If you are a Master Gardener volunteer and would like to contribute to this web site, you can send e-mail to: 

Laura McConnell
Master Gardener Coordinator 
Union County

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The OSU Extension Union County Master Gardeners were organized in 1993 and have grown steadily through annual training classes. Certified Master Gardeners have a knowledge of basic horticultural principles and environmentally sound gardening practices.They are committed to volunteering and are willing to share their knowledge with people in the community.Our organization is associated with the Ohio State University Extension office, but is not supported by tax dollars. We rely on private and corporate donations to support the hundreds of volunteer hours and activities in which we participate. 

The Union County OSU Extension uses an interview and test process to select volunteers for the Master Gardener Program.If accepted they will attend a training course taught by Ohio State University Extension specialists, staff and local experts. 

The course consists of 50 hours of classroom instruction which covers the best management practices of lawn care, ornamental trees and shrubs, insect, disease, and weed control; soil science and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening; home fruit production; and other horticultural subjects.The next training begins March, 2003.Classes will be held in Union County on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on four Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Along with classroom training, a 400-page manual containing Extension publications and horticultural text is provided to participants.This mini-library is used as a reference, and includes fact sheets, pamphlets, folders, and bulletins and lecture outlines pertaining to subject areas covered in the training program.The cost of the materials is covered by the $100 registration fee. Out of county residents have an additional $25 fee. 

In return for specialized training, Master Gardeners are asked to volunteer time in Union County Extension programs.Volunteer activities include responding to telephone requests for gardening information, working with community groups, holding plant clinics--providing home gardening information to the community through a wide variety of gardening-related activities. The Union County Master Gardeners have worked with nursing home residents and school children, talked with civic groups, and helped landscape areas in Richwood, Marysville and Jerome Township. They have also participated in the Union County Home & Garden Show and the Honda Environmental Day. 

The benefits of becoming a Certified Master Gardener are many.Master Gardeners receive quarterly newsletters and other free update materials, participate in regional, State and National conferences and attend educational in-services.These sessions provide opportunities to address gardening problems and new horticultural developments with other Master Gardeners.Master Gardeners are also given countless opportunities for community service and become recognized experts in their horticultural specialties.

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