Meeting the educational needs of thousands of citizens requires the dedication, creativity, and hard work of many volunteers.
Consider joining the ranks of a volunteer program that makes a difference in Delaware.
Master Gardeners bring the joy of horticulture and environmental education into classrooms, homes, communities and demonstration gardens throughout the State.
A part of the Cooperative Extension of the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, Master Gardeners celebrated their 20th year in Delaware in 2006. Currently there are more than 200 Master Gardeners statewide.
In New Castle County the group is some 85 strong and contributes approximately 7,400 hours of service in a typical year.
Delaware Master Gardeners offer science-based guidance on home lawns and gardens, develop demonstration gardens and community service projects, run gardening workshops for adults, conduct youth education programs, and staff the Garden Line telephone service.
Every two years the organization seeks to reinvigorate itself and increase its volunteers. The year 2009 is a "training year" for NCC Master Gardeners.
Certification as a Master Gardener is achieved by participation in a rigorous training course and completion of specified hours of volunteer service.
Training in New Castle County is to be conducted during the daytime, twice a week in March, April, and May, of 2009.
Master Gardeners is a diverse group where there is no "right" type of person. Master Gardeners come in all sizes and shapes.
Although there is a high percentage of retirees who give generously of their leisure time, many MGs are full-time employees, parents or caregivers.
The group includes men and women, old and young, married and single, retired and working, scientists and artists.
They come from many walks of life and from many ethnic, religious and racial and economic backgrounds. They live in urban, suburban and rural areas, with education ranging from high school diplomas to PhDs.
What then is the common ground? Often indeed the common ground is dirt, but equally often it is a classroom. Nature and nurture are the unifying forces. Master Gardeners simply love to work with nature, and nurture life and growth.
Master Gardener trainees learn how to conduct educational programs in horticultural and environmental topics. They learn about research-based lawn and garden management practices known to be least damaging to the environment.
But moreover, they become part of a vibrant community of individuals dedicated to growing a greener Delaware, with a more biodiverse and sustainable environment.
Contact our Horticulture Extension Education at 302-831-2667 for more information on becoming a Master Gardener in New Castle County. The next training class will be selected in February of 2009.
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Ornamental Horticulture Educator - Carrie J. Murphy
- B.S., Towson University
- M.S., Plant & Soil Sciences, University of Delaware
- Professional Gardener Graduate, Longwood Gardens
- Master Gardener Advisor
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