Master Gardener, Linda Morgan, of Ostrander is the September’s recipient of the Leaping Frog Award. This award travels between Union County Master Gardeners who exemplifies the spirit of being a Master Gardener volunteer.  Linda was chosen for tirelessly working as the Union County Master Gardener president for more than a year (that's enough to deserve 100's of frogs).  She is always ready to lend a hand—She is one of the first to show up, roll up her sleeves and work, and keeps on going...She continues to learn and share what she knows with others.  She truly is a Master Gardener.

Master Gardeners are university-trained volunteers who serve as educators in their communities by assisting the OSU Extension's Union County office with gardening programs and activities for county residents. The program began in Ohio over 10 years ago and is now active in more than 60 counties. Union County began its Master Gardener Program in the summer of 1994. 

Working with Union County Extension personnel, the primary focus of Master Gardeners is to answer a broad range of gardening questions. Volunteers also address important social and environmental issues in the county.  They conduct plant clinics, work with youth and the elderly, beautify the community by developing community and demonstration gardens--create horticultural programs reflecting the skills and individualities of the Master Gardeners.

The Union County Master Gardener Association is a volunteer program that enables its members to serve the County through horticultural education and promoting personal growth.  Master Gardeners can increase their gardening knowledge through conferences, in-service workshops and hands-on experience.  In addition, they can develop communication, management, and leadership skills by being involved with the organization.  There’s even time for fun--and Leaping Frog Awards!

As you can see the Master Gardener Program is more than a garden club or horticulture class.  If you would like to become a Union County Master Gardener, contact the OSU Extension, 246 West Fifth Street, Marysville, 937 644-8117 and plan on attending the Master Gardener Open House, Thursday, November 15, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the OSU Extension Office, 246 West Fifth Street, Marysville, OH. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve continued gardening success through the Master Gardener Program

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All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Admin. and Director, OSU Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868

Revised December, 2001