GARDEN COLUMN FOR THE SALISBURY POST

Darrell Blackwelder

November 29, 2001
 

      Cooperative Extension is actively accepting applications
for the Spring 2002 Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
Individuals having a strong interest in horticulture and time to
volunteer should consider being a Master Gardener Volunteer.
Volunteering hours back to the organization is a very important
aspect of the program. The program consists of 45 hours of
classroom instruction on varied aspects of urban and commercial
horticulture.
     The 2002 Master Gardener course outline includes: plant
growth and development, soils and fertilizers, basic entomology,
plant disease and control, lawn establishment and maintenance,
vegetable production, home fruit production, animal pest control,
landscape design and maintenance, perennials in the landscape
plant propagation and organic gardening.  Strong emphasis for the
class of 2002 will be placed on utilization of the Internet,
Master Gardener Webpage{{www.rowanmastergardener.com} and
computer utilization.
     Classes will be taught by myself and other professionals in
their area of expertise. Classroom instruction is augmented
with field trips to local nurseries, public gardens, greenhouse
operations and area producers.
     There is no tuition fee, but participates must volunteer 45
hours of service to the Cooperative Extension horticulture
programas payment for the instruction. There are fees for books,
printing costs, travel, etc. The class size is limited so it is
important to send application as soon as possible.
     Classes for the Master Gardener program begin on Thursday,
January 23, 2002. There are 15 classes tentatively scheduled to
meet on Wednesday afternoons each month from 1­3 p.m. Outdoor
laboratories and field trips are part of the learningexercises.
     Applications for the Rowan County Master Gardener Volunteer
Spring program are due in the Extension Office by 5:00 p.m.,
January 18, 2002.