Would you like to learn about growing vegetables, landscaping, trees, insects or turf grass from the University of Illinois Extension? The Livingston, McLean and Woodford County Master Gardeners want you to join their training program this winter; they will take you on an amazing learning experience to find your inner gardener.

The Master Gardener program is a great opportunity to enrich your gardening knowledge, make a difference in the community and meet others who share your love of plants and gardening. The only requirements are that you enjoy plants and gardening and are happy to share your knowledge with others.During Master Gardener training, you will have the opportunity to learn about the many aspects of gardening from University of Illinois educators and specialists.

The educators are University of Illinois professionals who present class material in a manner that is useful and understandable to both the seasoned and novice gardener. Classes are held on 14 consecutive Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning February 1 and running through May 3. The classes will be held at the University of Illinois Extension McLean County office in Bloomington. Topics include botany, herbaceous ornamentals, woody ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, soils, turf, insects, plant pathology and more. The cost of the 14-week class and the Master Gardener training manual is $175.

After training, Master Gardener interns agree to give at least 60 volunteer hours back to the community within the next two years. Many have said this "hands-on" experience is what really increases their understanding of gardening. Many volunteer in the Master Gardener organization by working in the gardens, serving at the Master Gardener Help Desk, giving educational presentations, working with youth and more!

This year we are honored to have well known Horticulture Educator and Mid-American Gardener guest host, Sandy Mason, present on Herbaceous Ornamentals. Mason writes a gardening column for the News Gazette in Champaign-Urbana called the "Homeowner's Column."Local Horticulture Educator Kelly Allsup will teach the trainees how to implement integrated pest management practices in their gardens while managing for wildlife and pollinators. Local Horticulture Program Coordinator Brittnay Haag will guide you and assist you throughout the entire training class.

Make an impact on your community through volunteerism and educational opportunities for all.For more information about the Master Gardener training offered this winter, please visit our website atgo.illinois.edu/LMW_MGor contact Brittnay Haag at (309) 663-8306 orbhaag@illinois.edu. All applications for the training must be received by October 28.Spend your winter learning more about gardening by joining the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener training!