Dedicated Master Gardener Volunteers
Fourteen dedicated Master Gardener volunteers are ready to fulfill their commitment to the UF/IFAS Extension, Suwannee County Master Gardener program. The group completed 15 weeks of intensive training, class projects, plant identification quizzes and a final comprehensive exam. As a result of the training, the the fun part begins, as volunteers help people with their gardening and landscaping challenges. Through 100 hours of class time, field trips and fact finding scavenger hunts, these volunteers are knowledgeable about Florida Friendly Landscaping.
Florida Friendly Landscaping Topics Covered
Master Gardener trainees start by learning basic botany and soils. Then landscape design, vegetable gardening, and composting are covered. Many topics include hands-on activities such as air layering, propagation with cuttings and pruning. Lastly, several topics are discussed on field trips to learn about native plants, wildlife habitats and tree pruning. By the end of class, nine principles of Florida friendly landscaping are covered. http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/. Trainees receive a checklist to help them become better gardeners and stewards of the land.
Master Gardener Community Service Activities
Master Gardener volunteers are at the Live Oak Seed Library on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm. They help people with getting seeds started, pest problems and other gardening questions. The Master Gardeners can also be found at Heritage Park and Gardens working in the herb, wildlife or pet memorial gardens. Volunteers help with school gardens so children can eat healthy food. Some volunteers are good at building displays or demonstration structures. Some Master Gardeners use their writing talents to keep people informed on garden topics. All volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge and talent as they each return 75 hours to our community. For more information about the Florida Master Gardener program, go to http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/mastergardener/.
Networking and fellowship provide the volunteers with ongoing educational experiences. If you are a life-long learner and like to help people, consider taking the training.
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