MASTER GARDENING 

I became a Master Gardener (MG) in 2005.  Within a couple of years I had contributed over 500 hours supporting various projects.  Here's where that time went! 

Room Mom - One of the most rewarding tasks is being a room mom / lab mom.  This involves mentoring the current group of students and supporting the lecturers and teachers in the classroom.  Not only did I get to listen to all the classes I had taken for a second and in some cases a third time - which reinforced the information, I also got to know a great bunch of folks.

Master Gardener College - In 2006 I went to college which is held at Virginia Tech. in Blacksburg, Virginia. What an experience.  From Peter Warren teaching us how difficult it can be to identify beetles to Jay Stipes with his famous one liners (you can find some of his one liners on the lower left of the public garden pages) what a great time I had.  I went on rain garden tours, .... and met some of the greatest people in the state of Virginia.  I think people who enjoy playing in dirtand growing things, really just enjoy life itself.  

Spring Fling - The Prince William County Home and Garden Show more commonly called Spring Fling among Master Gardeners (MGs), is one of the few times you'll see a lot of MGs in a single place.  

I participated for the first time in 2005 with a "Plants that Bloom in the Shade - you don't have to throw in an azalea and some hostas and call it good" exhibit. Thanks to Karen Rexrode of Windy Hill, a wonderful nursery which has since closed it's doors, I had some great plants to work with.  

In 2006, I worked with some other Master Gardeners on a Woodland Garden exhibit.  

In 2007, I prepared a display board for "fling" but was on vacation for the actual event.  

The Turnip News - for all news that turns up.  This is a newsletter specifically published for and by Master Gardeners in Prince William county.  I worked on this project for about a year writing a couple of articles and getting it online.  I was editor of the month and decided to write an article or two.  I find writing quite painful and yet somehow once I'm done with an article I find it very fullfilling.  I write about my personal experiences with growing specific plants (mostly about plants we're installing in the woodland garden).  It includes pictures I've taken myself or have permission to reprint from the owner.  

Great Scapes - I love, love, love doing Great 'Scapes.  Going to clients homes to measure their yards and take soil samples can be quite interesting. I've met some interesting people.  I try to leave every client with a good feeling about where their yard is and well as where it can be.  It's really not hard to convinence people to fertilize the right amounts during the fall once they understand the damage it does to our environment.

Field Day - This was a day devoted to teaching the people in our community good turf care practices.  I sat at a table talking to people about fall periennals and bulbs as well as alternatives to lawns.  

Plant a Row - In this program MGs take the leftover food at the community farmer's markets and deliver it to local food banks.  The farmer's get a write off and hungry people get free food.  This is a very rewarding project to work on; although not so much fun during pumpkin and watermelon seasons - they are heavy to load.  I am a back up for this program usually covering when people go on vacation.

Buzzing-in-the-Library - This was a one time project that MGs were asked to participate in by the public library personnel.   We went to several libraries in the county talking to kids about various types of insects.  We also did "buggy" crafts.  

Clinics - This is another program I feel passionate about.  In 2006 I lead this program county wide. Since then, I'm only handled English Country Gardens.  On Saturday mornings in Spring and Fall MGs make themselves available to the public for questions they have regarding their yards.  I am looking forward to the 2008 season.

Neighborhood Advisor - In 2005, I was asked to represent MGs at a Lake Jackson (my neighborhood) Watershed event. I borrowed the "septic display" from another MG and handed out brochures regarding various topics effecting the neighborhood, such as wells, what to plant over septic fields, lawn care etc.  

Woodland Garden - To date this is my favorite project.  A team of MGs are installing a woodland at the teaching garden.  For more information about this project go to www.ourwoodlandgarden.com