Anoka County Master Gardeners:

• Educate adults by teaching classes at the Home Landscaping and garden Fair, the Walk in the Garden Series or upon request by local organizations


• Educate youth in schools through the Junior Master Gardener program, the GAPS Challenge program and 4H programs


• Provide landscape design and instruction for Habitat for Humanity sites


• Answer residents' horticulture questions via the Yard and Garden Line phone service


• Serve weekly throughout summer at the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinics


• Set up Ask A Master Gardener Booths at local garden centers, community events, Anoka County Fair and at the Nowthen Threshing Show


• Assist with partnering organizations such as Great River Greening, local watershed districts, Anoka County Parks


• Design and maintain the Anoka County Veteran's Peace and Master Gardener Demonstration Garden

The 2010 sale date will be held in May. Watch for updates on this event.

Photo from the Fairy Garden Class

The Home Landscaping and Garden Fair features 17 fun and informational classes in a one day event. There is something interesting for gardeners that are interested in learning more about flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns, native and raingarden landscaping, vegetables, canning and preservation. There are even some fun garden craft classes. Stroll through the Exhibitors' Fair to see all of the great gadgets, garden art and plants. Door prizes are awarded at each booth.

Please call the main number at 763-755-1280 to make sure your name is on the mailing list to receive a brochure or e-notice of this event.

This is a service where residents can call to have general horticulture questions answered by Master Gardeners. Leave a detailed message on the voicemail system and volunteers will research the answer and return your calls.

NOTE: Your phone must be able to receive blocked calls

Plant and Insect Diagnostic

For information on how and where to bring in a sample, download a copy of the "Catalog of Programs and Events"
Download file

Photo is a Stalk Borer that was brought to one of the Clinics

A Walk in the Garden Education Series-2 classes remaining

Download file

A love of gardening, a search for knowledge and a desire to share that knowledge with others is central to why people join the Master Gardener program. They remain Master Gardeners to enjoy the friendship of others who share their interests, to gain and share research-based horticultural knowledge and to give back to the community through their volunteer commitment.

If combining your passion for people and plants sounds appealing, you may be a good Master Gardener candidate. A formal education in horticulture isn't necessary--we will provide the training and resources to help you teach others. There are five steps to becoming a Master Gardener - each step is described in more detail below.

To become a University of Minnesota Master Gardener Anoka County, you must first apply and be accepted into the program. The application process starts early - we begin sending out applications in August.

Commitment

You agree to volunteer service in exchange for training from the University of Minnesota. You also agree to participate in Master Gardener meetings in your county, where you receive continuing education and learn about new projects and other volunteer opportunities.

Training

Training is held once each year in the metropolitan area in January and February. Master Gardeners attend a 48-hour class at the University of Minnesota known as the "Core Course" or Horticulture 1003 if taken for U of M credit. The course is taught by Extension faculty, and a textbook and mini-reference library are provided to each participant. For more information about the Core Course training, including times, locations, fees, and specific course content, visit the Minnesota Master Gardener page.

Internship

Following completion of Core Course Training, Master Gardener interns are required to do 50 hours of volunteer work and 8 hours of continuing education during their internship year (which ends December 31). We make an effort to ensure that our new interns are placed with other, more seasoned volunteers and we assign a mentor to each new intern. So whether you volunteer at an "Ask a Master Gardener‿ event, the Diagnostic Clinic or another event, you'll be with knowledgeable, helpful people who will make sure you're not on your own. You'll have fun--and you will learn a lot!

Certification

You'll receive a certificate and name badge designating you as a Master Gardener once you have completed the Core Course and fulfilled your internship requirements.

Remaining Certified
Once certified, Master Gardeners in Anoka County must volunteer a minimum of 25 hours and receive at least 12 hours of approved continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification.

Advanced Training

After you are certified, you are eligible to attend other training programs and workshops. These courses offer more technical information. Advanced training opportunities include:

• Tree Care Advisor
• Pesticide Applicator
• Plant Healthcare Advisors
• Household Insects
• Shoreline Restoration
• Special one-time classes

If you've got questions, we've got answers! Here are several ways you can easily access yard and garden information.

Publications on the Internet
Many University of Minnesota Extension publications are available for free on our website at: www.extension.umn.edu/gardeninfo