Master Gardener program looking for enrollees; new class starts Thursday

The Purdue Master Gardener Program is a volunteer training program that provides a learning framework for participants to increase their knowledge on a wide variety of horticultural subjects.

In turn, participants volunteer, representing Purdue University. As volunteers, participants grow by sharing knowledge while providing leadership and service in educational gardening activities within their communities, according to Lindy Miller, Greene County Extension Service Educator who serves as facilitator for the program.

Training will be on Thursdays from 6:30 -- 9:30 p.m. for 13 weeks.

Participants will be exposed to a wide range of subjects including soil and plant science, diagnosis of plant problems, pesticide safety, and culture of vegetable, flower, landscape, and fruit plants, Miller said.

Materials and expenses for the series of classes cost $80 per participant. This expense fee covers such items as reference notebooks, mailings, and name badges. These materials all become part of the Master Gardener's personal collection.

"While the class will be encouraged to create new educational outreach programs, there are already plenty of opportunities for which volunteers are needed. Some of these projects include the staffing information booths at gardening events, teaching public education classes, speaking to local clubs and organizations, and hand-on demonstration gardens," Miller noted.

If you'd like an application to join the program or have questions about the program, call the Purdue University Cooperative Extension office at 659-2122.