"Let Us Help You Grow

Started by DonnaS • 3 replies • 1243 views

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DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Ya'll know what I post frequently so here is the website. You can have FREE advice to help with landscape and alternative plant selections.

USDA Master Gardeners Available to Help Americans Grow Safe, Healthy Food Throughout the Country

USDA Offers Free On-the-Ground Resources for First-Time Growers

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2009 – Looking for some free gardening advice? Has your well-intentioned 'green thumb' resulted in your garden looking a little brown? USDA has a cadre of volunteers who provide free gardening tips and have a wealth of science-based research to answer your questions. Trained by USDA's Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners provide information in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. To find a local Master Gardeners, visit www.extension.org/pages/Extension_Master_Gardener .

The Master Gardener program, which began in 1972 in Washington, is another important example of how people can contribute to promoting healthier food and communities. Since its inception, the program has grown to 94,865 volunteers across the country who give horticulture information to the public through a variety of locally-based programs. .

"Extension Master Gardener volunteers are more than just members of local garden clubs," said Bill Hoffman, national program leader and Master Gardener contact at CSREES. "They bring to bear the science base of the land-grant university system in service to their communities, through the training

RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164

Posted:

Donna,

I am not in any way knocking the Master Gardener Program not am I denigrating any or all Master Gardner's. I only speak for myself and some others that are of the same opinion.

We have had a Master Gardner as the owner of our Landscaping company for twenty years. This is a fact. I don't see that we are underpaying for our contracted services. I like to garden and have gardened for 40 years or more. I am not an expert, don't pretend to be.

Our complex has some wonderful landscape possibility and a nice grounds lay out with a large sunken garden with grass, etc. We are on the south east coast on a barrier island and as you know that presents special problems. Our two golf courses have always maintained their grass in excellent shape. Our complex was built in 1981 and the garden was designed by a world renowned Landscape architect name of Marvin. Now 29 years later we are still struggling with our garden. I have a considered theory, right or wrong. I believe our Landscape Company with our Master Gardener has always put the economic side of her business first. Businesses have to do that, don't you agree. I think this is a conflict that has resulted in our gardens suffering. No way do our gardens come up to a good landscaped tended garden. It is very impressive to have a Master Gardener as the boss of your Landscape Company. The results after all these years speak loudly of poor care, neglect, and do the least work for the most money.

It is also interesting to have an outside Master Gardener look at our complex. Browning out grass, bushes untrimmed, flowers allowed to die from lack of water, trees not pruned properly, weeds all over the place, all very visible and yet I have never seen a Master Gardener to give a critical report of our gardens. It is not a glowing report and they will mention some of the things that look in pretty good shape, but no critical review.

What does all this mean........nothing........just thought I would say something/

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Robert and everyone else.

Master Gardeners are NOT ALLOWED to use their certification and the M.G. name in any private or commercial ways or promotions other than within the University division that they are sponsored by and with approved projects. There are lots of M.Gs who do the program and disappear afterwards, toting the fact that they are M.G.s and promoting themselves as such. You have an example of misuse, just like every other person who wants fame and glory or wants to make better money thru false advertising. Sorry to hear that you have found this guy.

RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164

Posted:

Donna,
I am sure you know I have already formed some opinion about this guy(sic). I tell you this though, when you find yourself in this kind of a situation it is hard to lock horns with someone carrying the title of Master Gardener. The title means a lot to some and they are likely to look upon a lay person as being full of crap. Not to big a leap in my case.

I will say as plain as I can there is no advertising of credentials anywhere on vehicles or otherwise. The problem seems to be that the Landscape Company is employed by the Board, managed by the manager 100% (there is some feeble attempt to change this and get the dog to wag the tail). This sets up a situation that if there is landscape criticism, the Manager is the one that cries "Master Gardener", do not touch. But enough of that.

I just want you to know this guy is a she (MG). Are you becoming sexist? LOL!

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