Who are Master Gardeners?

What we do: Master Gardeners at Work

How can I be more involved with fellow Master Gardeners?

Who Are Denver Master Gardeners?

A Master Gardener is a graduate of the nation-wide Master Gardener training system. This is a system in which organizations at the county level provide research-based information and educational programs, tailored to fit local needs, using resources from the state land grant university and the United States Department of Agriculture. In our state the Master Gardener program is administered by the Colorado State University, through each county's CSU Cooperative Extension office. Master Gardeners are given training which enables them to help the gardening public solve their horticultural problems.

For more information on the types of volunteer activities we have, see Volunteer Acivity Samples (PDF)

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HOW DO I APPLY FOR MASTER GARDENER TRAINING?

A new class of Master Gardeners is trained every year in Denver County. You may be a resident of Denver or the surrounding metro area. Applications for the class of 2008 are now closed. Applications for the class of 2009 can be made in October, 2008. For more information on the program, contact us at denvermg@coop.ext.colostate.edu.

WHAT WILL THE TRAINING COST ME?

Unlike traditional classes based on a tuition payment, Master Gardener classes are based on an exchange of services. If the trainee completes all of the requirements for certification the only cost is a one-time non-refundable payment for materials. Scholarships are available for those with limited household income.

You can submit your name by phone or e-mail:

720-913-5278 or 720-913-5269

E-mail us at denvermg@coop.ext.colostate.edu

More Information

The Master Gardener year is October 1st to September 30th. The volunteer hours must be completed by October of the year you are trained. First year volunteers are termed "Apprentice Master Gardeners". Once volunteer service is completed and in future years, volunteers are called "Master Gardeners".

Maintaining your Master Gardener status requires 12 hours of additional education and 24 hours of volunteer time annually.

HOW CAN I BE MORE INVOLVED WITH FELLOW MASTER GARDENERS?

You will be invited to join the Denver Master Gardener Association. Colorado Master Gardeners in Denver contribute by interviewing and selecting community people for new classes, mentoring new volunteers, teaching, writing newspaper articles and advising on program changes. The DMGA hold monthly meetings, providing an informal social environment in which graduates of the Colorado Master Gardener program can meet to exchange ideas, be offered advanced training and volunteer opportunities or simply enjoy mingling with other gardening enthusiasts. Many of the meetings feature guest speakers or garden tours and the April meeting is traditionally devoted to the Plant Sale. The Association also co-hosts the annual Graduation Dinner.