Master Gardeners
A Green Thumb in the Garden
The magic of electricity features a heavy-duty outdoor "Extension" cord that spotlights the Idea Garden, coordinated by Ford-Iroquois Extension Master Gardeners. The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program provides a steady stream of assistance designed to spark interest and develop A GREEN THUMB IN THE GARDEN. Horticulture enthusiasts who completed the 11-week training program, either face-to-face or on-line, agreed to share their knowledge with local residents through volunteer service in the Unit. The Idea Garden continues to grow and flourish each year thanks to the TLC of dedicated volunteers.
10 active Master Gardeners in the Ford-Iroquois Unit accumulated 586 volunteer hours through presentations for community organizations and other horticulture educational opportunities.
- Two new Master Gardener interns completed their training in May 2006 and are enthusiastically helping to enhance existing horticulture programs and community needs. Three additional individuals are enrolled in the current year's on-line Master Gardener training series.
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The expanded Idea Garden, located behind the Onarga Public Library, featured 5 separate gardens focusing on herbs, native prairie plants, a butterfly garden, shade gardening, and a lasagna garden for children. In addition, a compost pile was begun.
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Master Gardeners were available on Thursday afternoons during the summer months at the Extension Office Help Desk to answer over 100 horticulture questions on a variety of gardening concerns including vegetables, flowers, trees, insects, weeds, and diseases.
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The Digital Diagnostic system assisted over 50 area gardeners and producers with expert insect and disease diagnosis and recommendations within a short time span. This same system was also in place for soybean rust and sudden oak death diagnosis this past summer.
Master Gardener Four SEASONS telenet programs provided timely topics and gardening tips for 98 horticulture enthusiasts and beginning gardeners. Some of these individuals have expressed interest in the Master Gardener training series for next year.
