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