It's been many years since I've been enrolled in school, but I'm back in the classroom again -- as a Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County master gardener in training.
Every Tuesday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., I'll be hitting the classroom with 40 or so like-minded students seeking a top-notch learning adventure. Often, there are all-day Thursday fields trips as well.
The purpose of the master gardener program is to educate people and send them forth into the world to spread the word. Sort of like molding apostles of gardening. In turn, each master gardener who completes the program is obligated to give back 150 hours of volunteer service during a two-year period. The volunteer work must involve disseminating Cornell University's horticultural research findings into the community. You'll probably see me sitting in an information booth somewhere, come spring.
Ever wonder what a master gardener is, exactly? I used to think it meant having a Master's degree in gardening. Wanna get an inside look at my grueling educational endeavor? Make like Mary's little lamb and follow me to school, at least virtually, for the next few months.
