Master Gardener program marks 20 years of creating expert green thumbs

Southern Nevada may possess a dry climate, but the desire for learning about plants and cultivation in the desert flows steadily with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Master Gardeners program.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the program , which has produced more than 1,000 Master Gardeners.

The 20-class Master Gardeners program is offered in the fall and spring semesters. Participants meet from
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Upon course completion, participants earn the Master Gardener title and commit to at least 50 hours of volunteer service to the community.

Ann Edmunds, Master Gardener program director, believes the program has lasted so long because of its focus on education and community involvement.

"Students really get a comprehensive horticulture education," Edmunds said. "We are training people who want to be community volunteers. Master Gardeners are great to have as friends and neighbors, and our service projects really benefit the community."

Edmunds said Master Gardeners donated more than 33,900 volunteer hours in 2011 and have given more than 307,000 hours since the Cooperative Extension program's inception in 1992. Projects include planting gardens at local senior and community centers, working in the Cooperative Extension's Outdoor Education Center and helping with area farmer s markets. Edmunds said that although the minimum requirement of volunteer service is 50 hours, Master Gardeners average 114 hours of service per year.

In celebration of the program's milestone , the Cooperative Extension plans to host a Garden Gala beginning at 10 a.m. April 21 at the Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road. Master Gardeners are scheduled to give tours, lead plant talks and provide hands-on gardening demonstrations throughout the day.

Linn Mills, who founded the local chapter of the Master Gardeners program, and Mary Rider, who participated in the initial training class in 1992, are scheduled to be honored during the event.

Edmunds said the event, which is free and open to the public, exists to provide garden enthusiasts with a wealth of information.

"What the public can expect is to find out what Master Gardeners do," Edmunds said. "We'll have displays of community projects and a sale with plants Master Gardeners planted themselves. If you're a garden enthusiast, this is our gift to you."

Edmunds hopes those who are new to gardening and attend the celebration gain a comprehensive look at the program and its value. Pat Freeman, a student in this semester's Master Gardener program, believes she's receiving that comprehensive education.

"I especially like the hands-on experience," Freeman said. "With anything hands-on, you need to know the background, and that's what you get here. You get a ton of information with (this program). Even if you don't garden, you get a new perspective."

Edmunds said the program has evolved throughout the years, most notably with the addition of a lab component. Each class consists of a three-hour lecture and a one-hour lab led by assistants who are trained Master Gardeners. The lectures are streamed via video to campuses at Laughlin, Pahrump and Logandale.

The program is open to anyone who has a desire to learn more about plants, gardening and sustainability. Edmunds said Master Gardeners often have a continued interest in gaining knowledge about plants long after they complete the course.

"The focus is to share our knowledge of desert plants," Edmunds said. "You take the training class, and as people ask you questions, you still keep learning more. It's fascinating."

For more information on the Master Gardeners program and Garden Gala, call 257-5587 or visit www.unce.unr.edu.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.