The Master Gardener Program started in Washington State in 1972. In response to a huge number of requests for gardening information from home gardeners, Dr. David Gibby, an extension agent for horticulture, created the program and trained volunteers in horticulture. These volunteers then provided gardening information to the public, free of charge.
The Master Gardener program has grown to operate in forty five states in the USA as well as in four provinces in Canada. The first national Master Gardener Conference was held in 1987, in Washington, D.C. In 1989, the second national conference was held, this time in Portland Oregon. By 1991, Master Gardeners from Ontario and Michigan were hosting the first international Master Gardener Conference in Detroit. Since then, additional conferences have been held in other cities, including San Antonio in 1993 and Saskatoon in 1995.
Master Gardeners provide volunteer leadership and service to their community in gardening activities. Among the services provided are: hosting the “Help Line”, answering gardening questions, conducting plant clinics, beautifying the community, and other related services and activities that educate the public on horticulture and improve the quality of horticultural projects.
The Master Gardener Program provides gardeners with intensive education in home horticultural principles. Participants who complete the program are certified as Master Gardeners by the Accomack County Extension Service. Upon completion, Master Gardeners are required to provide volunteer service hours and must participate in on-going training, which is available at both the state and county levels.
* Required for certification: Criminal Background Screening – National Criminal Index Search, National Sex Offender Registry Search, Name, SSN, and DOB validation with address history verification, County or Statewide Level Criminal Search.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Theresa Long at 757-787-1361 ext. 14 during business hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
