What is the Master Gardener Program?

The GEORGIA MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM is an educational program offered through county offices of the GEORGIA COOPERATIVE  EXTENSION SERVICE.  Through this program, individuals are trained and certified in horticultural and related areas.

These individuals, in turn, volunteer their expertise and services, under the direction of their COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT, to help others through horticultural projects that benefit the community.  MASTER GARDENERS bring the latest horticultural information and practices from the world of research to their communities' landscapes and gardens.

Through the MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM, thousands of people in the United States and Canada have been trained as volunteers.

What Does the MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM Provide?

The GEORGIA MASTER GARDENER TRAINING PROGRAM provides more than 40 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction in horticulture and related areas.  The classes provide home gardeners with the information they need to become skilled MASTER GARDENERS.  Core classes in the training program include:

Basic Botany; Soils and Plant Nutrition; Basic Pathology; Plant Physiology; Basic Entomology; Weed ID and Control; Non-Chemical Pest Control; Annuals and Perennials; Bush, Vine, and Tree Fruit Culture; Selecting Woody Ornamentals;  Insects and Disease of Woody Ornamentals; Planting and Maintaining Ornamentals; Turf Selection, Care and Maintenance; Insects and Diseases of Turf; Composting, Grasscycling and Mulching;  Vegetable Gardening; Insects, Disease, Weeds and Nematodes of Vegetables; and xeriscaping

Courses are taught by Specialists and Extension Agents from the GEORGIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, local horticulturists and veteran Master Gardeners.  Upon completion of the training,  interns are required to complete 50 hours of volunteer work before the officially become certified Master Gardeners.  

 

GWINNETT COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

The GWINNETT COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION (GCMGA)  was founded in 1993 by a small group of dedicated and energetic GWINNETT COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS.   It has evolved into  more than just a garden club.  It's membership consists of certified GWINNETT COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS  who fund and participate in a wide variety of community projects.  Members contribute many volunteer hours to educating Gwinnett County residents about horticultural, gardening, and landscaping techniques.  In addition, GCMGA members assist the GWINNETT COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE staff with office duties and by answering countless questions from Gwinnett County residents about gardening related topics.   The Mission Statement of the GCMGA is as follows:

-The mission of the GCMGA is to serve as stewards of the environment, voluntarily educating the public of Gwinnett County, Georgia, about horticultural practices that will foster both beautiful gardens and a healthy environment.

-It is the policy of the GCMGA that all educational programs are in concert with the University of Georgia, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension Service.

-The GCMGA will disseminate educational information through newsletters, meetings, activities, and projects.

To be a member of the GCMGA,  you must be a certified GWINNETT COUNTY MASTER GARDENER and pay annual dues.  "FRIENDS" of MASTER GARDENERS are also permitted to join and participate in monthly meetings and projects.  GCMGA dues are due at the beginning of each calendar year and must be paid no later than March 1st.   Please read the following "Cover Memo" which describes the application and training process.  The Application must be accompanied by completed 2009 Master Gardener Volunteer Memorandum of Understanding and Gwinnett County Visiting Volunteer Waiver of Liability Forms.   Applications will not be accepted after 5:00 p.m, October 3, 2008. 

  Cover_Memo_2009.pdf

2009_MG_Application.pdf

 

Memo_of_Understanding_2009.pdf

MG_Liability_Waiver.pdf

 

 

 COMPUTATION OF VOLUNTEER HOURS

 

GWINNETT COUNTY MASTER GARDENER'S  are asked to submit their total volunteer hours and other information at the end of each calendar year.  Please refer to the following file to determine what activities qualify as claimable volunteer hours: 

 Volunteer_Criteria.pdf

 Once volunteer hours have been identified, use the following form for submission to the GWINNETT COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE OFFICE.  Make sure you provide all requested information : 

MG_-_Volunteer_Hours_Summary_Form.pdf  

 

 GCMGA MONTHLY MEETINGS

The GCMGA holds monthly membership meetings on the third Monday of each month, January through November.  Our November meeting is our Holiday Celebration.  Our January meeting features an annual "White Elephant Auction" where GWINNETT COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS donate various items to be auctioned to the highest bidder.  These items are often gardening related, odds and ends, crafts, or services such as garden design, etc. Proceeds are used to fund GCMGA projects.  At the meetings from February through October, excellent guest speakers give presentations on all sorts of gardening topics.

All attendees are asked to bring a "covered dish" since we have a buffet meal at the beginning of each meeting.  The food is always great!Meeting are concluded with a brief GCMGA business session and a drawing for door prizes.  GWINNETT COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS, FRIENDS OF MASTER GARDENERS, and guests are always welcome.  Monthly meetings are held at:

 

Meetings begin:   6:30 PM - 7:00 PM   Buffet Meal

                               7:00 PM - 8:00 PM   Guest Speaker Presentation

                              8:00 PM -                    Business meeting, door prizes

 

                              

**See "Calendar" page for dates of meetings