We would like to offer congratulations and a big welcome to the graduating class of 2010 Master Gardeners!

Each Master Gardener has completed a four month training program here at the Gardens, comprising approximately fifty hours of instruction in plant science and horticulture covering such topics as soils, fertilizers, irrigation, weeds, diseases, insects and other pests, fruit and landscape trees, vegetables, xeriscaping, and more. Classes were taught by experts in their fields, including Cooperative Extention advisors and specialists from the Universtiy of California at Berkeley and Davis, local community college faculty, and other knowledgeable resource people.

UC Master Gardeners are trained volunteer staff of the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) the public service branch of the University of California. Master Gardeners are members of our local communities who share a common interest- the growth and care of plants. Master Gardener staff provide free practical, scientific horticulture and gardening information to the citizens of Mendocino County.

At the Gardens, Master Gardeners will be busy staffing our walk-in help desk at the Gardens' Library (Friday thru Monday, from noon to 2:00 pm, thru October or 707-964-4352 ext 27), assisting shoppers in the Retail Nursery, teaching weekend classes, leading docent tours, and talking with visitors at our mobile Information Cart at various locations throughout the Gardens. In the wider community , our coastal Master Gardeners can be found at the Fort Bragg and Mendocino Farmer's Markets, at special community events, teaching at the Fort Bragg Middle School, and creating displays at the Mendocino County Fair in Boonville.

For more information on the Mendocino Coast Master Gardeners, visit the MCBG Master Gardeners page.

For more information on Master Gardeners in Mendocino County, see the University of California website.

Photo:
Front row (L to R): Heather Ellingson, Louisa Aronow, Daisy Hancock, Maureen Brogan Gealey, Adie Bazor, Katie Wheeler, Marilyn Lemos, Margaret McClure, Jack Bolsta

Back row (L to R): Sandra Marshall, Michael Jolliffe, Nona Carpenter, Lee Anne Ballard, Pam Rowney, Sean Spicer, Joel Schwartz

Not pictured: Marilyn Douglas and Nancy Simpkins