The Extension Master Gardeners know a lot about plants and gardening, and they love to share that knowledge to others in a variety of ways.
You can find them at the Info Desk at the local farmers markets, providing answers to questions about sickly specimens and much more.
This year’s president of the Vance/Warren Extension Master Gardeners is Tammy Hight, who sat down with Vance County horticulture and field crops agent Michael Ellington to talk about plans for the year.
Hight said she learned about an upcoming Master Gardeners class just as she was entering retirement. It was perfect timing, she recalls. As an enthusiastic gardener, “I get to play in my yard – with a purpose – and stay connected to the community,” she said.
She, along with her fellow officers, are excited for the year ahead, all energized and ready to try new ideas and step “outside the box” as they make discovering together.
The group takes to heart its mission “to educate and empower the community through research-based gardening knowledge, sustainable horticultural practices and volunteer service that enriches lives and strengthens local environments.”
The personalized advice they provide to everyday folks is invaluable. You’ll find them at the cooperative extension office, at community events and gardening at the local farmers markets.
The Memorial Garden at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market allows gardeners of all levels to learn firsthand about native plantings and garden design.
The Well Garden in Warren County is another “living classroom” that allows gardeners a real-life experience.
Hight said the master gardeners enjoy meeting folks “exactly where they are” in their gardening journey, from the person who’s been digging in the dirt for decades to the person who’s just bought their first houseplant.
“My hope is that the community will see the Extension Master Gardeners as trusted, non-commercial advisors,” Hight said, “people helping people, who value advice from neighbors who aren’t trying to sell anything.”
They do promote, however, activities that expand the ideas of home gardening, seed-saving and sustainable practices to help families grow reliable, affordable food.
Find out more about Extension Master Gardeners at https://vance.ces.ncsu.
Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
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