You Just Might Be A Master Gardener If

You Just Might Be Master Gardener If…

.  Your fridge has a shelf full of over-wintering bulbs and saved seeds.
.  You carry a shovel, gloves, pruners in the trunk of your car, just in case.
.  You drive from Starbucks to Starbucks asking for packages of coffee grounds for your compost.
.  Your idea of fun is a day browsing nurseries.
.  You have more garden shoes than any other kind of shoe.
.  Your neighbors rake their leaves, but you collect them in bags and take them home for the compost.
.  You ask for tools for Christmas, Hanukkah, Mothers Day, your birthday.
.  You gaze out of your window plotting how to rearrange your garden.
.  You buy plants before you known where you’re going to put them.
.  You buy mulch by the cubic yard.
.  You go to a nursery and forget what you wanted, but still spend a hundred dollars.
.  You give gardening tips to your neighbors and friends.

Does this sound like you, and do you like helping people?  If so, you really might want to check out how to become a Master Gardener.  

Master Gardeners are wonderful gardeners who also volunteer their time helping other gardeners by teaching and giving gardening advice and information.  The program began in 1972 in Washington state in participation with Washington State University, and has spread all across the United States, Canada, and to several other countries. 

And Now is the time that your local Master Gardeners may be starting to take applications for new classes, unless you live in the Southern Hemisphere.  (In which case, the timing may be reversed.)  The classes run for several weeks and cover all aspects of home gardening.  After that time, you may become certified as a Master Gardener; and begin volunteering.  There are all kinds of volunteer opportunities in many locations that can be as varied as:

.  Giving gardening advice and tips at plant clinics and hotlines
.  Teaching kids how to garden
.  Giving gardening technique demonstrations
.  Giving radio presentations on gardening
.  Working in a demonstration garden
.  Working on planned plant sales
.  And many others

So, if you love working in the garden and like sharing your gardening expertise, why not find out  more about the Master Gardener classes and the  Master Gardener program through the Co-operative Extension in your area.  Here is even a link in England.