The Illinois Master Gardener program is an educational, volunteer program offered by University of Illinois Extension. The program is designed to increase the availability of university-based horticultural information to local communities and individuals through trained volunteers known as Master Gardeners.

Click on Program Links for information on classes and volunteer opportunities in Chicago and the North and South Suburbs of Cook County.

Is it for me? Anyone can become a Master Gardener – you don't need a degree in horticulture! You do, however, need to:

• Have a sincere desire to learn and share home horticulture information.
• Have practical experience or knowledge of gardening.
• Be willing to follow U of I pest control recommendations and home horticulture information.
• Be able to communicate effectively.
• Devote time to training sessions and volunteering.

What kind of training will I receive? You will be trained by University of Illinois Extension faculty and learn to apply research based answers to questions about culture of vegetables, herbs, fruits, nuts, lawns, flowers, bulbs, houseplants, trees and shrubs, ornamental grasses and roses as well as management of insects, diseases and other pests.

What must I do in exchange for the training? With the privilege of taking the classes, comes the responsibility of "helping others learn to grow." When you sign up for the program, you make a commitment to give back at least 60 hours of your time volunteering. For example, you can help operate the master gardener telephone hot line, help maintain or provide tours of one of our areas many municipal gardens, or support school teachers with their plans for a school garden. Other options include horticulture therapy, staffing informational booths, giving gardening talks or demonstrations in the community, or providing administrative assistance to the program. Sign up for volunteer opportunities begins during the classes and continues throughout the year. Many master gardeners choose to continue "helping others learn to grow" year after year.

In addition to the excellent training what other benefits are there? As a Master Gardener, you will meet people with common interests, develop enduring friendships, and gain satisfaction and recognition from using your talents to enhance the quality of life for the people you help. You will continue to learn "on the job," and may participate in advanced training opportunities. Active Master Gardeners receive a subscription to IMAGINE newsletter from U of I Extension.

Upon successful completion of this exam, Trainees becomes Interns. A half-day of volunteer orientation may follow the classroom training. After completing sixty hours of volunteer work, Interns are awarded the title of Certified University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Interns say they learn as much from the volunteer internship by answering questions as they do during training. The experience is rewarding, enjoyable, and challenging, but not too difficult to master!