, Katie Hover, Sandy Goddard, Dixie Walmsley, Jane Dill, Carol Jones, Joann Lally, Penny Cannon, Rebecca Viola, Barbara Fleming, Sally Coffin and Eva North. Not Pictured: Carl Stoddard.

Fifteen Master Gardener trainees graduated Feb. 28, 2001 after attending six weeks of extensive training. Topics included vegetable and fruit gardening, plant problem diagnosis, integrated pest management, composting, and other horticultural issues.

San Juan County Master Gardeners conduct workshops, present school enrichment programs, organize garden tours, and are present at the San Juan Island Farmer's Market, the Orcas Public Library and at other community events to answer questions on gardening and food growing.

The new Master Gardeners are:

LOPEZ ISLAND:
Pat Savage
Carol Jones

ORCAS ISLAND:
Dixie Walmsley
Sally Coffin
Lindalena Dingman
Barbara Fleming
Penny Cannon
Rebecca Viola
Eva North

SAN JUAN ISLAND:
Karin Agosta
Jane Dill
Sandy Goddard
Joann Lally
Karina Serna
Carl Stoddard

Master Gardeners serve all residents of San Juan County by sponsoring workshops and clinics and by answering plant-related inquiries from home gardeners that come into the WSU extension office.

Starting the end of April, Master Gardeners can be found at the Saturday Farmers Market in Friday Harbor and on Saturdays at the Eastsound Library on Orcas. Master Gardeners are trained in plant science, home horticulture, integrated pest management, garden maintenance, plant-problem diagnosis, and environmentally sound gardening practices.

Those interested in becoming a Master Gardener should call the WSU Cooperative Extension at 360.378.4414 for further information.

Now one of the most successful nationwide volunteer educational efforts, the Master Gardener program had its beginnings in Washington State in 1973. Since that time, it has served the horticultural needs of communities through programs based on a cooperative effort between federal, state, and local governments. Master Gardeners serve home gardeners by providing volunteer educational opportunities through workshops, plant clinics, information booths, public speaking, and one-on-one assistance with advice and answers to questions.

To receive more information about the program or to speak with a Master Gardener, call the WSU Cooperative Extension Office at 360.378.4414.