Sharing what they have learned with others, Master Gardener volunteers gave more than 3,500 hours last year to Champaign County communities. Best known is their work at the Idea Garden at the University of Illinois Arboretum. The garden showcases new plant varieties and gardening fundamentals while serving as a prime spot for hands-on teaching during outdoor workshops.

In addition, Master Gardeners created four new community gardens in Champaign-Urbana including the courtyard at Centennial High School, Crisis Nursery Center, Champaign County Humane Society, and Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center.

Master Gardeners helped youth residing at the Juvenile Detention Center use their math and science skills in planning and working the garden. The garden continues to provide youth with many learning opportunities as they nurture the plants, watch them grow, and harvest them in the fall. The University of Illinois Extension Family Nutrition Program staff will help the youth prepare the vegetables once harvested.

Master Gardeners "Learn to Grow"

Gardening is not just a hobby for 150 active volunteer Master Gardeners who give their time and expertise to help Champaign County residents "learn to grow."

"Learning about plants and sharing that knowledge with others has become a way of life for me," says Aporn Surintramont, University of Illinois Master Gardener. "Through the Master Gardener program, I have not only learned to love plants, but I enjoy helping older individuals overcome some of their limitations to gardening brought on by aging. Just because we are getting older doesn’t mean we have to give up our gardening interests."

Aporn is not alone in her desire to encourage others. Currently, 92 fellow Master Gardeners are certified and 41 are in training. Twenty-two are interns committed to give at least 60 volunteer hours helping others improve their gardening skills. They answer consumer questions over the phone, talk to interested groups, and teach gardening topics in local schools. Master Gardeners also conduct research, garden with special audiences, and plant and maintain the Idea Garden.

Aporn is excited to be a mentor for two interns this year as they volunteer for their first season. "People are more aware of gardening, plants, and their own environments today but are interested in learning more," she said.

As more people earn their living through horticulture, selling plants, gardening equipment, and supplies in retail venues, managing golf courses, operating flower shops, and investing in landscaping and grounds maintenance, Master Gardeners will continue to share their enthusiasm for "learning to grow."

Gardening Builds Community Pride

Before becoming the U.S. Postmaster in Dewey, Sandee Van DeWyngaerde spent several hours a day in her yard planting, tending, and enjoying her "outdoor living rooms." Her gardens added special beauty to the University of Illinois Extension Garden Walk in the summer of 2001.

Sandee became a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener in 2000. "My grandmother and mother were both avid gardeners, so I guess I have it in my blood," she states with pride. She is now mentoring three new Master Gardeners this growing season. "I have learned so much from the program and now want to share my knowledge with others. Until I took the Master Gardener training, my gardening was a lot of trial and error." Now, she loves it when people stop by and ask questions!