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Cooperative Extension Service |
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Agricultural
Experiment Station |
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Dale Bumpers College
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Master Gardeners
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Slide |
Speaker Notes |
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Since the program’s start in Cross County in 2004, the Cross County Master Gardeners have accomplished many achievements for the citizens of Cross County. This presentation discusses some of the projects and activities of this volunteer group. The program is supervised by County Extension Agent Richard Klerk. |
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The Master Gardener Program began in Arkansas in 1988 in the central Arkansas area. The Cross County program started in 2004, and three different classes of Cross County graduates have become Master Gardeners. Currently there are 14 active volunteers who have met the requirements to hold the title of Master Gardener. A Master Gardener is required to attend a 40-hour training class and volunteer back 40 hours of work hours and 20 hours of educational hours within the first year after graduation. During subsequent years, 20 hours of volunteer time is required along with 20 hours of education. Master Gardeners serve as volunteers of the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture – Cooperative Extension Service. They provide educational assistance to the Cross County Extension Office in horticulture areas. Activities include beautification projects, tours, field trips and fund raisers to finance projects. |
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The first project undertaken by the Cross County Master Gardeners was the landscaping of the Wynne Junior High School sign in 2003. Funding is provided as needed by the school’s PTA, and the area is maintained and watered by the Master Gardeners throughout the year. |
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Several flower beds surround the Cross County Library located in Wynne, Arkansas. The project was initiated in 2003 with the library providing funding for plant materials. Master Gardeners do spring and fall plantings and provide clean-up maintenance. An automated sprinkler system ensures consistent water in the summer. |
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Originally started as a series of four presentations by Larry Lowman, the Master Gardeners have continued the annual tradition of organizing and hosting a series of free horticulture lectures during the month of February, utilizing local and statewide recognized horticulture experts. |
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The local Cross County Arts Council hosts a Christmas Festival of Trees activity each December. The Cross County Master Gardeners have contributed a decorated tree each year. Horticulture-related items have adorned the trees, and in 2007 the Master Gardeners took first place for the most creative tree based on the vote of the visitors. |
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Recent Master Gardener training in the city of Parkin resulted in Master Gardeners undertaking the development of a butterfly garden near the entrance of the visitors center at Parkin Archeological State Park. Plans were developed by a Master Gardener, and several sources have provided funding for mulch, plant material, an irrigation system and signs. Youth, 4-H members, and Scouts have assisted Master Gardeners with planting and maintaining the area. |
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The Three County Fair consists of Cross, Woodruff and Jackson counties with the Cross County Master Gardeners assisting with various aspects of the fair. Master Gardeners act as superintendents with the checking in of entries in the Flower and Plant division. |
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Another area of support of the fair is the creation and display of an educational booth each year. This year’s exhibit dealt with the various educational information available on lawns and lawn care from the Extension Service. |
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The most recent contribution of the Master Gardeners is the landscaping of the main entrance to the fair’s educational building. A variety of annuals, perennials and shrubs have been installed along with an irrigation system through funding provided by the fair board. |
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The main fund raising project is a plant sale at the Extension Homemakers annual Christmas Tea craft sale held in the court house in early December. Poinsettia and Norfolk pine trees are purchased at cost and then decorated by the Master Gardeners and sold. The booth also contains information on joining the Master Gardener program. |
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During the summer of 2008 the Cross County Master Gardeners undertook working with a youth garden at the Wynne Healthcare Center that provides services to senior citizens. Both a flower and a vegetable garden were established, and weekly meetings were held during the summer months. A variety of topics were discussed, and tours of local gardens were also held. The youth, their parents, Master Gardeners and residents of the center all had a hand in having a successful project. Funding for this project was provided by the state legislature. |
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Exploring other gardens is one method of gaining knowledge. Master Gardeners have toured such places as Larry Lowman’s Ridgecrest Nursery, Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs and other Master Gardeners’ gardens in the area. |
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The Master Gardener program offers an opportunity for those with an interest in horticulture to volunteer their time and talents to a variety of projects and activities. By their active participation to meet the requirements to remain a Master Gardener they reach and teach others in the county about lawn and garden issues through a variety of methods. If interested in becoming a part of learning and sharing information about horticulture, contact the Cross County Extension Service Office at 870-238-5745. A training class to start on the road of this rewarding experience is held each year. Thank you for your attention. Any questions? |
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© 2006 |
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Cross County |
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