haighr -- it's fantastic that you are doing the master gardener thing! I hope you'll post about all your adventures.
"Think Spring!" Seed Swap Sat Feb 16
Yeah wow a Master Gardener, way to give back!!
Ric and I looked into the MG Program and were very interested in it but all the classes in our area seem to run in the fall just about the time we travel. You can't miss any (maybe just 1) of the classes or you are out of the program. So we couldn't take the classes at the time. They only take so many people and run the classes every other year so admittance to the program is limited.
Good luck with your endeavor.
The MG program is great. It gives one an excellent framework of knowledge and understanding to unify all the random things we pick up in our gardening careers. I went through the program in Maryland, but when I moved to Loudoun County, Virginia they said I had to go through their whole training program to participate there. Maryland, or at least Frederick County, is/was more welcoming since they accepted folks from other jurisdiction's training. If one can work the program in, it is a great learning experience and an opportunity to associate with like-minded people. Kind of like a year-round plant swap combined with community service.
So far it has been a great learning experience. I was fortunate that the classes are weekdays on a day that I am not previously engaged.
I know what you mean about moving greenthumb. I asked the head of our extension and was told that as long as a person is up to date with continuing ed and lives somewhat locally, they can get into this program. However, if you are from another state or significantly different Zone then it may be a different story and you may have to retake the program.
I am going to be helping with the local plant clinic and the HCC Garden Show coming up and the big plant sale in April.
What is the benefit of having the MG certification, other than personal growth? That is, why does it matter if Virginia doesn't accept the Maryland certification?
Well, for Ric and I we wanted to apply for the personal growth, education, volunteerism and to meet new and interesting people with similar interests. A more active social life and more activities, we have since found that we seem to have plenty of both of those especially in the summer. Since it didn't work out for us to take the classes we are looking into different avenues, checking out the Garden Clubs in our area.
Right -- that is why I can't see that nontransferability of the certification would be such a big deal...
I think the non-transfer is because you need to be familiar with the specific locale in which you are volunteering. I would not need to speak about pine trees out in the desert southwest. I would need to learn about that particular environment which would mean a few courses to know enough to talk about it to folks in that area of the country. County to county is not such a big deal, but different areas of the country are.
I wanted to learn more and give back to the community more than just what I currently do. I do a lot with our local breast cancer awareness program, but wanted to do more in the way of garden activities and this was the prime opportunity with lots of areas of interest in all types of things to do. There is hands on gardening (I do a lot of that at home), presenting at events, plant clinics giving advice, helping with local activities such as plant and garden sales and shows and the list goes on and on.
Haighr, I think the MG program is wonderful I hope you really enjoy yourself. I know that you have a lot to share.
The MG program sounds fantastic -- I'd love to do it some day.
I looked into the MG program for Loudoun county several years ago, but all the classes take place during the day. Will look into it again if and when I ever retire...
I hope to learn a lot and have fun at the same time and so far that is what is happening.
Aspenhill, keep checking with your program and ask some questions. Here in Washington county they offer weekday classes once a year and evening/weekend the next time. Perhaps you can get enough interested folks to add a class to yours???