DATE: 2/9/06

CONTACT: F. Brian Smith, (843) 722-5940; fsmith@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

Master Gardeners celebrate 25 years of excellence

CLEMSON – The Master Gardener (MG) program in South Carolina will be celebrating its 25th anniversary during the 2006 conference at the Charleston Riverview Hotel in Charleston Mar. 23 – 25.

The event will be jam packed with activities including: historic garden tours; speakers who are experts in horticulture; mini lectures; silent auction; dinner banquet; and plantation tours.

The cost for the conference is $150. Mail registration form and check to Clemson Extension Service, 259 Meeting Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401 by Feb. 14.

"We have sought to develop one of the best educational programs ever offered at a state Master Gardener event,” said F. Brian Smith, Clemson Extension agent and coordinator of the conference. “If a person cannot find something they like at this meeting, I just don't think they can be made happy.”

The MG Program is a public service program administered by the Clemson Extension Service to volunteers for the purpose of enabling them to serve their communities through horticulture, gardening and pest management.

After successfully completing the program, MG’s are expected to complete 40 hours of volunteer service. After completing the required 40 hours, many continue their work, motivated by their desire to help others and the personal satisfaction derived from participating in community service programs.

For 25 years, MG volunteers continue to join Extension educators in sharing their knowledge of and enthusiasm for gardening to meet crucial needs within their state and local communities. South Carolina MG volunteers make it their mission to educate local community members in applying horticultural science to manage their landscapes and gardens in a science-based, sustainable manner.

They address environmental and social priorities such as water conservation, the protection of water quality, reducing the impact of invasive species, increasing public awareness of the value of home and public landscapes and the opportunities for healthy living through gardening. They use gardening classes to teach children environmental stewardship and proper nutrition.

They also enhance communities through their numerous demonstration gardens and donate produce to local food banks.

“The MG Program is open to everyone with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community,” said Bob Polomski, state MG coordinator.

Contact the local Clemson Extension office in your area for details on how to become involved in the MG Program or call Polomski at (864) 656-2604 or by email at bplmsk@clemson.edu.

For more information about the conference, go to: http://www.charlestonmgconference2006.com/ or call (843) 722-5940.

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