Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course. This 10-week intensive program is designed to train dedicated individuals who desire to improve their horticultural skills and would like to help others do the same.

Rutherford County Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by local Extension offices as part of the University of Tennessee Master Gardener program. All volunteers are trained with 40 hours of horticultural classes and then return 40 hours of volunteer community service within the year of receiving their initial training. Master Gardeners who continue to participate in the program contribute at least 25 hours of service with a minimum of 8 continued education hours annually.

State wide, there are over 2,000 active Master Gardeners in 46 counties. Master Gardeners support the mission of Extension by participating in a variety of projects and activities including: maintaining demonstration gardens at the Lane Agri-Park; hosting classes and seminars on the latest research-based horticultural methods; and participating in special community events such as their annual Plant & Seed Swap, Adventures in Agriculture, and the Secret Garden Tours.

The 2015 Course will be held at the Lane Agri-Park Community Center on Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm. The series runs from January 20, 2015 through March 24, 2015. There will be 3 extended sessions: Saturday, February 7, 2015 from 9-4; Tuesday, February 10, from 3-9; and Saturday, February 21, from 9-4. Cost for the class is $150.00 per person. If 2 people in the same household wish to share a book, the cost for the second participant is $100.00.

To obtain an application or for more information:
Contact Rutherford County Extension at (615) 898-7710, 315 John Rice Blvd., Suite 101, Murfreesboro, TN 27129. Office hours are 7am-4:30pm.

Email inquiry to mastergardeners.rc@gmail.com.

Visit the website of the Master Gardeners of Rutherford County at mastergardeners-rc.org