Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator
Master Gardeners are a special group of people who all have a common interest – a love of gardening and nature and the desire to share that knowledge with others. The Master Gardener Volunteer program is a very successful University of Illinois Extension Horticulture program. The program aim is to give intensive horticultural training to individuals who will, in turn, share this training with the public.
Rhonda Ferree, Horticulture Educator with University of Illinois Extension, says that there are no specific requirements to become a Master Gardener. Homemakers, farmers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, teachers, accountants, and you can become Master Gardeners.
Master Gardeners receive training on topics ranging from vegetable gardening to tree and small fruits, soils, fertilizers, diseases, insects, trees and shrubs, houseplants, and more. Master Gardeners also receive training to improve volunteer skills.
In return, Master Gardeners volunteer 60 hours back to University of Illinois Extension. The volunteer time can be essentially any type of activity as long as it is about plants and an educational program. Anything is possible. You could develop a demonstration garden, conduct horticultural therapy programs, produce media releases, carry out youth programs, do neighborhood beautification projects, coordinate a question/answer booth, and much more.
For more information about being a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners contact program coordinator Ian Goslin at ianmg@illinois.edu or 309-347-6614.
MEET THE AUTHOR
As horticulture educator, Rhonda Ferree inspired citizens in local communities to grow their own food and improve their home landscapes. She focused on high quality, impactful programs that taught homeowners how to create energy-efficient landscapes using sustainable practices that increase property values and help the environment.
After 30 years with University of Illinois Extension, Rhonda retired in 2018. She continues to share her passion for horticulture related topics as “Retro Rhonda” on social media.
ABOUT THE BLOG
ILRiverHort is a blog that helps people connect to nature and grow.