Contributed by Dianne Campbell
As this year’s garden turns to seed, thoughts turn to planning for next spring – how to do it differently, how to do it better.
A great way to get started on more successful gardening outcomes is with the Fluvanna Extension Master Gardener training program. In addition, the program offers the advantages of support from like-minded spirits and an opportunity to contribute to your community.
The Master Gardener training is offered only once a year and runs from mid-January through April, with classes online on Thursday evenings, plus some Saturday field experiences to practice hands-on techniques. Classes will be conducted by university professors or noted experts in their fields, and topics will range from basic botany and soils through to pesticides, pruning, and habitat conservation strategies.
Information on the training will be offered in meetings at the public library on Oct. 30, 6-7:30 p.m., and Nov. 13, 1-2:30 p.m. Training coordinators Nancy Rossnagle and Vicki Buffmire will be on hand to discuss the training class details. Numerous Master Gardner members also will be available to share experiences and advice, and some will become training mentors for students’ class work through to ensuing membership experiences.
A graduation celebration will be held upon completion of the training program.
Tuition for the Master Gardener training program is $200, which covers all materials and related expenses. Each student receives the Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardener Handbook which serves as the text for the training and is a valuable long-time reference guide. Scholarships are available based on need.
Further information on the Master Gardener activities can be found at the website www.fluvannamg.org. There, too, you can complete the training class application under the tab, “Become a Master Gardener.”
