Rutherford County Master Gardeners are now accepting applications for the 2012 Training Class. The training is open to anyone with an interest in horticulture, a desire to develop and/or improve their horticultural skills, and a willingness to help others do the same.
Certified Master Gardeners become volunteer educators for University of Tennessee Extension. To become a Certified Master Gardener, applicants must first complete the training program to become a Master Gardener intern. Interns then return 40 hours of volunteer service to our community thru a variety of approved projects. some of our projects have been St. Clair Senior Center Garden, Sam Davis Home, Fall Lawn & Garden Extravaganza, Demonstration Gardens at the Extension Center, Butterfly Garden at Outdoor classroom and Habitat for Humanity Lasagna Gardens. We also provide speakers on a variety of gardening topics to clubs and organizations in the community. Master Gardeners provide many services to the community so there is something for everyone’s level of physical ability and interests. To maintain certification after the initial year requires 8 hours of continuing education and 25 hours of volunteer service.
Cost of the 14 week program is $115.00. This fee covers the cost of class materials, Tennessee Master Gardener Handbook, refreshments for twelve (12) training sessions, meals for two (2) training sessions, name badge and certificates upon completion of program. After the initial $115.00 payment, additional family members may attend for $65.00 per person (if sharing handbook). Registration fees, once paid, are non-refundable. Checks should be made payable to: Rutherford County Master Gardeners. Class size is limited, early registration and fee payment is encouraged.
The training sessions will be held on Tuesday morning from January 10, 2012 through April 10, 2012. The sessions will begin at 9:00AM and end approximately at 12:00 PM.
Those interested in participating must submit a completed application and the required registration fee no later than December 10, 2011. A limited number of participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot be responsible for mail delays. You may hand deliver your application to the Extension office during regular business hours (M-F, 8:00am thru 4:00pm).
Applications as well as additional information about the training may be obtained in any one of these three methods:
1. Contact the Rutherford County Extension Office: Phone 615-898-7710
or visit the Extension office at 315 John Rice Blvd., Suite 101, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
2. Email inquiry to mastergardeners.rc@gmail.com
3. Visit our website at mastergardeners-rc.org
