Cold weather may be upon us now, but before long spring will arrive and home gardens will need some work.
The Extension office in Opelika is now accepting applications for its annual Master Gardeners course.
According to Kerry Smith, Master Gardeners Program coordinator, the program was started in Washington in the '70s. The Master Gardeners Program is an outreach program that gives community members the opportunity to learn about horticulture and apply those skills in service to the city.
"The premise behind Master Gardener is to find people that are interested in gardening and serving the community," Smith said.
According to Smith, the program is a 13-week crash course about horticulture. There are approximately 30 Extension offices that provide this program. Master Gardeners tends to be more popular in urban communities, Smith said.
Smith said she feels volunteering has become a vital part of communities around Alabama, and this program is another way to be involved and give back.
According to Glenda James, the administrative assistant for the Opelika Extension office, each class of 15 students spend the 13 weeks working in a classroom, taking field trips and assisting with local gardens.
"In 180 hours of class time, participants will learn new tricks to gardening and have hands on experience," James said.
According to James, the time put in by staff members, guest speakers and Auburn University horticulture students proves the importance and the need for the course.
James said she feels the knowledge and skills acquired through the Master Gardeners course can be passed down through generations.
According to Smith, once the training has ended, participants begin to teach, volunteer and work in local demonstration gardens all over Alabama. Smith referred to the program as an activity for people who want to be a part of their community in a different way.
"The classes allow members of Auburn to join a larger group of like-minded people that want to learn," Smith said. "It is really great for these students."
To register for Master Gardeners, call 334-749-3353.
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