ELIZABETHTOWN — The Bladen County Extension is offering the popular Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program and Complete Gardener Program together for those interested in gardening and horticulture.
The Complete Gardener Program will have no commitments after the training is completed. It is an opportunity for individuals to develop their skills, increase their knowledge base of gardening in North Carolina, and to share their expertise with others in both the classroom and hands-on experiences.
Participants will receive 54 hours of training in a wide variety of horticulture related topics. Instruction for the program will be provide by North Carolina State University Staff, as well as representatives of the local horticulture industry.
An introductory meeting will be held Feb. 7, from 9 to 11 a.m. to answer questions and fill out the application.
Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Feb. 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18. The cost of the program is $120 and includes the Master Gardener Volunteer notebook, name tag, additional training materials and certificate upon completion of requirements.
In return for the 54 hours of training, Master Gardener trainees are required to give 40 volunteer hours back to the Cooperative Extension. There are many ways to complete this service to the community in a way mutually agreeable to the volunteer and the Cooperative Extension.
After completing the training, test and volunteer hours have been completed; you will have the title of “Certified Master Gardener Volunteer.” The Cooperative Extension will provide on-going training for those in the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Those in the Complete Gardener Program may easily decide to continue as a Master Gardener Volunteer or receive a certificate at the end of the training.
Contact Nancy Olsen at nrolsen@ncsu.edu or call the N.C. Cooperative Extension Bladen County Office at 910-862-4591.
Nancy Olsen is the Bladen County Extension Office agriculture agent.