Just got a letter from the postlady

[Southern Gardener]

informing me that twin sis and I were accepted to the LSU Ag Master Gardener Program!!! there were tons of applicants and I really didn't think we'd get picked, but we did!!! The class starts January 24th!! So excited!

 

[thistlebloom]

Wow! Good for you Joan! You'll have to keep us up to date with all that happens with that.
I was looking into the master gardener program in my county , but apparently it won't be offered for another few years. By then I'll be too old to remember anything!

 

[journey11]

Congratulations Joan! How cool too, that you get to go with your sis! Much more fun, I'll bet.

I hope to take the course someday, when the kids are grown and I'm sitting around here with more free time on my hands. I wouldn't be able to make housecalls at this time.

 

[seedcorn]

Congrats! Now take excellent notes to pass on to us.

 

[digitS']

What was this about . . . the mail lady brought you something? . . . well, don't just sit there smiling like the cat that swallowed the canary. Tell us what was in the letter!

Oooh! Master Gardener Joan! . . . i forget what that means . . .

Well, if you get all that book-learning, don't be getting up there on your high horse with us, young lady!

Steve's ol' digits

.

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Good for You, Joan!
Steve

 

[Southern Gardener]

Thanks all! Steve, I don't know what Master Gardener means either, but it sure sounds smart! High horse?! HA! fat chance of that - I may not even pass the class or they may throw me out!

 

[Smart Red]

Congrats! Depending upon your site's program you should find the class interesting and informative.

DH and I took our county's Master Gardener class many years ago. Among other things we learned that we couldn't grow blueberries here in Rock County. At my next class I brought a blueberry crumble - made with my very own delicious blueberries! We also learned that rhodies and azaleas won't do well here . . . especially to never buy end of season from department stores. I felt rather silly asking how to prune our bargain rhodies and azaleas now that they've grown over 7 feet high. Seems we've done everything wrong and gotten great results.

Also depending upon your instructors, you will learn either chemical or organic gardening. Our instructors were teaching to chemical, but would give organic or natural options if asked, and we did.

It was fun taking the class together. I took the tests and earned certification while DH just came for the info. All in all, it's probably best to take the class as a 'young'n' rather than old fogies like us. While we did learn some things, most of the information reinforced things we already knew.

Love, Smart Red

 

[so lucky]

It is a fun class. I took it about 15 years ago, with a friend. I agree with Smart Red. What you learn depends so much on the instructors, although they try to get really experienced folks to teach. While I made friends in the class, and we all graduated eager to "do something" with our new status and *knowledge*, the group of older Master Gardeners who continued the organization, had monthly meetings, had plant sales and seminars--well, I really felt out of place with them. Most were retired, or didn't have to work, and several were very wealthy. Some were kinda snobby, really. You have to do a certain number of volunteer hours every year to stay active in the organization. After a few years of feeling just not quite right with the group, I stopped participating. I think it was just the local bunch of people, tho, because I got a different feel from MGers from neighboring towns when we got together. I think some states are much more restrictive about who gets in class. I didn't have any trouble, so they weren't very picky! I don't even think they had any requirements--just pay the money. My sister-in-law, who lives in Eugene, OR, tried for years to get in the class out there, and she never did.

 

[baymule]

Congratulations on getting in the class!!! Although you could more n' likely TEACH the class yourself! Have fun, learn a lot and be sure to come back here and let us in on all you new found gardening expertise! :watering

 

[ninnymary]

Wow! Southern, that is neat! What fun to also take it with your twin. You can encourage each other and car pool! Over here, car pooling is very important!

Mary