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COURTESY PHOTO LaDonna Stockstill, one of Parker County’s first certified master gardeners, does some pruning.

February 24, 2010

Anonymous WEATHERFORD DEMOCRAT The Weatherford Democrat Wed Feb 24, 2010, 05:30 AM CST

WEATHERFORD —

jsheridan@weatherforddemocrat.com

They have the greenest thumbs in Parker County and they know how to use them.

In fact, members of the Parker County Master Gardener Association logged almost 12,000 volunteer hours in 2009, according to County Extension Agent Jon Green and Association President Judy Schmidt, who presented an annual report to Parker County Commissioners Monday. Green estimates the value of the service, which targets education, at $241,421.

“As I tell them at their yearly recognition event, I can’t imagine people working as hard as they do for no pay,” he said. “It really enhances our county support.” Green said that Parker County now boasts 85 certified master gardener volunteers, all of whom spend a minimum of 36 hours per year answering the phone at the extension office, giving presentations at schools or club meetings, or helping with gardens in parks and around public buildings.

“In our gardens all the plants are identified and placed so people can see how big and wide they are going to get. They learn a little bit about plants and a little bit about landscape design,” Green said. “Yes, it’s beautification, but it’s really more for educational purposes.”

Visitors planning a garden can get some tips at the demonstration garden at the AgriLIFE Extension Office at 604 N. Main in Weatherford, President Schmidt said. Rainwater harvesting is used there, and the beds have drip irrigation. Other gardens of note include Chandor Gardens at 711 W. Lee St. and the National Vietnam War Memorial Meditation Garden at 12685 Mineral Wells Highway.

In addition to planning, landscaping, and maintaining these gardens and others, master gardeners have joined forces with teachers in the Weatherford and Peaster Independent School Districts, Schmidt said, to give talks and demonstrations that line up with biology curriculum topics. At the Weatherford Library, information might be dished up along with a story for preschoolers. What plant products did the little old woman use, for example, when she made the gingerbread man? Master gardeners have even been called into Weatherford City Hall to teach water department employees about turf grasses and water conservation.

“There isn’t a master gardener who doesn’t love plants and learning,” Schmidt said. “These people are creative and energetic, and they’re like that every time we get together. It is our mission to educate our community and ourselves.”

To become a master gardener, individuals must complete a six-week training course, which is offered at the AgriLIFE Extension Office every other year at a cost of about $125. Trainees must also kick in 50 hours of volunteer service in the first year. A class will be offered in the fall of 2010.

Master Gardeners Dig Community Service

jsheridan@weatherforddemocrat.com

They have the greenest thumbs in Parker County and they know how to use them.

In fact, members of the Parker County Master Gardener Association logged almost 12,000 volunteer hours in 2009, according to County Extension Agent Jon Green and Association President Judy Schmidt, who presented an annual report to Parker County Commissioners Monday. Green estimates the value of the service, which targets education, at $241,421.

“As I tell them at their yearly recognition event, I can’t imagine people working as hard as they do for no pay,” he said. “It really enhances our county support.” Green said that Parker County now boasts 85 certified master gardener volunteers, all of whom spend a minimum of 36 hours per year answering the phone at the extension office, giving presentations at schools or club meetings, or helping with gardens in parks and around public buildings.

“In our gardens all the plants are identified and placed so people can see how big and wide they are going to get. They learn a little bit about plants and a little bit about landscape design,” Green said. “Yes, it’s beautification, but it’s really more for educational purposes.”

Visitors planning a garden can get some tips at the demonstration garden at the AgriLIFE Extension Office at 604 N. Main in Weatherford, President Schmidt said. Rainwater harvesting is used there, and the beds have drip irrigation. Other gardens of note include Chandor Gardens at 711 W. Lee St. and the National Vietnam War Memorial Meditation Garden at 12685 Mineral Wells Highway.

In addition to planning, landscaping, and maintaining these gardens and others, master gardeners have joined forces with teachers in the Weatherford and Peaster Independent School Districts, Schmidt said, to give talks and demonstrations that line up with biology curriculum topics. At the Weatherford Library, information might be dished up along with a story for preschoolers. What plant products did the little old woman use, for example, when she made the gingerbread man? Master gardeners have even been called into Weatherford City Hall to teach water department employees about turf grasses and water conservation.

“There isn’t a master gardener who doesn’t love plants and learning,” Schmidt said. “These people are creative and energetic, and they’re like that every time we get together. It is our mission to educate our community and ourselves.”

To become a master gardener, individuals must complete a six-week training course, which is offered at the AgriLIFE Extension Office every other year at a cost of about $125. Trainees must also kick in 50 hours of volunteer service in the first year. A class will be offered in the fall of 2010.

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