The 2010 class of Mendocino County Master Gardeners! Front row (L to R): Heather Ellingson, Louisa Aronow, Daisy Hancock, Maureen Brogan Gealey, Adie Bazor, Katie Wheeler, Marilyn Lemos, Margaret McClure, Jack Bolsta Back row (L to R): Sandra Marshall, Michael Jolliffe, Nona Carpenter, Lee Anne Ballard, Pam Rowney, Sean Spicer, Joel Schwartz Not pictured: Marilyn Douglas, Nora Mitchell and Nancy Simpkins

Master Gardeners are people of all ages and from all walks of life. They include business men and women, professionals, educators, retirees, homemakers, and students - all with some experience and knowledge of plants and gardening. Master Gardeners are enthusiastic, willing to learn and help others, and are able to communicate with diverse groups of people.

UC Master Gardeners are trained volunteer staff of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) the public service branch of the University of California. Master Gardeners are members of the local community who share a common interest, the growth and care of plants. Master Gardener staff provide practical, scientific horticulture and gardening information to the citizens of Mendocino County.

Master Gardeners attend a training program comprising approximately fifty hours of instruction in plant science and horticulture covering such topics as soils, fertilizers, irrigation, weeds, diseases, insects and other pests, fruit and landscape trees, vegetables, xeriscaping, and more. Classes are taught by experts in their fields, including Cooperative Extention advisors and specialists from the Universtiy of California at Berkeley and Davis, local community college faculty, and other knowledgeable resource people.

After completing the training and passing a written exam, the new Master Gardeners are required to perform volunteer service. In order to retain the title Master Gardener in ensuing years, Master Gardeners must perform additional hours of volunteer service every year as well as completing continuing education hours.

The Master Gardeners at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens volunteer in many ways:

 

Additional Information

• staffing information tables at the local Farmer's Markets
• developing displays for the County Fair
• staffing information sites at the Garden
• outreach educational programs in the Mendocino Coast schools
• presentations to local public groups
• leading docent tours at the Garden
• developing educational programs
• assisting with nursery questions

For more information on Master Gardeners in Mendocino County, see the University of California website.

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The Master Gardeners Are In!
(The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Library!)

In the spring a gardener's fancy turns to thoughts of "When do I plant my vegetables?"," What shrubs will grow in my yard?", and "Who is eating my flowers!" If you are looking for gardening answers, the Master Gardeners are ready to lend a hand.

If you have a Master Gardening question & would like to visit the Library Site , please stop by the Gardens Store & just ask for the key!  The Library has a wide range of garden related books, journals, and internet sources to aid you in finding the answers to the toughest queries.

You can also ask a Master Gardener your garden questions through the phone hotline, 707-964-4352 ext 27, or email hotline, mastergardener@gardenbythesea.org.