Ever wonder what it means to be a “Master Gardener?” These individuals are community members with a love for gardening and a heart for service. Through countless hours of volunteer work each year, they share their passion, expertise, and encouragement with individuals throughout the community.
A volunteer program of the University of Illinois Extension, with a mission of “Helping Others Learn to Grow,” Master Gardeners turn university research into accessible, hands-on education for Illinois residents. For 50 years, these plant-loving volunteers have been learning, growing, and generously sharing their knowledge.
So, who really are Master Gardeners? They are neighbors, educators, and cultivators—planting seeds of knowledge and joy across our community—and so much more.
They are Vegetable Gardeners, spending countless hours at community gardens, working with residents of all ages to grow a healthy crop of fresh vegetables to share with friends and family.
They are Herb Gardeners who enjoy gathering weekly with others to share their special interest in herbal plants, teaching others how to grow, harvest, and use these fragrant beauties.
They are Historical Gardeners tending century-old plants with unwavering dedication—hours spent in thoughtful planning, precise planting, and delicate pruning to preserve living history.
They are Teaching Gardeners. From leading a group of curious preschoolers on an exploration of the garden using their 5 senses to sharing knowledge and inspirations with adults at a local library program, wherever they go, they share their passion for gardening and the environment.
They are Puzzle-Solving Gardeners, determined in their mission to uncover answers, digging deep into research and responding with care and research-based information to every question that community members bring forth at the Help Desk or community event.
They are Pollinator-Friendly Gardeners, cultivating awareness and support of pollinators and local biodiversity through thoughtful gardening practices and pockets of pollinator-friendly plants around the counties.
They are Inspiring Gardeners, planting not only flowers but expertise and passion. Through teaching others the art and skill of gardening, they enrich our community with beauty, sustainability, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
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. Gardening is good for our health and well-being, but it is also a great way to give back and inspire others in your life or community.
Take your love of gardening to the next level by joining the Master Gardener program this fall. The Hybrid Master Gardener Training for Livingston, McLean, and Woodford County community members runs from September 9 through December 2. Participants will complete weekly online modules and join once a week for a 3-hour, in-person session at the McLean County Extension office. For more information about the Master Gardener training program, visit go.illinois.edu/MGTraining25.