MG History - St. Mary's County

The current very successful master gardener program in St. Mary’s County held its first class in the spring of 1998. A group of dedicated gardeners approached their county extension agent, Dan Donnelly and expressed interest in becoming master gardeners. A steering committee was established, Sotterley Plantation, a historic home and garden, was offered as a location for classes and the Master Gardener class of 1998 was begun. Approximately 30 people took the course that spring-twelve remain active and others have become master gardeners emeritus.

Since 1998, the Master Gardener course has been offered 4 times with 30 persons attending each time. The basic training class is offered biennially. In 2000 there were 15 active Master Gardener volunteers and they worked 803.5 volunteer hours. An executive committee was formed from the class of 1998 and it was through their hard work and effort and the new extension educator Ben Beale and assistant Kathi Dionne that the program continued. This committed group of Jim and Joan Marsh, Sonia Franklin, Judy Roa, Louise Snell, Karine Ingersoll and others coordinated a new basic training class for 2002.

By the end of 2002 with 38 active MG’s and 30 trainees the total number of service hours was 3404. A commemorative 9-11 “Freedom Garden” was planned and planted and local county park entrances were adopted.

In 2004 with 38 MG’s and 57 trainees a total of 4485 hours of volunteer time were worked. Seven landscapes were certified “Baywise” and a part time program assistant was hired.

In 2006 with 87 Master Gardener volunteer performed 5124 hours of service. Bimonthly plant clinics were held at county libraries and submerged aquatic vegetation was propagated for shoreline restoration.

In 2007 St. Mary’s County Master Gardener volunteers continued to maintain public and historic gardens, sponsor displays and information sites at county events, hold plant clinics at county libraries, offer Baywise visits and assistance and promote education and appreciation of gardening.

Currently there are 81 Master Gardeners in St. Mary’s County and a basic training class with 30 participants was begun in January of 2008. In 2008 we hope to be continue all the above mentioned projects but also help with a salad table program at our new charter school, plan and plant a sensory garden at a local state park and a Baywise demonstration garden at Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park.

The Master Gardener program continues to grow and reach out to residents of St. Mary’s County. Each year we find new ways to educate and interact with our community.

For more information, contact Robin Hessey

Last updated: 04/8/2008