Week One – Introduction and Tour
About 6 months ago I learned that the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension provides a Master Gardener training program. To be honest, I had never heard of this and was curious about it (check out their website HERE). The extension program is robust and provides information on a vast array of subjects like, 4-H, food preservation, forest health, financial literacy, master gardener, and so much more.
I actually found out about the master gardener program through social media (Facebook to be exact). So, 6 months ago I submitted an application, went through the interview process, and much to my delight, I was accepted into the program. YAY!
Tuesday was my first day back at school (it has been at least a thousand years since I was in a classroom). Even though I was a little nervous at first, I soon met a few fellow students and am now a part of a study group. When I got home it felt like my first day in Kindergarten. Fear of the unknown was replaced by a giddy feeling of joy that I made new friends at school. Yep, I’m feeling like a little kid right now.
Like any first day at school, we spent most of the time with the introduction to the rules, expectations, and the course schedule. It’s going to be a LOT! But, we also get to look forward to working in their beautiful gardens once classes are completed and the final exam is passed (yes, we have a final exam too!). We toured the gardens while we were there and I’m not kidding that they are beautiful.
The garden center is set up for the home gardener and is divided into areas such as a potted garden, edible garden, shade garden, and a xeriscape garden. The Master Gardeners are there to help home gardeners create and care for their own gardens along with help to trouble shoot pests and other nasty things that quietly invade a garden (for me it was gophers and frost).
Over the course of 12 weeks we will be hammered with information and I hope to share with you some of the highlights along the way. Join me and I will do my best to share tidbits that you might need in your own garden. Please be aware that I am NOT a Master Gardener – yet. If you have questions or concerns about your own garden, please refer your questions to a Master Gardener in your area.
Week 2? Botany.
Have a green day!
arbitrarydustbunnies 