Horticulture and Master Gardeners
The Master Gardener program is a wonderful resource for Shelby County community members. Master Gardeners and Extension staff fielded approximately 135 horticulture related calls. Some clients supplied samples for diagnosis, identification, or recommendations on management.
The Master Gardener program consists of 9 active Master Gardeners and 2 Master Gardener Trainees. The trainees attended class from January through April of 2007. The Master Gardeners meet on a regular basis, the first Thursday of the month. We meet 8 out of the 12 months during the year.
In 2007, Shelby County Master Gardeners accumulated over 289 volunteer hours and obtained 150 hours of continuing education. Five of the Master Gardeners attended an Advanced Tree ID course to further their insight in this particular area.
The Master Gardeners were involved in many projects during the year. Some of the most notable were:
- Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce Flower Pot Project
- Master Gardeners planted 63 large cement pots with Spring and Summer flowers.
- Groundcovers to Know and Use Presentation - 37 participants
- Presentation to Garden Club members, HCE Local Leaders and general public
- Master Gardener Garden Walk - 7 gardens, 14 participants
- Master Gardeners toured the gardens of their fellow Master Gardeners. It was an informal local training and teambuilding activity.
- Horticulture resources provided through the Shelby County Extension Office:
- Gardeners' Corner Newsletter - 100 copies each
- Winter, Spring, Summer
- Green thumb Newsletter - 240 copies/ yr
- Master Gardener Newsletter - 120 copies / yr
