Master Gardeners of the Northern Neck

The House & Home Magazine

Master Gardeners are a breed unto themselves and the Northern Neck Master Gardeners are standouts! Eighty- four strong, with 10,627 volunteer hours and 29,064 contacts made during the year, they continue to amaze. In this economically difficult time, their time is valued at a savings to the taxpayer of $215,196.75 for the year 2008.

Master Gardeners are a permanent organization in the community, existing nationwide since 1972 and in the Northern Neck since 1989. In the area of youth activities, they act under the supervision of the 4-H Agent and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent.

The Master Gardeners are available to provide research-based gardening and horticultural information through the Lancaster, Northumberland and Westmoreland Extension offices. They man the phones at help desks April through October. Plant clinics are run through the Irvington Farmer‘s Market the 1st Saturday of each month and Heathsville Farmer‘s Market the 3rd Saturday of each month, April through October. They are the authors of "Gardening in the Northern Neck," a book full of information pertaining to the specifics of gardening in this part of the world.

The Master Gardeners hold an annual seminar, "Gardening in the Northern Neck," in March. Topics covered are shoreline preservation, growing and buying local, bayscaping and plants that belong in your garden. These seminars are complete with excellent speakers, topic appropriate vendors, and are very well attended.

This ambitious, energetic and well-educated group draws from all over the nation. They share their love of grubbing in the dirt, educating, learning and this place called the Northern Neck. It is impossible to list everything they are involved with, but the following is a good cross section. Children‘s Education SUMS and the ABC Garden SUMS (Students Using Math and Science) is an after school program for 3rd graders at Lancaster Elementary School. NNMGs meet with about 20 children to study horticulture for one hour on Wednesday afternoons from October through May. SUMS began in 2000 by a third grade teacher Joan Gravatt, supported by a grant from Dominion Power. Master Gardeners acted as consultants to activities organized by teachers. It evolved into the Master Gardeners volunteering to plan and conduct the program. In 2003, to explore horticulture outdoors, the children began planting flowerbeds next to the third grade wing of the school. Over several years, 4 beds increased to 8 beds. A berm was added to control rainwater. A set of outdoor benches and a table was given by the PTA to act as an outdoor classroom, and a pergola added to the space. The NNMG‘s created a teaching garden called "A Backyard Classroom (ABC) Garden," largely created from community donations.

This garden now has herb and vegetable beds, perennial beds, fruit trees and a grape arbor. There are trees offering shade, producing fruit and growing. Teachers and students in all classes at the primary school use this garden for educational activities. There is a communication mailbox encouraging notes between the Master Gardeners and the teachers and students using the space. Currently, plans are underway to explore the possibility of adding a rain garden with the help of the Soil and Water Conservation Board.

Twice a year, teachers, staff and parents, get an ‘ABC Garden newsletter,’ featuring new developments, growth and ideas in the garden

Yearly the students and Master Gardeners host parents at a garden open house. Each child mans a station in the garden and eagerly explains its contents. Sue Lindsey, early developer of the garden, says, "You can teach/learn anything in a garden."

3rd Grade Science Program. Twice during the school year, NNMGs present science programs to third grade students at both Lancaster and Northumberland Elementary Schools. The programs focus on soils and on shoreline ecology. These programs give the children opportunities to investigate the S.O.L. (standard of learning) objectives with their hands as well as their minds, while having fun. The day long programs feature learning stations focusing on composting, littering, pollution, food chains, erosion, and many varieties of marine animals.

Earth/Arbor Day. As part of the annual Earth Day/Arbor Day celebrations in both Lancaster and Northumberland Elementary Schools, NNMGs conduct an educational activity, have a tree planting ceremony, and give every child and teacher a tree sapling to take home and plant.

Invasive Aliens. Ted Munns has been a Master Gardener Volunteer since 2004 when he completed his training at Green Spring Gardens Park in Fairfax County. He has always had an interest in growing things, but after retiring from a career with the Federal Government, now had the time and opportunity to spend with this passion. He wanted to learn more about the technical aspects of horticulture, botany, garden design and landscaping so he enrolled in the local community college to help round out his education. After three years, he was awarded an Associates Degree in Horticultural Technology. His interest in teaching and the scourge of invasive alien plants has allowed him to offer a program that educates the public on good landscaping practices. Some plants that began benignly in our gardens escaped into our roadsides, woods and parks. The coastal plain of Virginia offers a moderate climate that encourages homeowners to select a wide variety of "must have" plants that often escape from their yards. These plants, usually natives of Europe or Asia, choke off and smother our native flora to the detriment of our native insect pollinators, birds, and vertebrates. Nothing grows in the thick tangles of kudzu, English ivy, or wisteria, and some plants like the tree-of-heaven exude a sap that kills other plants and can be caustic to the skin. The Northern Neck Master gardener volunteers offer educational programs to teach residents of the long-term problems of some common declining populations of butterflies, nocturnal moths, nesting birds, and wet land amphibians which are a direct result of lack of host plants for these creatures to feed upon. The more we know about eradicating exotic alien plants and encouraging native plantings, the more we will be able to stem this decline.

Horticultural Therapy. The Horticultural Association defines Horticultural Therapy (HT) as "The engagement of a client in gardening related activities, facilitated by a trained therapist to achieve specific goals." HT is a process using plants and garden activities to improve the body, mind and spirit of people. HT is practiced throughout the world in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, hospice vocational facilities, nursing homes, senior and community centers, schools and prisons.

Volunteer HT, for example Master Gardeners, are knowledgeable trained gardeners that are currently involved in HT in Kilmarnock at Rappahannock Westminster Canterbury and in Warsaw at The Orchard. Volunteer HT was originated and championed by Diane Rolf from Virginia Tech. Horticulture has been identified as the number one leisure pursuit of older Americans. Gardening is a therapeutic activity that enhances physical and mental health. Studies have found that 85 - 90% of nursing care residents has been engaged in some sort of gardening in their lifetime. The benefits include enhanced cognitive, social, and physical functioning. Part of the training of MGs includes developing a project within one of the approved programs. Three MG’s developed written guidelines for the implementation of HT that could be used in multiple settings as a reference for those choosing to participate in HT in the future.

The Orchard HT group has completed the institution‘s orientation requirements. They meet the third Friday of the month. Participants come from all three levels of care and the activity is adjusted based on the individual‘s capabilities. They consistently see 10-12 residents. They introduce the project with appropriate history, assist with completion and follow up with a write up of the activity for future reference. A copy is given to the Activity Director for use in their planning meetings.

Northern Neck Master Gardener Tips. Gardening tips written by Bryan Kennedy, Marybeth Sisson and Kathy Powell, Master Gardeners of the most recent graduating class, was begun as a class project. This article is submitted monthly to the Rappahannock Record, Northern Neck News and the Northumberland Echo. It is also published in a quarterly newsletter and distributed at the farmer‘s markets and public events.

And that‘s not all!! There are annual pruning clinics, establishment of the gardens at Dream Fields, the gardens at the Lancaster High School . . . and the list goes on.

So the next time you are in the Northern Neck and you notice a whirl of dust . . . look carefully, it may be a Master Gardener.

Learn to Master Your Garden and Plant it Too!

A Spring Symposium, Plant Sale, and Azalea & Rhodendron Program Promise a Full Spring Agenda for Patrick County Master Gardeners.

Contact Candace A. Korzenko, (276) 694-6159, Candace@candyk.com.

Stuart, Virginia January 7, 2010 – Spring is the time for gardening, and for the Patrick County Master Gardeners (PCMGs). This spring promises to be a busy one according to PCMG president, Sharon Kroeller. "We have a great line-up of programs open to the community this spring," Kroeller said. "Two popular annual events – The Spring Symposium, Master Your Garden, and The Annual and Perennial Plant Sale, along with a special program on Azaleas & Rhododendrons presented by Master Gardener, John Smith."

The dates and details of these programs were among the items discussed, January 5th, at the first monthly business meeting of the Master Gardeners in 2010.

Save these dates...

March 6, 2010 – The 3rd annual Patrick County Master Gardeners Spring Symposium, Master Your Garden, promises to be a full day of fun, learning and sharing among seasoned and prospective gardeners. Speakers for the event include: Henry County Extension Agent, Melanie Barrow who will talk on Composting and Drought Protection: Dale Puckett, Puckett’s Plants and Greenhouses will give tips and answer questions on extending your gardening season with Greenhouses & Cold Frames; and, Virginia Master Naturalist, Bob Tuggle will present Wild Flora of Patrick County. Participants will have time throughout the day for visiting and shopping at Vendor displays of plants and plant-related books and items. The program will be held at the Stuart location of Patrick Henry Community College. Cost for the program is $20 per person and includes a box lunch, snacks, tea and coffee.

April 24, 2010 – John Smith, Master Gardener and a longtime grower and propagator of Azaleas, will give an informative and visually beautiful presentation on Azaleas & Rhododendrons at the Reynolds Homestead in Critz, VA. The program will begin at 12:00 noon; cost is $12 per person and includes a catered lunch. Weather permitting; a tour of John's own azalea gardens will follow the program.

May 8, 2010 – The eagerly anticipated, Annual and Perennial Plant Sale at Rotary Field will allow area gardeners to purchase, at very reasonable cost, bedding plants, vegetables starts and plant divisions all donated by local gardeners, nurseries and greenhouses. The sale runs from 9:00am – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday with plant donation drop-offs on Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. Proceeds from the sale are divided between the Patrick County Master Gardeners where they are used to support local programs and projects, and a local not-for–profit organization, this year the Caring Hearts Clinic in Stuart.

"More information will be provided as we get closer to these events," said Kroeller, "however, I urge anyone interested in the March 6th Spring Symposium to register early by calling the Patrick County Extension Office at 276-694-3341."

In other business, Kroeller expressed thanks and appreciation to outgoing officers Tammy Goodyear and Glenda Cobbler for their dedication and service. "I'd also like to express my gratitude to Virginia Zahn for continuing, in a new term, as treasurer and to welcome newly elected vice-president, Candace Korzenko and secretary, Beverly Larson," stated Kroeller. Sharon Kroeller was also reelected and will serve as PCMG president during the coming year.

Patrick County Master Gardeners are Virginia Cooperative Extension volunteers dedicated to working with the community to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management educational Programs. If you have any gardening questions or you would like to learn more about becoming a Master Gardener, call the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Patrick County Office at 276-694-3341.

Gardening Gurus

Flavor Magazine, August/September 2009, pp. 40-42

by Tracy Crehan Gerlach

Tomatoes rotting on the vine? Compost confusing you? Call a Master Gardener.

USDA Release No. 0298.09

July 2009

Contact: Jennifer Martin (202) 720-8188

USDA Master Gardeners Available to Help Americans Grow Safe, Healthy Food Throughout the Country

USDA Offers Free On-the-Ground Resources for First-Time Growers

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2009 Looking for some free gardening advice? Has your well-intentioned 'green thumb' resulted in your garden looking a little brown? USDA has a cadre of volunteers who provide free gardening tips and have a wealth of science-based research to answer your questions. Trained by USDA's Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners provide information in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. To find a local Master Gardeners, visit www.extension.org/pages/Extension_Master_Gardener .

"Master Gardeners are a valuable resource for people who want to get some tips on gardening and growing their own food from a real expert," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Growing fruits and vegetables in your own garden not only promotes a healthier lifestyle, but helps communities develop a safe, nutritious and sustainable source of food."

Master Gardeners can help Americans of all abilities to plant, grow and harvest a garden, similar to USDA's 'People's Garden.' Earlier this year, Vilsack launched the 'People's Garden' on USDA property in order to help illustrate the many ways USDA works to provide a sustainable, safe and nutritious food supply as well as protect and preserve the landscape where that food is produced.

The Master Gardener program, which began in 1972 in Washington, is another important example of how people can contribute to promoting healthier food and communities. Since its inception, the program has grown to 94,865 volunteers across the country who give horticulture information to the public through a variety of locally-based programs. Volunteers receive 40 to 80 hours of instruction and, in return, give an equal number of volunteer hours during the next year. As the federal partner in the Cooperative Extension Service, USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) provides funding and national leadership to the program.

"Extension Master Gardener volunteers are more than just members of local garden clubs," said Bill Hoffman, national program leader and Master Gardener contact at CSREES. "They bring to bear the science base of the land-grant university system in service to their communities, through the training and certification they receive as well as the research-based answers they provide."

During 2008, this network of Master Gardeners provided more than 5 million hours of volunteer work in their communities valued at $101.4 million. Nearly 80 percent of these 5 million hours take place in metropolitan areas. Additionally, in 2008, more than 16,000 new Master Gardeners joined the program for the first time, infusing the program with new life.

Although each community has its own unique projects, all Master Gardeners present workshops, answer gardening hotlines, work with youth, plant demonstration gardens and teach gardening throughout the country:

In Washington, DC: As director of the Washington Youth Garden at USDA's National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., Kaifa Anderson-Hall, who is a Master Gardener herself, spent hours as a child learning about the relationship between food, health and nutrition at the Washington Youth Garden. Never in her wildest imagination did she see herself on staff with the arboretum years later, passing along the same knowledge and skills to today's youth. Today, Anderson-Hall relies on volunteers, many of them Master Gardeners, to help. Anderson-Hall said there are 15 Master Gardener volunteers who each provide two to three hours of service per week.

"The garden wouldn't be where it is today with out our Master Gardeners," Anderson-Hall said. "There is no way our staff of three could accomplish all we do and be productive. It's incredible the number of hours the volunteers provide."

Anderson-Hall said the volunteers are extremely committed to the garden the oldest volunteer, who is 72, has continued to volunteer even as she recovers from back surgery. Master Gardener volunteers maintain the garden, including weeding, planting and redesigns. They also provide hands-on interaction with the students. In Washington, D.C., the Master Gardener program is run through the University of the District of Columbia Cooperative Extension Service.

Master Gardener volunteers help support a wide range of programs in the District of Columbia. Family programs teach organic gardening and cooking, including presentations from nutritionists and chefs, so that families can benefit from the food they grow. A Sprout program works to connect youth to their environment. Seed to Supper is a summer camp where students grow their own food and take it home to their families. The Master Gardeners who volunteer with the camp donate any excess food to the DC Central Kitchen, where the chefs provide a cooking demonstration to camp participants. In 2008, the camp donated 250 pounds of produce to the local food kitchen.

In California: Master Gardeners in California are using their knowledge and training to help combat wildfires. Through the University of California system, Master Gardeners provide resources for homeowners who want to 'fire-proof' their homes by using less flammable plants, removing combustible materials and properly spacing trees.

In Maryland: The Grow It, Eat It program by Master Gardeners in Maryland help people improve their health and save money by growing fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs, using sustainable agricultural practices.

VMGA launches page to track Restructuring of Virginia Cooperative Extension and other funding issues.  Stay Tuned, and link to this page July 22, 2010