Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator

Kathy Edwards was one of 36 University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners honored for their outstanding contributions to Illinois' Master Gardener Program. She was named a State Outstanding Master Gardener at the 2017 Illinois State Master Gardener Conference in Normal.

Kathy has been an active Master Gardener in Fulton County since 2007. Her many projects include educational gardens at the Canton YMCA, Jones Park, Graham Hospital, Canton's Lutheran Church, and Heartland Healthcare Center.

In keeping with the Master Gardener mission of "Helping Others Learn to Grow," Kathy makes sure that her projects are educational as well as beautiful. In fact, she loves to teach others about gardening and has given numerous presentations to a variety of audiences.

Her leadership goes beyond the garden. She has responsibility for her local group's Master Gardener Directory and serves various roles for the Spoon River Garden Club. Kathy has also served on the Master Gardener Advisory Committee serving Fulton, Mason, Tazewell, and Peoria counties.

Kathy was nominated by fellow Fulton County Master Gardener Janice Reneau. Janice wrote in the application, "Kathy's dedication and continued years of service to multiple organization's gardens in our community exemplify her commitment to gardening and horticultural education."

Congratulations to Kathy Edwards on her outstanding award. You can view pictures and learn more about Master Gardener programs in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties athttp://web.extension.illinois.edu/fmpt/photogallery/3689

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.

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ILRiverHort is a blog that helps people connect to nature and grow.