Master of the Garden

August 5, 2:19 PMIdaho Gardening ExaminerMary Ann Newcomer

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Don't you wish you were the Master of your Garden? I am still a wannabe. And I have 7 years in the Master Gardener program in Ada County. Six of those were as an Advanced Master Gardener.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed every one of the classes and the people I met in the program.  It changed my life. 

What do you  learn in the Master Gardening Program? In a nutshell: you can learn and study and study and learn and in the end you come away knowing just how much YOU DON'T KNOW.  It is an incredibly humbling experience but so worth it!  I recommend it to anyone who has the desire to know more about home gardens whether your passion is flowers or vegetables. 

You will be with a group of kindred spirits.  I do believe my gardening friends are some of the kindest, most compassionate, sharing people on the planet. 

The extension educators have access to the latest scientific research and studies about plants and horticulture.  They are a weatlh of knowledge, just walking around, teaching, sharing what they know.  It is their primary job to teach, and you get to learn from their years of  expertise. 

In response to the demand for classes, the local Boise office will be offering the Master Gardener program this fall, on Thursday afternoons.  YOU MUST GET YOUR APPLICATION IN  as soon as possible to be considered for one of these coveted spots. Go here to get an application.  You can call them at 208.377.2107. The classes cost $150 (the amount just covers the notebook and training manual) and you must complete 50 hours of service to the program.  It is sooooo worth it.

Additional classes are offered in neighboring counties and will be offered in the Spring in an effort to train as many folks as possible.  In Idaho, there are 13 regional extension offices to help you. Check out the map and contact information here. 

Youngsters can check out the Junior Master Gardener program by calling 208.377.2107.

Sign up, you'll be glad you did.

(Photo courtesy of www.associatedcontent.com.)