Pick up for those who placed orders is:
P.O. PEDERSON WAREHOUSE in NORTH BRANCH on
Friday, May 3, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
P.O. Pederson Warehouse is located two blocks north of the traffic light at Hwy 95 and County Road 30 (Old U.S. Hwy 61) on the east side of the street. Look for signs. The Chisago County Master Gardeners will not be responsible for plants not picked up.
Visit our Booth and talk to a Master Gardener At the Chisago County Fair, in Rush City, MN this July - Look for us in the 4H Building.
Or at the Almelund Threshing Show, held in August in Almelund, MN We have a new location in a log home...Look for our banner and come on in.
Saturdays, July through September, 8am-noon
Lindstrom Farmer's Market, Highway 8 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church parking lot.
Instructions for giving us a plant sample:
If you are not able to stop by during regular office hours, please leave a message on our voice mail 651-277-0151 and a Master Gardener will call you.
Plant Identification
Bring a live portion of the plant 8-10�? long that includes leaves, flowers and/or fruits. Dried samples can be difficult to identify.
Disease Problems
Bring a sample as above that includes healthy and diseased parts and note the following:
Insects
Put them in a screw top jar and store in your freezer if it will be more than a day before you can attend a clinic.
Note the following:
Master Gardener Helpline
Chisago County residents can leave a message on the Master Gardener voice mail at 651-277-0151. A volunteer Master Gardener will call you back within a couple of days.
Publications on the Internet
Many University of Minnesota Extension publications are available for free on our website at: www.extension.umn.edu/gardeninfo
Master Gardeners are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers whose job is to educate the public about a variety of horticulture subjects using readily-available, up-to-date research-based information. This educational effort is designed to enhance the public's quality of life and to promote good stewardship of the environment.
Chisago County Extension
651-277-0151
*please visit our Have a Question? page if you are looking for an answer to a gardening-related question.
]]>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 in Chisago 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.
Chisago County Master Gardeners provide an additional incentive for perspective Master Gardeners...If a person is interested - we allow them to take part in what we call a pre-intern program. Each pre-intern candidate must attend at least 3 of our regular monthly meetings, volunteer 10 hours total at 2 or 3 of our events of their choice (Bonanza, Threshing Show, Farmers Markets, etc...) always working with a trained Master Gardener. And then fill the group in on their experience. We feel that this gives those interested in the program a birds eye view of what we do...and in return for thier hard work - each pre-intern participant in awarded a $100 scholarship towards to help pay for the Core Course Master Gardener Training.
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 must volunteer a minimum of 25 hours and receive 5-10 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: