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About Master Gardeners of Greene County...
The Master Gardeners of Greene County volunteers are trained individu-
als who enjoy learning and sharing their
expertise with others. Our gardening
backgrounds range from hobbyist to pro-
fessional, from beginner to experienced.
The common bond is a love of garden-
ing, learning and sharing.
After training, Master Gardeners serve
as a resource with University of Missouri Extension to give county resi-
dents research-based answers to their gardening questions. The primary
purpose of a Master Gardener is to volunteer, but members rate camara-
derie and learning opportunities as important reasons for participating.
Members of our organization are nurtured in their development as indi-
viduals in the sense of learning, growing, progressing, acquiring
knowledge and skills, and we know the benefits of allowing them to be
creative and innovative. We depend on each individual’s blends of skills,
energies, experience, attitudes and motivation.
Our
Mission To provide horticultural information and training to the gardening
public based on proven research specific to the local climate, soils
and plants, consistent with the Policies and Procedures for the
Missouri Master Gardener Program.
3
Additions to staff…..
Kelly McGowan was added as the MU Extension Horticulture Educator
on a part time basis. This was a much needed addition and help to our
chapter. We are happy to have Kelly, who is also a Master Gardener.
Patrick Byers , MU Horticulture Specialist and
Kelly McGowan, MU Horticulture Educator
The budget in 2014:
We had income of $22.285.08 expenses of $28,322.14
We donated $3,000 to the Friends of Greene County Extension
And $1,500 to the Ray Rothenberg Scholarship Fund
We spent $8,999.59 in the Gardens
We raised $11,965.48 with the Plant Sale
4
Reaching the community
Master Gardeners were seen by around 20,000 members of the
public through our Fairs and Shows including:
Ozark Empire Lawn and Garden Show
Naturescaping Symposium and Native Plant Sale
Butterfly Festival
Japanese Fall Festival
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Days
Gray Campbell Homestead 1860s Lifestyle Expo
800 Likes on Facebook on January 1st of 2014
1400 Likes on Facebook on December 31st of 2014
Our Ask a Master Gardener column reaches Springfield and the region 26 times a year!
5
Our website: www.mggreene.org
10,900 Hits on our Website for 2014
2,370 Hits on our Website in August of 2014
During the first three quarters of 2014, our main focus was becoming familiar
with the WordPress software and creating an online version of the Member’s
Handbook. We tried to keep the homepage content fresh and dynamic by up-
dating it with new content as often as possible. Working with the old theme, we
were able to add new plugins and widgets so that users could easily connect to
our Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest pages. Website editing and design was
new to us during these early months; RJ Jacobs, Cathy Staats, Missy Sanford, and
Kathy Rapp were invaluable sources of information and support in helping us be-
come more proficient with the software, understand organizational protocol,
and create interesting content.
We updated the WordPress theme during the last quarter of 2014. With the new
theme, we were able to create an events calendar and more user-friendly
homepage. Navigation throughout the site is now easier and more intuitive. We
are able to add blog posts, new events, and projects into their respective con-
tent areas and achieve a dynamic homepage that reflects the changes immedi-
ately. We also added custom forms to some of the pages, including the Speaker’s
Bureau page and Ask a Master Gardener page; these forms allow users to submit
their gardening questions and requests online and will, hopefully, make it easier
to manage the needs of our users.
6
30 Years of Cultivating Soils, Souls and Minds: An Anthology Tendered by Mas-ter Gardeners of Greene County
In 2014 Master Gardeners of Greene County celebrated 30
years as a chapter. This year was me-
morialized by a celebration event in
the Fall and the printing of an Anthol-
ogy book 30 Years of Cultivating Soils,
Souls & Minds: an Anthology Ten-
dered by Master Gardeners of Greene
County, ably coordinated and written
in part by Lola Fry. We were fortunate
to be able to interview the three hor-
ticultural specialists who were involved in the development
of the Master Gardeners of Greene County volunteer or-
ganization. The book was available for Christmas.
7
Year end numbers:
2,377 Hours spent in the Master Gardener Demonstration
Gardeners at the Botanical Gardens
Value: $53,601.35
1,176 Hours spent in the Xeriscape Garden
Value: $26,518.80
1,897
10,112
4,179
1,015
Hours spent on the Hotline
Value: $42,777.35
Hours spent on other Master Gardener activities
Value: $228,025,60
Hours spent in other Springfield Botanical Gardens
Value: $94,236.45
Hours spent in other community based areas
Value: $22,888.25
20,755 Total volunteer hours for Master Gardeners of Greene County
Value: $468,025.30
To encourage members to report hours on a timely basis, a gift card was
bought and a drawing at the last meeting for all who got their hours
reported by December 31.
8
Fundraising
Master Gardener Plant Sale
The 17th annual plant sale was held on Saturday, April 26th at the
Springfield Botanical Center.
Members of the Master Gardeners of Greene
County gathered plants to sell from their own gar-
dens — and from the two city gardens that Master
Gardeners maintain in Nathanael Greene/Close
Memorial Park and at the Xeriscape on South Na-
tional – at this sale.
“The quality is excellent and the prices are real bar-
gains. Those factors have made this annual event
very popular among area gardeners,” said Patrick
Byers, a horticulture specialist with University of
Missouri Extension. The fundraiser helps the Mas-
ter Gardeners of Greene County maintain the pub-
lic demonstration gardens and serve the public by
providing quality lawn and garden programs as volunteers of Uni-
versity of Missouri Extension.
Master Gardeners were on site to assist with purchases and answer
questions. Cash, checks and credit or debit cards were accepted.
$12,000 was raised after expenses.
9
Fundraising
Spring and Fall Garden Tours
In the true tradition of the Master Gardener program, our
chapter offered two unique tours of local gardens. This year
we offered a Fall as well as a Spring Tour. Each garden was a
beautiful showcase of flowers, plants and hard work. The
Tours were a collaboration with the Springfield Watergarden
Society and included both Master Gardener gardens as well
as Watergarden Society gardens.
$600 was raised in the Spring Tour and $300 was raised in
the Fall Tour (which was donated to Friends of Greene
County Extension).
10
Membership
New Membership Committee in 2014
This was the first year for a membership chair to be identified. Serving with this
group are sectional chairs which were part of the membership team for our Mas-
ter Gardeners.
Identified as part of the Membership team for our Chapter were:
Mentoring/Orientation
Continuing Education
Chapter News
Historian
Hours Reporting
Member Care
General Meetings
Social
Emeritus Care
Volunteer Coordinator
Each of these volunteer teams conduct activities and coordinates with the mem-
bership chair, who then prepared reports for the Board and general meetings.
A new Volunteer Handbook was written this year and is an invaluable tool in
training our volunteers on our chapter.
11
Membership
Spring Banquet
This year 54 new trainees took
part in education for Master Gar-
deners and were presented at the
Spring Banquet, where those who
have gained emeritus status are al-
so recognized. Approximately 75
members took part in this ban-
quet, where the social committee
arranges for each table to be decorated by
different members and providing a beautiful
and creative backdrop for our event. Unfortu-
nately we lost one of the class members to
death in early summer. This left 53 trainees,
and from this group 49 turned in hours for
the year by December 31. They have till April
2015 to complete their required
30 hours.
12
Membership
New Hours Reporting in 2014
Another first for 2014 was the implementation of hours reporting
to be done electronically. This was presented to the membership
and has been well received. With this implementation we have
also been able to identify where any weaknesses might be with
opportunities to volunteer and also keep our data current for
contact information.
PLEASE REPORT YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS NOW!
Thank you for your service to Master Gardeners of Greene County. According to chapter by-
laws, your volunteer hours should be reported monthly. Active members are required to volun-
teer 20 hours plus an additional 6 hours of continuing education. Emeritus members have no
minimum service requirements but all volunteer hours should be reported using this reporting
system. Trainees have additional requirements to reach their 30 hours per year, including 15
hours in Core projects, which is in the Demonstration Gardens, Xeriscape or the Hotline.
Please see the Volunteer Handbook or check the Reporting Hours page for more detailed hours
reporting requirements: Here is the link to the hours reporting form:
Form link: 2014 Hours Reporting Form Master Gardeners of Greene County
In order to reduce the number of e-mails being sent, our Chapter news
is sent only once per week, and all are encouraged to prepare their re-
ports and send them to the Chair on a timely manner. Several changes
have made the news more ‘user friendly’ such as a directory for the arti-
cles so members will be able to identify all the news with interesting pic-
tures and weekly ‘Did you know?’ articles.
13
Membership
New Emeritus Brunch and more
In October we held the first Annual Brunch for Emeritus. Approx-
imately 40 Emeritus / Emeritus eligible members attended and
by the comments this will surely be continued. So many attend-
ed that had not been to a function with Master Gardeners for
some time and enjoyed renewing their garden friendships.
Our Chapter enjoys monthly meetings with opportunity at each
meeting to earn continuing education hours from interesting
programs and speakers. For the 2015 year, our Chapter has ap-
proved Advanced Training for members. This will allow all
members in good standing to work toward their advanced
master gardener certification.
The classes will be approved by
our chapter advisor
and presented by ap-
proved speakers.
Our Chapter also bought and sold T-shirts
to create awareness of membership and
help identify members when working in
the Gardens or at events where we are
featured as an organization.
14
Our members:
46 Emeritus
6 Inactive or on leave
53
Active in good standing
272 Master Gardeners
167
Trainees
For those who have chosen to become permanently in-
active or requested to be closed, they retain the title of
Master Gardener if they were formerly in good standing
and remain on the archived list of those who have been
trained in Greene County.
15
Membership
Trip to Linneaus Gardens
Great day with Master Gardeners, Friends of the Garden, Hosta Society
members and others on a great Master Gardeners of Greene County
sponsored trip to Linneaus Gardens in Tulsa OK. Linneaus Gardens is a
teaching garden staffed by trained volunteers who share their
knowledge and love of gardening with the public and it was a great
learning opportunity for our members.
16
Hotline
Hotline Inquiries for 2014
932 Total inquiries to the Hotline
Phone 638
4
134
46
Lawn and Garden Show and other
Fairs and Shows
Walk-In
Emails
Voice Mail 107
Other 3
17
Hotline
Hotline Calls by County 2014
Barry 8
Barton 2
Bates
Benton 2
Berry 3
Boone 5
Camden 2
Carroll
Cedar 3
Christian 72
Clark
Cole
Crawford
Dade 14
Dallas 6
Dent
Douglas 17
Greene 624
Hickory 1
Howell 4
Jackson 1
Jasper 6
Johnson 1
Laclede 4
Lawrence 28
Macon
McDonald 4
Monett
Newton 1
Osage
Other
Other County 2
Out-of-State 12
Ozark
Pike
Polk 6
Pulaski 3
Ray
Shannon 2
St Louis
St. Clair
Stone 21
Taney 7
Texas 5
Vernon
Webster 31
Wright 3
(blank) 32
Grand Total 932
18
The Gardens
The summer of 2014 was a fairly easy one for Southwest Missouri gar-
dens, since it included relatively normal temperatures and rainfall, with-
out prolonged periods of drought or many days of 100 degree weather.
The late cold snap that dropped to five degrees below zero meant the
death of the oldest lavenders, rosemary and a few other Zone 7 plants,
but most of the gardens’ specimens survived unscathed. The two Mas-
ter Gardener demonstration
gardens were, I think, impres-
sively colorful and well-kept,
thanks to a core of 21 dedicat-
ed Bedheads who worked
steadily from spring to winter
and over 100 volunteers who
attended one or more work
days.
We had some high points during the past year:
Improvements in the irrigation system at Nathanael Greene, thanks
particularly to the efforts of Glenn Blake, now provide regular water
to all parts of the garden
Barbara St.Clair conducted an annual pruning workshop at the Xeri-
scape Garden for almost thirty gardeners, including Master Garden-
ers from neighboring chapters.
The new garden bed to the north of Nathanael Greene was an out-
standing display of texture and color, thanks to excellent selections
by Gail Wright
Continued on next page
19
Gardens
Margo Shull’s berm bed and ornamental grass area thrived for its second year
A timely workshop on how to prune wisteria, led by Glenn Blake and attended
by ten Master Gardeners, resulted in an excellent bloom period
Alice Greenfield assumed responsibility as kitchen
garden chair and led a team of vegetable garden-
ers throughout the growing season
Blueberries and brambles were removed from the
vegetable garden area to provide more space for
trial plants
Patrick Byers led a workshop on garlic and planted
an array of garlic varieties where the brambles had been
The Herb Society continued its partnership with Master Gardeners of Greene
County and “remodeled” several of the herb beds, including an especially suc-
cessful new thyme bed
Cindy Arrowood stepped down after ten years as a Bedhead in the Mixed Bor-
ders, but new Master Gardeners Lucinda Sinco and Heidi Gertz stepped up to
replace her
Jeanette Rouse transferred to Greene County and became a new Bedhead at
the Xeriscape Garden
The birthday celebration for Master Gardeners of Greene County was held in
the Nathanael Greene garden on October 3rd, amid impressive fall blooms,
decorations and grilling.
We do not have a method for estimating the number of visitors we have to either of the gardens, but
Bedheads and volunteer crew consistently recount that visitors are numerous, appreciative and very
complimentary. The verbal praise we receive as we work continues to be one of the greatest motiva-
tors for volunteering!
20
Public Education
Hickory Hills School
Greenhouse and Natives
Hickory Hills School Greenhouse and Natives was started in 2012 and has cele-
brated three years of touching the lives of children and their parents through
plants. The Master Gardeners of Greene County partner with the school PTA, led
by Master Gardener Kay Johnson, to teach the students the joys of planting and
harvesting in the school’s rooftop greenhouse.
Here are some facts for 2014
There were 2000 contacts with students.
17 volunteers were involved.
LED grow lights were ordered to be installed.
For the first time, student were able to eat some of the produce grown in the
garden in the cafeteria.
There was a good crop of sweet potatoes and onions.
50 pounds of produce were donated to Ozarks Food harvest.
The greenhouse was invited to attend an open house in the fall.
2500 plants were grown for a total of 7900 plants in the last three years.
In 2012 there were two Redwing Blackbird nests near the pond, now there are
seven.
There were six Bufflehead Ducks.
There were several butterfly hatches this year.
21
Public Education
Potting Shed University
The Potting Shed University Series has quickly become a favorite in the Public Education of our chapter. Now in its third year, Potting Shed University is a casual, hour-long series that begins in February and con-tinues through April. Held on Monday evenings from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, it covers a diverse range of gardening topics. Potting Shed Univer-sity classes are a wonderful way to get ready for spring, learn gardening tips and techniques, and get the most out of your garden. We began Potting Shed classes not only to educate in an informal atmosphere, but to give the community a chance to get to know a Master Gardener. Res-idents from all over are encouraged to “stop by on the way home from work!” Potting Shed sessions are taught by our own Master Gardeners and are a wonderful way for members to share knowledge in an area they have found to be especially inter-esting and rewarding. Members of the community come to the clas-ses to learn something about a gardening practice they themselves have never attempted. We encour-age all members to step up and volunteer to share what they know at a Potting Shed class or volunteer to host a class, visit with attendees, and to be available to answer gardening questions.
22
Public Education
Potting Shed University Classes 2014
February 24, 2014 – Winter Seed Sowing Missy Sanford, Master Gardeners of Greene County President March 3, 2014 – Companion Planting Joe and Cathy Wolven, Master Gardeners of the Ozarks March 10, 2014 – Missouri Native Plants for Home and Display Linda Ellis, Master Naturalist Gardener of Greene County March 17, 2014 – Basics of Organic Gardening Paul Robertson, Master Naturalist and botanical and natural science illustrator March 24, 2014 – Easy-care Lawns and Groundcovers Patrick Byers, Horticulture Specialist, SWMO Region March 31, 2014 – 20 Shrubs I would not be without in my Garden Gail Wright and Barbara St.Clair, Master Gardeners of Greene County April 7, 2014 – Intro to Herbs Barb Emge, Master Gardener of Greene County April 14, 2014 – Worm Composting Bins Kelly McGowan, Horticulture Educator, University of Missouri Extension Southwest Region April 21, 2014 – Butterfly Gardens–Inviting Winged Beauties to Your Yard Kathryn Kufahl, Master Gardener of the Ozarks April 28, 2014 – Creating Combos-Mixing Annuals and Perennials in your Garden Kathryn Kufahl, Master Gardener of the Ozarks Approximately 30 people attended each class.
23
Public Education
Speakers Bureau
We are chapter members that speak to garden clubs, civic organizations, schools, church-es, or other venues on a wide variety of topics within the world of gardening, horticulture, landscaping and the environment. You do not have to be a polished speaker to be a part of Speakers Bureau. We have many opportunities for you to share your knowledge and love of gardening as you develop more and more confidence in your speaking abilities As Speakers Bureau grows, there will be many more speaking requests than we have speak-ers, so we are also in the continual process of reminding Master Gardeners of our commit-ment to education and our purpose of providing volunteer assistance to the MU Extension. By training volunteers to be a part of Speakers Bureau, we are fulfilling our specific mis-sion of providing horticultural information and training to the gardening public.
15 Speakers requests from June 2014 until Decem-
ber 2014: Including Plants of the Bible, Raised
Bed Gardening, Selecting Plants, Planning Gar-
dens. Requests came from a cross section of
community organizations including: Bass Pro
Corporate, Cherokee Middle School, Peapod
Preschool, Baptist churches and a variety of gar-
den clubs.
24
Public Education
Speakers Bureau continued Filled Requests: This leaves a total of 10 requests that were filled by speakers for this
time period. These include:
Cherry Court Garden Club – Plants of the Bible – June 13, 2014
Nancy Wiser – 40 attending
Bass Pro Corporate - Container Gardening – June 26, 2014
Nancy Wiser – 25 attending
Cherokee Middle School – Growing Native Plants – June 25, 2014
Nancy Wiser – 55 attending
Peapod Outdoor Classroom – Planning Meeting – August, 2014
Cathy Staats – 15 attending
Bass Pro Corporate – Fall Planting – September 12, 2014
Lucinda Sinco – 25 attending
First Baptist Church Brookline – Plants of the Bible – September 6, 2014
Darlene Heikkila – 40 attending
First Baptist Walnut Grove – Raised Bed Gardening – September 13, 2014 Nancy Wis-er – 30 attending
25
Public Education
Learn to Grow in the Garden Series
Started in August of 2014, the Learn to Grow in the Garden Series classes represent what Master Gardeners do best: share research-based horticulture education in a garden setting. This series of classes was introduced to "put our Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens to work" by fulfilling our mission of education which is top priority. Master Gar-deners of Greene County volunteers teach about herbs, vegetables, flowers, cold frames, hot houses, composting and many other gardening topics to area Master Gardeners, Park Partners, and interested gardening enthusiasts in our community and surrounding commu-nities. Classes this year were:
Learn to Grow in the Garden: Loving Lavender: Barb Emge and Cathy Staats introduced about 50 attendees to the beauty of this herb as it fills the garden with sensory delight from its soothing and refreshing fragrance to its multitude of uses. We saw how it grows, talked about varieties, demonstrated oil, bottle and wand making, and answered
Learn to Grow in the Garden: Grow-ing Garlic: Bob Kipfer taught attendees about planting and caring for garlic. About 50 visitors joined us for the class.
Learn to Grow in the Garden: From Garden to Pantry: Alice Greenfield, vegetable gar-den sectionhead, gave tips and ideas to make the most of our garden harvest to about 40 visitors.
26
Public Education
Young Sprouts
Where else can you find a zip line, archery, geocaching, worm hunting and seed planting in
the same place? Grind corn, visit a Plant Zoo and make your own hummingbird feeder at
one of Springfield’s most popular children’s events, Young Sprouts in the Garden!
Master Gardeners of Greene County sponsored their signature children’s event, “Young
Sprouts in the Garden,” from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2015, at Nathanael-
Greene Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
20 area organizations and volunteers, about 100 total, teamed up to host dozens of free
hands-on activities that educated children, ages 2-9, on gardening and nature, such as corn
grinding, ladybug land, worm digging, butterfly exhibit, herb planting and more.
“It’s an exciting time for adults to watch their children and friends’ children have one of the
special times of their lives,” said Master Gardener Susie Joplin. “They bond with nature and
learn how nature is very important to everyone’s lives. Young Sprouts impacts and makes a
difference in a child’s life.”
Last year All About Trees hosted the zipline: “Each child came to the traverse line with a
different attitude,” said Sandy Harrel. “Some were thrill seekers and they couldn’t wait to get
on the helmet and harness and go. Some were a
little nervous and weren’t quite sure whether to
do it or not. But all who went had huge smiles on
their faces at the end and a story to tell their
friends.”
About 700 visitors attended the event, including
parents and children. Children received a punch
card to try activities at each booth and then were
given a prize when the punch card was turned
into event staff.
27
Public Education
Lawn and Garden Show
The 2014 Ozark Empire Fair Lawn and Garden Show was
held Feb 14-16. Master Gardeners provided a booth for
the general public as well as classes taught by Master Gar-
deners.
Topics and Presenters were:
Worm Composting Bins by Kelly McGowan
Easy Butterfly Gardening by Linda Bower
Planting a Water Garden by Pat Ware
Create an Inspired Kitchen Garden by Christine Chiu
Add spice to your Life: Grow your Own Herbs by Barb Emge and Jana Belk
A Guide to Growing Roses by Dan Faflak
Container Gardening by Mark & Renae Bernskoetter
Year Round Color by Renae Bernskoetter
Shade Gardening by Tom Lakowske
Finding Your Masterpiece by Katie Steinhoff
America’s Great Public Gardens by Katie Steinhoff
All About Hostas by Tom Lakowske
All About Tomatoes by Patrick Byers
Backyard Berries by Patrick Byers
Succulents for Indoors and Out by Paul Roberson
28
Our Future
Where Do We Go From Here?
Any well-tended garden doesn’t just happen. Gardens increase in health and
beauty proportionate to the love and care that is given to them. Behind each
garden is a gardener. The same is true of Master Gardeners of Greene Coun-
ty. It takes a team of volunteers with a common bond, a love of gardening,
learning, and sharing behind the scenes. As we move toward a volunteer
centered chapter, members of our organization are nurtured in their devel-
opment as individuals in the sense of learning, growing, progressing, acquir-
ing knowledge and skills, and we recognize
the benefits of allowing them to be crea-
tive and innovative. We depend on each
individual’s blend of skills, energies, experi-
ences, attitudes, and motivation.
As we move forward as a chapter, our
members will be at the heart of our organi-
zation. Our first priority should be an
awareness that the wellness and wellbeing
of our volunteers is important to our chap-
ter. Healthy and happy members make a healthy and happy chapter. We will
continue to seek out strong leadership to assist volunteers and support them
as they create and build our strong programs and projects. As a firm believer
in what Extension stands for, we also have a strong belief in equality of indi-
viduals and openness to new and differing ideas and methods. An openness
to changes and the ability to adjust to new research findings as they become
available will continually keep us on our toes and we will continue to stand
firm in the reliability of our research based evidence to support our teaching
and goals. Our members will need a firm understanding of the power of edu-
cating by the “repeat teaching” method from our beginning days.
29
Our Future continued
Where Do We Go From Here?
As we provide our services to the community, we focus on improving the
quality of life for Greene County and surrounding Southwest Missouri. By
providing affordable access to research based information and quality horti-
cultural information, we wish to be known for providing practical information
and demonstrations that are interactive and enjoyed by all, from the very
young, to the very old, and everyone in between. Springfield, Missouri
spends more horticultural dollars than almost any other city in America. As
the demand for horticultural in-
formation specific to our area in-
creases, we hope to promote lo-
cally sourced food and plant ma-
terials as well as caring for our lo-
cal resources.
Just like a garden counts on the
sun, rain and soil, so do we as
master gardeners. We must care
for the world we live in so future
generations can enjoy it, too. We
can teach about renewable ener-
gy, increasing energy independ-
ence, improving water quality, teaching water wise strategies, educating on
invasive species and reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticide usage. While
these ideas are popular, they are not fads. We can lead the charge by demon-
strating how to build rain gardens, use of rain barrels, using trees to reduce
utility costs and planting natives to cut down on water usage.
30
Our Future continued
Where Do We Go From Here?
Wellness and health are important factors in why our community chooses to
garden. As we move forward, we must look at the stunning statistics of obesi-
ty, including childhood obesity, mental health issues, aging gracefully, and
special needs of the disabled. A new study reports that children in schools
with vegetable gardens get more exercise and have higher test scores. With
nearly one in three children overweight in this country, school gardens could
be a simple, low-cost way to get kids moving. Stress relief, exercise, brain
health, nutrition, healing and immunity all are benefits of gardening. We can
share with others a connection with nature and provide a source for healing
for the mind, body and spirit through the love of gardening.
As Master Gardeners grows, we will need to partner and share our expertise
in other areas of the Botanical Gardens. While keeping our mission of educa-
tion at the forefront, we will be an integral part of the Botanical Gardens as it
transforms into a very popular destination. We will continue to provide hor-
ticultural information and training to the gardening public based on proven
research for our area while at the same time partnering with the Botanical
Gardens to offer wonderful programming in conjunction with the Botanical
Gardens.
We will continue to make a
difference in the lives of Master
Gardeners and the gardening
public by tending our garden of
education and “helping others
learn to grow”.
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