At the August meeting of the Union County Master Gardeners, Jim Westfall was named Union County Master Gardener of the Year. His name will be submitted for nomination as Ohio Master Gardener of the Year at the State Master Gardener Convention, October 28 in Columbus, Ohio. 

Jim visualizes new projects, while motivating the Master Gardeners with enthusiasm and energy. He garners the cooperation of government, civic and other resources to accomplish Master Gardener goals. Jim inspires the Master Gardeners to do more while remaining humble and always giving the Master Gardeners the credit. Others depend upon him to lead by example, share in all the work and credit. 

Through Jim’s tireless efforts, the McCloud Park Project became a reality. Jim visualized the city “problem” land into the well-used park. He has sought and won over $35,000 in private funding for this project while keeping an ever watchful eye on expenses. Through his negotiations, he saved the City and Master Gardeners hundreds of dollars. Working along side City workers and Master Gardeners, Jim spent many hours keeping this project on time and within budget. There is a large sign posted at this park giving the Master Gardeners credit for this place of enjoyment for the community. 

Jim is a hands-on instructor, demonstrating the proper ways to garden for libraries, garden clubs, county and industrial fairs; he gladly shares his knowledge at Master Gardener meetings and seminars. He is a State Recognized Speaker and teaches at the Master Gardener School. 

He has delivered many presentations on “Ten Steps to Improved Soil,” “Soil/Plant Nutrition,” and “Tool Sharpening Clinic,” and a “Lawn Clinic.” Jim continually develops resources and garners funds for projects. He shared his home garden/landscape with the public on our annual Tour of Gardens in 1997. Jim located the 1996 Fair project and talked with the green industry about how Extension could help. Jim made an easel to display Master Gardener photographs at public gatherings, he personally designed and made the flower boxes for the front of the county Extension Office. He was instrumental in finding a regular meeting place at a local church at no cost to the Master Gardeners in exchange for some landscape maintenance. He developed a landscape design for the Lion’s Club and the City of Delaware’s entrance sign. He designed and planted the Chamber of Commerce’s landscape in exchange for some free publicity. He is frugal and seeks new ways to save money. 

By attending every State Conference and seeking other opportunities, Jim has averaged about 15 hours of continuing education and approximately 100 volunteer hours annually since he joined the Master Gardeners in 1995. 

While the main activity of Master Gardeners has been to answer gardening questions, other opportunities exist for community service. As you can see through Jim's participation, the Master Gardener program is diverse, reflecting the skills and individuality of its volunteers. 

If you would like more information on how to become a Union County Master Gardener, contact the OSU Extension, 246 West Fifth Street, Marysville, OH 43040, visit the website at http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/mg/union/ or calling 937 644-8117.