Today I had my first classroom training for Master Gardener certification....

[Rowdyboy]

Here in Mississippi it involves 40 hours of classroom training by horticulture specialists with the state agricultural extension service. Classes are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for 5 weeks and cover everything from basic botany, weeds, plant propagation, soil, and all sorts of plants information.

Classes are hooked up via satellite in multiple counties-we're about ten minutes from home. My partner and I are taking it together, along with 2 other men and 11 women in our location. Its all very laid back but highly informative and the first session flew by.

After completion, each master gardener owes 40 hours community service in any of a wide variety of programs for all age groups. Neither us us are partial to children so we indicated a preference for working with the elderly and they have a program that uses plant therapy with alzheimer's patients (don't really know anything else but its sounded like something we might really enjoy).

I've been gardening for twenty years but feel I've barely scratched the surface. I'm really psyched up about this. We're going to have a great time, meet some wonderful people and learn some valuable information. And I'll finally "master" something.

[Blue Gardener]

1. I took the class in 2005

I still feel like I don't know anything. Some of the master gardeners who have been in the program for much longer than I have can answer about every question you throw at them. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes though, and love completing my volunteer hours every year. We have a booth at the county fair every year where I spend a lot of time. People seem very appreciative for the advice we give them. It's a lot of fun! Good luck with your classes.:hi:

[Rowdyboy]

3. Any worries I had when our instructor said that there was a test but that she didn't have time to...

grade it so if we show up for class we'll probably do okay. I'm looking forward to the volunteer hours. Most people into gardening are very laid back and easy going.

[Blue Gardener]

4. The only way to flunk out of Master Gardener class

Is to not show up at all. Our tests were never graded either.

[Horse with no Name]

2. Congratulations and Good Luck! n/t

[formercia]

5. Greetings from an alumnus

One of the few places you are required to do community service without having committed a crime.