Master Gardeners

Story and Photos by Lauren Payne/Staff Writer

Master Gardener programs, also known as Extension Master Gardener they’re always looking for more. A 10-week training course is offered in the Programs, are local volunteer programs located all across the United States fall, followed by a test to complete certification at the Pioneer Technology and Canada. These programs strive to foster both a passion and knowledge Center. Workshops are hands-on and taught by university professionals, of gardening in young gardeners and adults alike. department specialists and teachers that keep the content interesting and These programs are rooted in education, and that’s what makes them unique from other social garden clubs. “Every single meeting has an well-taught. The host of the Oklahoma Gardening show has also hosted workshops taking an in-depth look at landscaping. educational element and every meeting is different,” Meetings are the first Thursday of every month. Agriculture Extension Educator for the Kay County This month’s meeting was held outside at the OSU Extension, Shannon Mallory, said. “We also offer continued education, training, workshops and Master Gardeners Cann Gardens in Ponca City. Members are busy gearing up for their annual plant fundraiser and even a test to become certified. Master Gardeners continue to learn, so they can spread that knowledge continue to learn the Herb Festival. Last year, both events were canceled due to COVID-19, so they’re especially to their communities.” enthusiastic to kick this year off right.

Part of the experience of being an active Master so they can spread “It’s been interesting, but we’re really looking Gardener also involves consultations. Members of the community, relatives and friends reach out for that knowledge to forward to the upcoming year and hopefully, things will get back to, well, the new normal,” advice and sometimes assistance in keeping their Master Gardener of the Kay County Extension, plants healthy. The Kay County Extension had over 400 consultations in the Ponca City and Kay County area last year. their communities. Linda Heitz, said. Heitz has been an active member of the Kay County Extension since 1999. “When we were

“Not that we’re all experts, but you can contact a nearby Master Gardener new, we were trying to figure out just exactly what we were doing. The more for help,” Mallory continues. “Even if it’s like, ‘Hey, I’ve got a sickly tomato we learned the better we got and the more fun we had. In over 20 years, plant! Can you come check this out?’” we’ve gotten to travel to so many places we probably wouldn’t have without The Kay County Extension also plans several activities for the young gardeners of our community. They support booths at the Herb Festival and the Kay County Free Fair. Kids at the Herb Festival can stop by and “Plant a this group. When we were small and starting out, we used to invite the husbands to travel – which was great, because they carried the luggage,” Heitz joked. Plant” to take home. At the fair, second to fourth graders come through to “Ninety percent of the time, we work outside helping someone. There’s watch a 5- to 10-minute program on topics like the migration of a monarch a learning side and a helping side – we all enjoy both sides. Beginner butterfly, pollinator plants or the basics of how to plant a seed. gardeners will find out what works and what doesn’t, just like us Master

The members also visit Washington preschool, with activities reaching Gardeners, as is the same in life,” Heitz commented. 300-400 kids each year. Several Master Gardeners are former teachers and To help support the Master Gardeners plant fundraiser or for more educators that combine their passions for educating with their continued information on how to join, contact Shannon Mallory at the OSU Extension passions for gardening. office at 580-362-3194 or via email at shannon.mallory@okstate.edu. Order

There are over 40 Master Gardeners in the Kay County Extension, and forms for the fundraiser are due by April 1 and can also be picked from any local Master Gardener.