PONTIAC, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension congratulates Livingston County Master Gardener, Carol Gardner, on receiving a state award from the Illinois Master Gardener program. She was recognized this month at an online conference and awards ceremony.

Carol Gardner was recognized as a 2020 Outstanding Master Gardeners in Illinois, honoring the best of Illinois Master Gardeners. Only the top 2% of Illinois State Master Gardeners win this award annually. They must exceed in leadership, determination, positivity, initiative, and be highly involved in the program.

Carol is an enthusiastic gardener who strives to share her knowledge with others. Her love of gardening is evident in her garden and in the many projects that she helps within Livingston and McLean Counties. Carol is the Education chair, connecting the Livingston County Master Gardeners with opportunities to present programs to the community, as well as help plan the group’s garden day, A Day in the Garden Patch. Carol also regularly shares ideas and offers her support to many of the projects, including the Yost House garden, Flanagan School garden, Dargan Park garden, Livingston County Extension Office garden, Youth Enrichment lessons, 4-H Park garden and containers, Pontiac Farmer’s Market booth, and the Livingston County Help Desk.

If you see Carol or other Livingston County Master Gardeners teaching or out working in the community, thank them for their outstanding efforts in improving the community and helping others learn to grow.

For more information about the Livingston County Master Gardener program, visit us at go.illinois.edu/LMW_MG or contact the Livingston County Extension Office at 815-842-1776.