You can Become a

Master Gardener if . . .

you are at least 18 years old

you are interested in horticulture

you are willing to complete the training

you can donate at least 60 hours of

volunteer service as a Master Gardener

you are willing to help others

you are outgoing, flexible and dependable

you are unbiased and open-minded

you want to improve your speaking and writing skills

you are dedicated

Facts About the

Master Gardener Program

The Master Gardener program is an all-volunteer organization sanctioned by land grant institutions in each state and functions as an extension of the college or university. In Illinois, the program is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

The first Master Gardener program was started in the state of Washington. After

a successful first year, other states implemented the effort. In 1972, the program was introduced to the country at a national horticulture show in Ohio.

Floyd Giles, a horticulture specialist with U of I Extension, started Illinois' first program in Will County. Today, the program is offered in most larger towns and cities throughout the state.

More than 2,500 Master Gardeners have been trained.

The Master Gardener

Master Gardeners provide service to their community by addressing common lawn and garden problems. These volunteers share their gardening knowledge and skills in all kinds of different ways.

Some Master Gardeners answer plant and gardening questions from homeowners.

Others help design and operate exhibits, displays and demonstrations. And, some even make presentations to local schools and civic groups. You don't need a horticulture background to become a Master Gardener. But you must be accepted into the program and complete the Master Gardener training.

This training includes 45 hours of in-depth classroom instruction on such topics as soil, botany, entomology, pathology, fruit and vegetable production, house plants, and

basic landscaping. You'll also get practical experience by attending field trips, seminars and workshops.

In return for this intensive training, Master Gardeners donate at least 60 hours of volunteer horticulture-related service back to U of I Extension in their local community.

Getting Started

To apply for the Master Gardener program, complete and return the Interest Form to your local University of Illinois Extension office at the address below. Applications will be mailed in November.

After the Extension office reviews all the applications, you may be invited for a short interview. If you are not accepted into the program this year, you may reapply next year. The training program usually starts in late January and continues through April.

For more details about the Master Gardener program, call the Clinton County Extension Office at 526-4551, stop by, or e-mail us for an application.