WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MASTER GARDENER? Contribute to our community -- every year Marin Master Gardeners donate more than 6,000 hours of volunteer service. Enjoy working together with a great group of gardening enthusiasts. Gain excellent knowledge about the life of the garden. Put what you know into practice for the benefit of others and for our environment.
WHAT TRAINING IS PROVIDED TO THE MASTER GARDENER? Master Gardeners are given an intensive 4-1/2 month, 50+ hour training program in horticulture. The instruction provides a practical course in plant science and horticulture, soil and water management, pest identification and management, plant selection and care, and environmentally-sound garden practices. Classes meet weekly, with outside study and training activities in addition to class time. A final examination reviews course materials and prepares the trainee to begin the intership year.
WHO ARE THE INSTRUCTORS? Instructors are experts in their fields, including University of California faculty and staff, landscape and nursery professionals, and knowledgeable local horticulture educators.
WHO BECOMES A MASTER GARDENER? Any Marin resident with an interest in horticulture and public service may apply for the Master Gardener program. Master Gardeners are people of all ages and from all walks of life. They include business men and women, professionals, educators, retirees, homemakers, and students -- all with some experience and knowledge of plants and gardening. Master Gardeners must be enthusiastic, willing to learn and help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people.
WHAT IS THE MASTER GARDENER'S COMMITMENT TO THE PROGRAM? Applicants to the program are selected based on their interest and their ability to fulfill the commitment of service and education. In the year following the training course, interns are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education. Attending the Master Gardener meetings counts toward continuing education hours, as does attending Master Gardener workshops, college classes, and other classes and seminars on gardening.
CERTIFICATION Completion of the training and the internship year earns certification as a Master Gardener. Each year thereafter, 25 hours of volunteer work and 12 hours of continuing education are required to remain a certified Master Gardener.
WHAT TYPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK DOES A MASTER GARDENER DO? Master Gardeners staff an information desk in the University of California Cooperative Extension office, where they answer questions, diagnose plant problems, and give horticultural assistance to home gardeners. Information is also dispersed through newspaper articles and at plant clinics; through talks and demonstrations; and working with teachers, children and parents to establish school gardens. Master Gardeners also work on special community horticultural and gardening projects.
HOW CAN ONE OBTAIN INFORMATION FROM A MASTER GARDENER? The public can telephone the Master Gardener Desk at 499-4204 to ask a Master Gardener questions about plants and gardening in Marin County. Samples of insects, weeds and diseased plants may be taken to the office for diagnosis between the hours of 9AM-12PM and 1-4PM, Monday through Friday. Master Gardeners may be available to give talks for garden clubs, senior citizen groups, elementary schools, and other community or church organizations.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE MARIN MASTER GARDENERS PROGRAM
Click on the link below to view Master Gardener training information and important dates. Then download the application form, fill out and mail to the address at the bottom of the application. You may also contact the UCCE office at 415-499-4204. Completed forms are due September 12th by 4 P.M. Successful applicants begin the training course in January 2009.
2009 Master Gardener Application
In accordance with applicable State and Federal laws and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate in any of its policies, procedures, or practices on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, medical condition, ancestry, citizenship or disability. Inquiries regarding this policy may be addressed to the Affirmative Action Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin Street, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607-5200, (510) 987-0096.