Master Gardener Volunteers take a moment to pose for the camera while helping diagnose plant  problems in the Plant Health Clinic during the Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival.

The Parish Extension Horticulture program through its Master Gardener classes provide invaluable training and educational opportunities. This class training is open to all people regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion or national origin with the understanding that an equivalent amount of volunteer time is giving in return to the horticulture program for the training!  

What the Master Gardener is NOT !!!  The Master Gardener is not a program.  It is a part of the horticulture program under its volunteer component.  Volunteerism is not new to Extension programs just because a name is put on it, other than just volunteer.   All Extension programs, such as, Agriculture, 4-H, Home Economics, Expanded Food & Nutrition Program, etc. use volunteers.  

Further more, it is not a organization.  The organization is the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service through its administrative umbrella of the LSU AgCenter.   Horticulture programs are a  part of the Agriculture Extension component, which is sanctioned by our Land Grant institution, Louisiana State University and  the LSU AgCenter which administers the state Research and Extension programs.

Master Gardener is not equivalent to a horticulture degree.  It is not a horticulture course you can take in place of a college course.  What it does is, it allows you to volunteer your time in return for class training to the horticulture agent in "charge d'affaire."  If your concept is anything else, then you have grossly misunderstood.  If not understood correctly your experience as a MG will be of the tail trying to wag-the-dog!  However, be not dishearten or do not despair!

As a SW LA Extension Master Gardener Volunteer part of your class training is understanding the proper role of the MG Volunteer and how you related to the overall horticulture program. Amen!

Therefore, experienced and beginning gardeners seeking to enhance their horticulture knowledge, their gardening expertise while gaining self-satisfaction, can do so, through their volunteer efforts as part of the greater Extension horticulture program in SW Louisiana. The volunteer aspect of the Master Gardener allows individuals to dedicate their time and talents to enhance the quality of life for citizens of their community by using the science and art of horticulture. It allows individuals to put into practice what they know and have learned.

How Do I Apply?

Call 337-475-8812 to request an application, or click + Application. Applications must be received by September 5 (Calcasieu Parish) and May 27 (Beauregard Parish / Ph:  337-463-7006) for consideration for the next class. The applications are reviewed  and participants are notified shortly thereafter as to their acceptance or not.

Where are classes held?

Classes are held at the LSU AgCenter - Calcasieu Parish on Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm from mid-October through March, Lake Charles, LA.  Some years classes may started mid-September or early November.

Classes in Beauregard Parish will be held in the LSU AgCenter - Beauregard Parish on Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm in DeRidder usually from early-June thru early-October when there is sufficient interest.

Who are Master Gardeners?

Master Gardener Volunteers are individuals who enjoy gardening! They enjoy engaging with other like minded gardeners in an informal educational setting.  The SW LA Extension Horticulture Program provides volunteer training classes that trains individuals in horticulture in exchange for a return of 50 hours of volunteer service back into the program, sharing what has been learned with other gardeners. The program is provided by the Extension Horticulturist in Calcasieu Parish and is open to all adults in the parish with the understanding of the previous mention volunteer component.  Participants from Calcasieu, Allen, Beauregard, Jeff Davis and Cameron Parishes are included.

Is there any cost to Participate?

The registration fee for the Master Gardeners class is $85.00. The fee covers the cost of training. The fee is payable with application for acceptance into the class.

What kind of Training do Master Gardeners receive?

If you are selected for the Master Gardener program, you will receive 50 hours of horticulture classroom training. Classes are taught by the horticulture Agent, Extension Specialists, other horticultural experts. You will learn about insects, plant health, vegetables, fruits, turf, ornamentals and more.

How Will I Volunteer?

Master Gardeners pay back their volunteer commitment in a variety of ways:

• Managing major components of the Southwest Louisiana Garden Festival
• Organizing educational programs
• Creating and maintaining demonstration gardens and greenhouse

03/15/2008