Master Gardener class graduates

BOONE COUNTY – Two new Master Gardener interns are on the job in Boone County.

On May 4, University of Illinois Extension graduated twenty-two area volunteers from the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener training program held in DeKalb County.

University of Illinois Extension’s Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer training program. Volunteers take classes that provide information on horticulture topics including vegetables, tree and small fruits, insect and disease management, turf-grass management, annuals, perennials, soils, botany, and plant pathology.

Once they’ve completed their training, they volunteer 60 hours over a two-year time period for their local county Extension program. They may answer client questions at the Horticulture Hotline, assist with plant clinics, speak to various groups, conduct workshops, work with community and school gardens, and more.

Master Gardener volunteers enable University of Illinois Extension to expand its potential to reach more people with horticulture information to improve their gardens and communities. Master Gardeners share a love of gardening and the desire to share their knowledge with others.

In 2015, the Boone County Master Gardeners volunteered 1,157.60 hours serving the community through various projects.

On behalf of Extension, we congratulate our new interns, Marianne Miller and Brian Rudny. We look forward to many years of working with them in this important volunteer program.

If you have questions about the Master Gardener program, please feel free to contact Extension Program Coordinator, Judy Hodge at [email protected] or by phone (815) 544-3710.

The next Master Gardener training dates are yet to be determined.  Keep watch for more information as program decisions are made.

If you are interested in more information regarding Extension or the Master Gardener program please visit our website at web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo.