Do you have an interest in gardening? Would you like to help educate the public about environmentally-sound gardening practices? If so, the Chesterfield Master Gardener Program may be for you! Every spring, the Chesterfield Cooperative Extension office trains a new class of Master Gardeners, teaching them about the basics of horticulture and gardening. The 2016 Master Gardener class meets three times a week for nine weeks, beginning in February. Training covers a range of gardening topics including botany, soils, entomology, integrated pest management, propagation, vegetable and sustainable gardening, native plants, turf, indoor plants, fruit trees, pruning, weeds and water quality. In return for the training, the Master Gardeners volunteer in the community, educating people about environmentally sound horticulture and gardening practices through the Master Gardener help desk and also through fairs, plant clinics and seminars that reinforces their knowledge of gardening and involves them in the community.
Chesterfield County residents who join Virginia Cooperative Extension as Master Gardeners are joining a local group of volunteers that is part of the state Master Gardener group. The state Master Gardener group is part of a national Master Gardener group of distinguished volunteers recognized for their knowledge, skills and for the significant work they do to improve their communities.
Chesterfield County Cooperative Extension is now accepting applications until Tuesday, Oct. 15. People of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply. Interested? Download the application at http://www.chesterfield.gov/mastergardener/ or fill out the application online at https://goo.gl/ac6yEQ today. Call 751-4401 for information on the Chesterfield County Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
