Master Gardener training to be held in El Dorado

In 2018, the Ouachita Area Master Gardener training will be held Feb. 1 through March 22 from 1 until 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall in El Dorado, according to Barbie Luther, Union County Master Gardener. Residents of Union, Columbia, Dallas, Calhoun and Ouachita counties are included in the training.

“Union County Master Gardeners are looking for some volunteers, men especially. We are not a garden club! The Master Gardener program is open to individuals with or without gardening experience. If you have the desire, commitment and time to learn and want to put your knowledge and skills to work through volunteer service, we encourage you to become a Master Gardener. Master Gardeners are volun-

teers, trained through the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service who work together on beautification projects and horticulture education activities. Volunteering as a Master Gardener is a great way to do some good in the community while spending time with others who share your interest in gardening and growing things,” Luther said.

She explained that the training is 40 hours and encompasses all areas of horticulture – botany, soils, pruning and more. Master Gardeners are required to volunteer 40 hours of service with their local Master Gardener program the first year after training and 20 hours in subsequent years. The fee for the class is $80 and includes an extensive handbook.

For more information or to request an application form, call the Union County Extension Service office at 864-1916, or go by the office at 307 American Road.

In Union County, Master Gardeners volunteer on several beautification projects including the South Arkansas Arboretum, the Medical Center of South Arkansas Café Courtyard garden, HOPE Landing and the El Dorado City Hall garden. Master Gardeners also volunteer at Northwest Environmental Academy with the students in horticulture related activities. Union County Master Gardeners host an annual Dirt Friends Festival with garden speakers, vendors and exhibitors, as well as other educational activities like pruning workshops and container plant demonstrations. The 2018 Dirt Friends Festival is scheduled for March 10.

“Being a Master Gardener is not all work and no play! Master Gardeners have the opportunity to attend garden tours, seminars and conferences. It has been said

that having something interesting to do and having friends to do it with is one of the keys to happiness. If you are interested in gardening, becoming a Master Gardener is a great way to meet new friends who share your interest,” Luther said.