Welcome to the new interns! We are glad to have you sharing Master

Gardener activities. We have heard good reports about the qualifications of your class.

Do not hesitate to ask the rest of us for any information that you may need about the

MG Program.

We need someone to take on the "Plant-a-Row" project this year. Patsy

Spitz and Patrice Swanson will not be able to handle it this year so if no one else

volunteers, that project will lie fallow this year.

As you are no doubt aware, this is the last issue of the MG Newsletter that you will

receive by mail. Please make sure that we have your current e-mail address so that we

can get future newsletters to you. For those of you that do not have access to e-mail, let

us know and we will try to make alternative arrangements for you to receive the

newsletter. (See "Roger's Remarks" below for more information regarding the budget

and the newletter.)

- Ray Ellington, President

The main topic of the April Master Gardener meeting was the

extension budget deficit. Roger discussed the deficit in the 07-08

budget as a result of the IL. Department of Agriculture not matching

funds as they had in previous years. Roger asked everyone to

contact their senators and representatives.

- Dixie Krisher, Recording Secretary

Jane Harrison and I joined by many other Master Gardeners at

"Gardener's Big Day" at Spoon River College April 5th, put on by

the Canton Master Gardeners. This is the third time I have attended

this event and each time I'm not disappointed about driving the

distance. Marth Smith was the morning keynote and did a presentation

on "Minature Landscapes", with lots of pictures and items

for display. Among other classes that were offere: Dave Robson

did a class on "Body Smart Gardening", "IMP" and Bob

Streitmatter's wife, Gilda, presented "Cooking with Herbs". The

afternoon keynote speaker was Dr. Janis Coons from EIU who did

an excellent talk on "Native Plants". Well worth the $12, which

also included lunch!

- Melanie Martin