Master Gardeners--worth joining? (lawn, landscape, grow, Ivy)

[normie]

I would love to hear opinions about master gardeners from people who have actually been in the group. Did you think it was worthwhile? Were there extra expenses (were you required to attend events, buy certain items)?

I'm retired and I love puttering around in my gardening--but I'm definitely an amateur who'd love to learn more. I'm also on a budget. I see the ads for master gardeners, and it looks like a fun, free thing to do.

But.... my neighbor says I would hate it. She hasn't actually been in the group and may be full of bull. That's why I'm asking for your opinions.

The big worry: are master gardeners "native plant nazis"? Are they going to put me down for planting daffodils, petunias, and roses? I have a huge bed of about 1000 daffodils and 20 knockout ruse bushes, I'm not about to pull them out to make some garden club happy.

I like native plants, and I like the idea of using them. But to be honest, the ones that grow around here look nice for very short periods and then are ugly and scraggly most of the year. A few neighbors have native plant gardens and, well, they don't impress me.

So my garden is half natives and half big showy flowers. I like it this way--but my neighbor tells me not to go to master gardeners because they'll make me feel like a scumbag unless I pull out all my flowers.

Is this true, or just a bunch of paranoia? Thoughts?

[North Beach Person]

My 25 year old daughter is going to do the Master Gardener program this Spring. I'm waiting until I retire. Native plant Nazis-you'll probaby get that anywhere. The MG program, at least here, is set up to help newbies garden, not to really do much else. Of course, as theories and practices have changed and evolved, the thrust of the program has changed and evolved. Most gardening "experts" now are pushing native plants because of water issues, climate and the increasing problems with invasive exotics. I'd tell you to go ahead. I don't know about cost (if my daughter is doing it it must not be much because she's notoriously cheap) but you do have to give up time.

[si33]

Id also second that go ahead..

And yes..you may get grief from the natives only side of the room but most people realize that while natives should be included in more landscapes..people like variety...

Its the exotic invasives which should never be promoted..ive recently seen scotch broom..a VERY invasive plant here offered at some of the local nurseries again..wish i had the power to tell them to destroy all of them..along with 98% of the junipers..yuck..as for the flats of ivy i saw..hopefully someone will forget to water them for awhile..very very bad plant..not enough space here to list all the reasons why..lol

Joining forces with a master gardening program can be very rewarding..and offer up ideas to help the industry continue to evolve in a positive direction..plus..you might have the oppertunity to obtain rare plant specimens or seeds..to experiment with..Thats always a plus...

[harry chickpea]

Where you at? DW took the MG course in FL, and audited in AL. From her experience, you learn a lot, have to do hours of community outreach, and have a good experience.

[mamh]

Hi
Oh boy, on master gardeners, I just finished mine in December here in Oregon..11 weeks of class time and 66 hours of pay back time..doing their way.......I enjoyed the classes and the phone desk part of the pay back hours but not fond of doing their demo gardens projects..I had issues over time I spend volunteering in private garden that very much gives back our county..The learning experience is great, it opens door to information you might not know about but the down side is the
pay back hours...
Would I recommend it to someone, with a good heart not really its not for everyone..
I'm glad now its overwith because they can't take it away from you.
just besure you have the time for it..
good luck

[Catmom69]

I'm in the middle of a MG course in TN - 16 3-hr classes to be followed by 40 hours in community projects as an intern. Certified as MG on completion. Seasoned MG will be mentoring and guiding during my internship. I'm learning soil quirks, tree pruning, managing insects and diseases, lawn management, fruit tree orchard care, roses success, etc. Half the fun is being with common interest folks.

[mamh]

Here in oregon we do 66 hours of class room starting in January and 66 hours of payback time, 40 of which is on the phone as questions and helping solve plant problems..I enjoy the phone desk and will be doing more during the spring and summer..The whole program can really keep you busy..
enjoy it..

[normie]

OK, I've decided to take the plunge and join. So far it seems like a nice group of people. Thanks everyone for your help--I was a little nervous but it seems like a good experience so I'll give it a try.