Ohio State University Extension Union County Master Gardeners have voted George McVey as the 2001 Ohio Master Gardener of the Year.  George is a valued colleague and member of the 1999 Master Gardener Class.  In addition to meeting his first year Master Gardener certification requirements, George has donated 87 volunteer and 14 education hours of service to this organization and community between May, 2000 and April, 2001.

George epitomizes the spirit of Master Gardening by sharing a wealth of positive attributes with his peers and community.  George enjoys working with people.  His sense of humor and inclusive style encourages others to surface ideas and explore possibilities  advancing the quality of the projects he directs. George nurtures new Master Gardeners through their first projects, offering guidance when needed while fostering their own creativity.  He eagerly thanks people and genuinely appreciates everyone's' efforts no matter how small.  Even as a leader, George's gift is that of being a servant.  Most of his peers would never suspect he has a doctorate degree in woody ornamentals.

George has been instrumental in transforming the McCloud Park demonstration garden from concept to working garden and has taken ownership of the ongoing care of our city's garden focal point.  George developed a unique method of delivering a combination of training and monthly garden maintenance at the park.  He garnered coffee, donuts and coupons from local eateries and offered this incentive along with a monthly educational topic to any gardener assisting with the garden's care.  What could be a routine chore creatively turned into a welcome form of education, workday, and camaraderie for those who participate in George's monthly FeeD and wEEd program at McCloud Park.

George has been a real benefit to strengthening the Master Gardener program through the variety of educational offerings provided to his peers and community.  George was the home lawn care training instructor for the 2000 and 2001 Master Gardener training course.  In 1999, George provided a woody ornamental pruning clinic for Master Gardeners, Union County and Marysville City maintenance workers.  George has presented horticultural seminars at the Plain City Library and Marysville New Resident Orientation.

George's willingness to share his expertise and love of gardening is evident in his Master Gardener activities and community outreach.  Even though he oversees the demonstration garden as its' chairman, he treats McCloud Park's garden as his own. George is often seen in the park early on a Saturday morning, weeding, pruning, caring for the lawn or interpreting the garden to Marysville residents visiting the park.  He is the garden's best advocate and ambassador.

George advances his own training and education by reading horticultural materials, BYGL, P.E.S.T. and other OSU bulletins.  He frequently attends local educational offerings and the State Master Gardener Conference.  George counsels others to practice research based horticultural techniques.

George's greatest contribution to the Master Gardener Program is investing his time and talent in his community through his horticulture volunteering.  He is a genuine testament to gardening through study, teaching and doing.