Master Gardener Program

I need some help. My goal/desire is to become a Master Gardener and the OK Cooperative Extension Service is offering classes that begin in the fall. The problem is that there are so many folks wanting to participate that they literally conduct interviews in August to see who is going to be invited to take the classes.

What do you think they might be asking at these interviews? Has anyone else ever had to go through this with a MG program before? I'm at a loss to know how to prepare for this interview. Help?!

Our Extension Agency interviewed, too. Just be enthusiastic about gardening (in other words, be yourself) and stress that you want to use the knowledge to serve and help others discover the joy of gardening.

Gw is exactly right, the interview I think is just to see what your views are on gardening there are no right or wrong answers. I really think your passion and search for knowledge will come through naturally. Nothing to worry about!!! Just pretend your here at DG.

Smiln, Some may rember that I posted the Master Gardening Training Manual site here at DG. This is a great resource available for us to use. Hope things go well at your interview.
Gary/Louisville

http://davesgarden.com/t/414867/

Garden knowledge doesn't even figure in too much; in our class, we had everyone from raw beginners to seasoned veterans. It was a great mix!

Thanks for your advice and support. I have wanted to do this for quite some time. There's no question that I love gardening and that I enjoy talking about it with others. I'll just have to pray about it and - like you said - be myself.

Carla, what a great opportunity! I never was able to do the Tulsa MG classes because I was working and they were held during the day. But the MG program is very strong in OK (the Sat. morning PBS show, the Home & Garden shows they help put on, the hotline, at least in Tulsa...)

I'm sure if you get in, you'll thoroughly enjoy it and have a lot to contribute ;o)

Smilin.....the whole concept of becoming a Master Gardener is to give back to the community. In other words, spread your knowledge, volunteer your time in helping others become more knowledgeable about horticulture and gardening with researched base information. I would stick with that when they ask you questions about why you want to become a Master Gardener.

Here in Michigan, in the county that I live in, it too has become popular. Its done on a first come basis. Each year, they vary from day classes and night classes, so that everyone can get a stab at it.

Good Luck....You will really enjoy the program....I have now reached Advanced Master Gardener status and continue to learn more on a daily basis. My Core Manual is always open.

Deann

Well, I had the "interview" this morning and I'M IN. I think my love of gardening and sharing it with others came across just fine, but there was one question I asked which probably cinched it (and I didn't even realize it until later). I asked whether a person taking the classes could go ahead and start volunteering their time (before completing the program). By the looks on their faces, I'm guessing that question didn't come up too often, but the answer was a definate "yes". :) The reason I asked was because the Botanical Gardens downtown OKC is having a planting day in October which is about half-way through the MG course. It just seemed natural to ask if that would count as volunteer time.

Anyway, I start classes next month. Remind me to study when it seems I'm spending too much time here on Dave's. :)

Smiln -- good luck! I'm sure you'll love it -- I completed the Texas MG course in June, and thoroughly enjoyed it!!! Gretchen

Congratulations! =)

Congratulations, Carla...You'll be GREAT at this. Jo

Congrats! I'm sure you'll be at the top of your class!

Way to go, you love helping others so you will be doing something you are so good at.

Thanks everyone. I had to wait until Kaley was in school before I could start this. Don't think I'm rushing her, but she's 4 years old and starting an all-day K4 program. :) You think I'm ready for her to be out on her own? If I buy her luggage for her 5th birthday, ya'll can holler at me. :)

Secretly, on the inside, I'm yelling "I'm free. I'm free"
School starts tomorrow. (hee hee hee) Off to the Myriad Botanical Gardens as soon as both girls are in their classrooms.

Congrats, Carla! You have FUN, girl. :)

Good on YA!