MG History - Carroll County

Carroll County was the first county in Maryland to offer a Master Gardener Program. Michael Ensor, Extension Horticulture Program Assistant began the training in the Spring of 1979 with a class of 20.

Initial training was a four day event during one week. Two topics were taught each day. Presentations were about two hours in length and consisted of many topics such as Soil Testing, Indoor Plants, The Do’s and Don’t’s of Landscaping, and Common Diseases and Insects That Attack Turf. Many of the first Presenters were from College Park such as Dr. John Davidson, Dr. Charles Darrah and Dr. Charles McClurg.

Mike Ensor conceived this program when there was no HGIC and he needed “something or somebody “to assist with all of the calls and walk-ins at the Carroll County Extension office. “There were no training manuals - just the information that the Extension office could pull together” recalls Mike. Mike never thought that the program would become such a “big thing”: He states “I was just looking for a little help to cut the work load and spread horticulture information.”

Comments from some of our earliest trainees: “Plants clinics were very popular” recalls Kathryn Frock of ‘79. Helen Meyers of ’79 credits her Master Gardening Training and experiences with helping her become active in the Rhododendron Society. She is now President of that group. Jan Hollinger ‘79 recalls her training as “a wonderful experience”. She was especially inspired by the presentation on Landscape Plants and credits this training with “helping me become and remain active with the Westminster Tree Commission for several years”.

Following Mike Ensor, Tom Ford kept the Master Gardening Program going through the 80’s into the 90’s. When Tom left there was a gap in the program. Later “Dee” Martin stepped in and she with Brian Butler held a class that finished in 1995. In 1996 Lisa Spence came onboard and held classes in 1996 through 1999. Under Lisa’s tutelage the Master Gardeners elected their own officers and developed their own By-Laws. Lisa left early in 2000 and the position of Master Gardner Coordinator was vacant for about 7 months. During this time co-presidents Marcia Bogash and Richard Goodman kept the program running. Steve Allgeier became part time Horticulture Consultant in August 2000 and full time about 18 months later. The program has continued to thrive.

In 1998 the Master Gardeners began a Horticulture Therapy program with Carroll Lutheran Village. The program works with the Dementia unit and is used to stimulate the senses as well as to provide Reminiscence Opportunities for the residents. Whenever possible, flowers and other natural materials are used. In 2008 the Master Gardeners will be assisting in “God’s Garden of Friendship” at Carroll Lutheran to make it more pleasing and usable for residents and their families.

In 1999, when Bob Shirley retired, the Carroll County Master Gardeners redeveloped the “Up From the Soil” program that is presented to the 5th grade classes through out the county. The program’s focus is where our food comes from and how we can be better stewards of the soil.

The Carroll County Master Gardeners Gillette Demonstration and Sanctuary Garden was originally planted in 1960 by the Homemakers Club in honor of Home Agent Esther Gillette. This garden has been maintained by the Master Gardeners for many years; In 2004 Master Gardener Pamela White redesigned the garden as a living illustration of Bay-Wise gardening, using native well-behaved ornamental and drought tolerant plants to create a retreat requiring minimal maintenance.

Carroll County Master Gardeners remain actively involved with the Heirloom Garden at the Carroll County Farm Museum. Plant Clinics are held through out the year. The Spring Lecture series for Homeowners and judging at the 4H Fair are also popular volunteer opportunities.

Marcia Bogash, Master Gardener
410-239-3326 marciagardener@aol.com

Steve Allgeier, Master Gardener Coordinator
410-368-2760 hortman@umd.edu

For more information, contact Robin Hessey

Last updated: 04/7/2008