The Master Gardener Program is a
volunteer training program offered through county offices of
the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Through
this program, individuals are trained and certified in
horticulture and related areas.
These
individuals, in turn, volunteer their expertise and
services, under the direction of their Cooperative Extension
Agent, to help educate others through horticultural projects
that benefit the community. Master Gardeners bring the
latest horticultural information and practices from the
world of research to their communities’ landscapes and
gardens.
The concept of Master
Gardener volunteer training began more than 30 years ago.
Overwhelmed by requests for gardening information, Extension
agents from Washington State University recruited home
gardeners. In exchange for specialized training in
horticulture, these gardeners made a commitment to spend
time doing volunteer outreach work.
Through the Master Gardener
program, thousands of people across the United States and
Canada have been trained as volunteers. Similar programs
exist in the UK, Australia and other countries.
The Georgia Master Gardener
Program was started in Atlanta in 1979. Master Gardeners are
active in over 100 counties throughout Georgia.
