The following Agriculture & Natural Resources article printed in the Summer 2017 edition of the quarterly Oldham County Extension newsletter.

Master Gardener Classes Begin in September

Master Gardener classes will be offered Fridays, beginning September 1 through November 17. Classes will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the extension office. The cost for this program is $100 to cover class materials. Registration forms are available in our office as well as online at oldham.ca.uky.edu/OC-Master-Gardeners.

What is a Master Gardener? A Master Gardener is someone who has successfully completed Master Gardener classes offered by an extension office. Classes provide research-based information on core subjects ranging from botany to soils to plant pests. Trees, turf, and landscape plant growing principles are also covered. Master Gardener volunteers take the knowledge learned through these classes and put it to use in their communities – sharing knowledge informally with others, teaching, and doing various gardening-related work in public areas.

How do I become a Master Gardener? Complete classes offered at the extension office and complete 40 hours of volunteer service within one year of course completion. Volunteers complete 20 service hours annually in subsequent years to maintain active Master Gardener status.

Where can I volunteer? There are several ongoing volunteer opportunities at Yew Dell Gardens and Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, plus one-time opportunities that are announced throughout the year. Participants may help with an existing project or begin their own. A project can be as simple as helping plant or maintain your church’s landscape or providing plant recommendations for a neighborhood association common area. The possibilities are endless.