(10/4) If you love plants–growing them, studying them, talking about them–you can put your passion for plants to good use and make new friends by becoming a Master Gardener! The Master Gardener program turns avid (and aspiring) gardeners into expert gardeners who share their knowledge through community greening efforts, plant clinics, and a variety of outreach programs.

An important part of being a Master Gardener is contributing to the community. In their first year, Master Gardeners volunteer 40 hours to educate the people of Frederick County about effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes and communities. Volunteer opportunities are extensive. Master Gardeners host "Ask a Master Gardener" Plant Clinics - identifying plants, plant diseases, and insects found in and around homes. They also share environmentally beneficial landscaping methods through the Demonstration Garden; the Grow It - Eat It program, the Bay-Wise program and via Seminars and Workshops. They host a booth at the Great Frederick Fair and speak to many community groups. Master Gardeners love to share gardening ideas with our seniors via therapeutic horticulture programs and with youth via gardening projects and judging training. Master Gardeners write articles for local newspapers, and support greening efforts throughout the region.

Frederick County Master Gardeners base their knowledge on their own experience as gardeners, as well as through both classroom and hands-on training provided by the University of Maryland Extension horticultural educators. Master Gardeners continue to receive training at monthly meetings, statewide training programs organized by the Home and Garden Information Center, and on field trips.

Training Classes for 2017 begin March 13, 2017 and run through May 24. Classes are held on Mondays & Wednesdays, 6 - 9 pm. New this year, Participants will be required to view lessons on-line prior to some classes. Instructors are University of Maryland professionals, Master Gardeners, and other experts in their fields.