What do Master Gardeners do in Washington County?
We've identified eight Core Projects which best serve our mission, and focus the majority of our volunteer time each year on these projects.
Ask a Master Gardener Line
We answer yard and garden-related questions of every type imaginable! Questions are left in a voicemail box, and a Master Gardener calls back within 24 hours with information.
Ask a Master Gardener
We answer questions and provide other information at local garden centers during the growing season, at the Family Means Garden Tour and at the South Washington County Garden Tour.
Community Education Classes
We teach adult education horticultural classes in Foest Lake, Stillwater and South Washington County schools.
Ramsey County Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic
We staff this clinic in cooperation with Ramsey County Master Gardeners from mid-April through mid-October, at the Ramsey County Extension office on White Bear Avenue. Citizens bring in plant or insect samples, and teams of Master Gardeners diagnose the problem and offer recommendations or solutions.
Demonstration Gardens
We plan, plant and maintain demonstration gardens at the Washington County Fairgrounds and Carpenter Nature Center. The fairgrounds garden is staffed during the county fair and selected other events throughout the year. During the fair Master Gardeners also do gardening demonstrations, provide Extension publications and often have special displays. The Carpenter Nature Center circle garden is planted with plants that attract butterflies and bees. A photo album that identifies plants in the garden and their growing requirements is on display in the new visitor center. These gardens are open to the public year round, and demonstration rain gardens were added nearby in 2006.
Habitat for Humanity
We design and supervise the installation of landscape materials at Habitat for Humanity homes in Washington County. We work with homeowners to develop landscape plans, supervise planting and teach homeowners proper plant maintenance so they can keep their yards sustainable -- and productive. Some homeowners choose to plant vegetable gardens along with flowers, shrubs and trees.
Prevention and Reduction of Invasive and Noxious Species
We educate home owners about how to identify, prevent and reduce invasive noxious species, such as wild parsnip and buckthorn. We teach community education classes, train volunteers at buckthorn removal events, and provide information in person, by phone and over the Web.
Improving Water Quality
We provide access to research-based information on water quality topics, including Rain Gardens, through guided training and planting sessions, classroom education, published articles and Website links. For example, we have taught school children and adults how to plant rain gardens, and helped them understand why doing this helps protect our water supplies.
Other Projects
The public requests Master Gardener help with numerous community projects annually. We select those that best fit our education mission, and send Master Gardener volunteers to help. In addition to our Core Projects, other typical volunteer activities include:
- Answering questions on the University of Minnesota Extension website through the Ask A Master Gardener link, at the Minnesota State Fair and at the Marjorie McNeely (Como) Conservatory
- Public speaking and presentations
- Writing articles for local media
- Supervising and teaching youth volunteers
- Hosting an annual plant sale and "Ask a Master Gardener" clinic
- Working with other organizations such as Great River Greening and the Washington Conservation District
- Helping schools and churches develop their own horticultural curricula
- Assisting cities with their environmental and beautification projects
- And much more!
We also support important environmental issues:
- Correct pesticide and fertilizer use
- Sustainable landscaping
- Shoreline restoration
Speakers Bureau
The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners in Washington County maintain a Speakers Bureau. Members have several talks prepared and can create presentations based on the needs of the requesting group. Master Gardeners speak at garden club meetings and workshops, neighborhood and organizational gatherings, and community education classes. If you are looking for a speaker on gardening, the environment, or horticulture, you can choose from the following topics or ask about a program that fits with your group's interests:
- Rain gardens
- Home composting
- Lawn care
- Landscaping
- Garden design
- Pocket prairies in the home landscape
- Noxious weeds
- Invasive plants
- Buckthorn
- Spring and summer bulbs
- Herbs
- Container gardening
- Vegetable gardening
- Annuals for Minnesota
- Perennials for Minnesota
- Roses
- Butterfly gardening
- Indoor gardening
- Bonsai
- Ornamental grasses
- Trees and shrubs
- Pruning
- Wildflowers
- Beginning gardening
- Four seasons of gardening
To schedule a speaker for your group, please contact the project coordinator, Betsy, at 651-738-0118.
Project Showcase
Coming Soon.
In the News
Recent articles about the Master Gardener Program:
UofM Extension Master Gardeners "Fairest" Garden at the Washington County Fair, July/August 2009
Community "Giving Garden" Takes Root in Lake Elmo, Stillwater Gazette, June 30, 2009
Partnership Blooms at Bayport Library, Stillwater Gazette, May 15, 2007
Think Green, Forest Lake Press, March 7, 2007
