What is the Master Gardener Program?

Maine’s Master Gardener Program provides participants with at least 40 hours of in-depth training in the art and science of horticulture. Trainees receive current, research based information from Extension educators and industry experts. In return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer a minimum of 40-hours of their time and expertise in many ways for community programs and activities.

 As part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension effort, Master Gardeners are recognized as well-trained practitioners who serve and beautify their communities. They are linked to a professional network of support through county, state and national Cooperative Extension offices.

What Volunteer Projects Do Master Gardeners Do?

The kinds of volunteer projects Master Gardeners do are limited only by the imagination!

The Waldo and Knox-Lincoln County offices are combining efforts to keep the Master Gardener program active and vibrant.  From Bristol to Belfast (and beyond), Master Gardener volunteers are making a difference in their communities. 

In Knox, Lincoln and Waldo Counties, Master Gardeners are involved in... 

Aldermere Farm
Brae Maple Organic Farm
Burnt Island Living Lighthouse
 JR Master Gardener Program
 Knox-Lincoln Extension Landscape
Knox-Lincoln Extension GardenBed Workshop (pdf)
Marshall Point Lighthouse
Morris Farm
Plant-A-Row
Skidompha Library
Seeds of Change
Southport Historical Society Period Garden
The Secret Garden (at Miles Memorial Hospital)
Youthlinks

Who Can Become A Master Gardener?

Everyone who successfully completes the forty-plus hours of training, and volunteers forty hours towards community gardening programs and activities can become a Master Gardener. The participation fee is $90 which covers the cost of the large reference manual and the training site expenses.

Master Gardeners are Lifelong Learners

Master Gardeners can help direct their own advance training. Here are examples of how Maine Master Gardeners have helped each other learn more:

In several Maine counties, Master Gardeners have created demonstration gardens, which are excellent places to teach other gardeners at field days, workshops, and tours. They also provide places where Master Gardeners can experiment with new techniques, grow unusual crops, design theme gardens, and hone their gardening skills.

Master Gardeners in many Maine counties meet regularly to plan and update activities such as guest lecturers, workshops, and tours of gardens or horticultural businesses.

In 1996, the Maine Master Gardener Program hosted the Eastern Regional Master Gardener Conference in Portland. A group of Master Gardeners helped plan and conduct this three-day meeting for over 400 participants.

A Master Gardener Knows....  

A Master Gardener ....

A Master Gardener is...

  • young

  • old

  • student

  • worker

  • retired

  • female

  • male

When is the next Knox and Lincoln Counties Master Gardener Volunteer training?

The 2008 Class will beginning of October 2007 and run through November, 2007. Watch for more information on the 2008 class in your local newspapers and on this website.  Applications should be submitted no later than September 30, 2007.

If you did not make this year's class but would like information on a future year when it is available, please fill out the form below.

Please add me to the Knox, Lincoln and Waldo Counties Master Gardener waiting list.



 



You can attend the training in another county, but might be required to do some of your volunteer time for that county. 

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Last Modified: 05/04/07
These pages are currently being maintained from the
Knox-Lincoln Counties office, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Send comments, suggestions or inquiries to Jeanne S. Pipicello

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