Interested in the Master Gardener program? The Rockwall County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office is accepting applications from May 1 – May 31 to join this year’s Master Gardeners class.
Who are Texas Master Gardeners?
Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and to help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people.
What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, persons who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through their cooperative extension office to provide horticultural-related information to their communities.
Is the Master Gardener Program for me?
To help you decide if you should apply to be a Master Gardener, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?
- Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
- Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?
- Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?
If you answered yes to these questions, the Master Gardener program could be for you.
Training
If accepted into the Master Gardener program in your county, you will attend a Master Gardener training course. Classes are taught by Texas A&M Agricultural Extension Service specialists, staff, and local experts.
The program offers 72 hours of instruction that covers topics including lawn care, ornamental trees and shrubs, insect, disease, and weed management; soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening; home fruit production; garden flowers; and water conservation. Classes will be Thursdays, August 21-November 6 from 9am-4pm in Rockwall. Application fee is $250.
Volunteer Commitment
In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer time to their County Extension program. At least 72 hours of volunteer service within one year following the training is required to earn the title of “Texas Master Gardener.”
The type of service accomplished by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs, and the abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening. Others may staff plant clinics or displays. Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community horticulture projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent with news or radio releases related to gardening. The Extension Agent decides how volunteer time can be best utilized.
Master Gardeners are representatives of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
Certification
Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they complete the training course and fulfill their volunteer commitment.
For more information visit https://txmg.org/rockwall/ or call 972-204-7890.