What's in a name........ who is a Master Gardener anyways?

We know it’s confusing, and we get asked questions all the time. Who/what is a master gardener anyways?

In the Master Gardener Association of British Columbia (MGABC) they are doctors, lawyers, health professionals, teachers, public servants, entrepreneurs, landscape architects, interior designers, engineers, writers, speakers, consultants, mothers, fathers, singles, grandparents, retirees, 20 something, octogenarians, and everything in between; all with one common passion: Gardening. They belong to our organization.

It is these life skills, experience, and diversity of our membership including that passion for gardening that is the strength that bonds us, and makes us want to share our knowledge with others in the community.

The Master Gardener title is not a professional designation, but rather a name that is used, while providing quality fact-based horticultural gardening advice to the public. Master gardeners are volunteers in your communities.

The MGABC is a governance body comprised of six Chapters throughout the Province from the North, to the Interior, to the Islands, and the Lower Mainland. Their gardens are just as diverse as their habitat. 

Once Master Gardeners complete an intensive education course either from a post-secondary education institution or a recognized in-house program based on sound horticultural principles and standards, they offer educated gardening advice to the public within an organizational framework.  This service is provided under the auspices of sanctioned Master Gardener programs within their Chapters. Each year, Master Gardeners commit to volunteer activities in their communities, as well as augmenting their own studies.

The formal Master Gardener program has existed in British Columbia since 1992.  We have over 750 members providing volunteer gardening advice in the communities where they live. We value their passion and their myriad of contributions to our organization.

We hope that the public recognizes their passion and will continue to support us wherever they find us. If you see a master gardener at a local market, a nursery, a hospice or community garden, please take a minute to stop and say hello.

Who knows where that small conversation might lead? You too might think about taking a Master Gardener course, joining our organization, and giving back to your community. We would welcome you to an organization whose members are hopefully making our world a sustainable and beautiful place for generations to come.

Our members also regularly contribute to the GROWING feature on our website. Click on the GREEN GROWING icon below to see the latest issue; it makes for a great ‘read and learn’ experience.

Master Gardeners in BC are celebrating 30 years of public service this year! 

Happy Gardening,

Jan Hemming, President, MGABC 

News

2012 OKANAGAN BASIC TRAINING COURSE

Okanagan February 18, 2012
Imelda, Rita and Darlene enjoying an early fall clinic at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens 2010. The 2012 Basic Training Course will be held in Kelowna from September to December.   Click on the pdf...
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QUALICUM BEACH SEEDY SATURDAY A BIG SUCCESS

Vancouver Island (VIMGA) February 15, 2012
Vancouver Island Master Gardeners have been involved in Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday since its beginning ten years ago. This popular Qualicum Beach event was started by avid seed savers and prairie gardeners Joy and...
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NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL SEED STARTERS!

Vancouver February 9, 2012
All those interested in starting their own vegetable and flower seeds will be pleased to find that Jo Canning's Gardener's Spring Planting Calendar - A Week by Week Guide to Sowing Seeds has just been published...
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2012 COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM - Register Now!

January 24, 2012
Each year over 30 British Columbian communities use this dynamic program to influence positive results by enhancing their visual appeal and environmental practices of streetscapes, neighbourhoods and greenspaces while...
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Articles

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Okanagan February 18, 2012
JEAN'S TIPS ON HOW TO GROW BEAUTIFUL HEALTHY AFRICAN VIOLETS: A) How African Violets are potted is important: Put them in a pot with holes in the bottom - plain 4 inch nursery pots for small violets.  Use good...
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Plant Speak: THE YELLOW LEAF

Victoria February 9, 2012
Master Gardeners answer a lot of questions of the “what’s wrong with my …” variety.  A typical exchange begins “My Hosta leaves are yellow.  What can I do?” The first step...
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ARE YOU PRACTICING S.M.A.R.T. GARDENING?

February 9, 2012
Many of us retreat to the garden during the growing season, finding in its toil a pleasure that connects us to the earth. Tending the rich soil, planting seeds, and placing new plants into our garden spaces can have...
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Congratulations to our most recent Basic Training Graduates!

Vancouver January 31, 2012
Vancouver Chapter is thrilled to congratulate 39 of its most recent graduates of the Basic Training Program A total of 39 students graduated (2009 - 1, 2010 - 30, 2011 - 8) Pictured here are the new MGs who braved...
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Resources

Gardener's Spring Planting Calendar

Vancouver February 9, 2012
Jo-Ann Canning, well known Master Gardener from Vancouver Chapter, shares her Gardener's Spring Planting Calendar - A Week by Week Guide to Sowing Seeds just in time for this year's start.  Thanks to...
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WINTER VEGETABLES - A Wealth of Information

November 29, 2011
Jo-Ann Canning, a long time Vancouver Master Gardener, has provided several Overviews for Winter Vegetables categories: 1) Greens, 2) Brassicas, and 3) Roots.  In addition, there are a number of specific...
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Leaves: Love 'em, don't lose 'em

Vancouver November 4, 2011
~ Raking in Nature’s Bounty ~ Tree roots penetrate through top soil and deep into subsoil taking up valuable mineral nutrients through their roots and storing them in their leaves, which fall to the ground and...
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Growing Your Own Garlic - it's time!

October 31, 2011
It's that time of the year to be planting garlic cloves to harvest big bulbs next summer.  Click on the attached pdf for complete instructions. A little note: Garlic is good for what ails you! Did you...
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Events

Seedy Saturday VanDusen Floral Hall ~ Feb 25th 10-4pm

Saturday February 25th  10-4pm VanDusen Botanical Garden ~ Floral Hall ~ Admission is by donation The annual Seedy...
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Seedy Saturday KELOWNA 2012

Join us Satuday, March 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Okangan College KLO Campus in Kelowna.   Photo...
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BAINBRIDGE IN BLOOM GARDEN TOUR July 2012

Mark your calendars now: the 24th annual Bainbridge in Bloom: July 13, 14 and 15, 2012 Click here for more info...
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