My daughter holds those around her to very high standards. She has the same standards for herself. As her mom, she expects me to fill out school forms promptly (this is not an easy task, I might add), keep the household running smoothly, and provide love and guidance when needed. For her teachers she expects clear lessons, help when needed, and good classroom management skills. Her biology teacher recently asked his students to do their first experiment of the year without giving them any guidance, and he refused to answer any questions. The next day in class he explained that they all failed their first experiment. Sarah was incredibly frustrated last night. I assured her that over the course of the semester, the point behind the teacher’s lessons would be revealed.
I often think of gardening in that same light. When we plant a live plant, it is a bit of a science experiment. Usually, we all succeed with our planting experiments. At times, though, our experiments may seem to stall, go a little different than we had hoped, been effected by outside influences, or maybe fail completely. Being a former educator, I think it is always important when I run across something that I don’t quite understand, to ask for help. A University of Illinois Master Gardener is a great place to go for help with a gardening question.
A Master Gardener is a trained volunteer that is available to answer questions regarding a wide variety of topics including, but not limited to, plant health, plant identification, soil, lawn, and vegetable gardening. The McHenry County University of Illinois Extension office is currently accepting applications for those individuals who may want to further their plant and gardening education by becoming a Master Gardener. Applications are available web.extension.illinois.edu/lm/mchenrymg A future Master Gardener goes through 45 hours of classroom training and then volunteers for 60 hours prior to completing the Master Gardener course. The cost is approximately $200 and includes an Illinois Master Gardener Manual.
Brenda Dahlfors, the McHenry County Master Gardener Coordinator, recently answered a few questions about the program.
What day of the week are the classes held on?
They are held on Fridays from 9-4, January through March.
Where are the classes held?
They are held at the Extension office at 1102 McConnell Road in Woodstock.
What date are the applications due?
August 31st.
How many McHenry County Master Gardeners are there currently?
There are over 100 active Master Gardeners.
Can a resident of Kane County take training through McHenry County?
Yes, but you must volunteer in the county you trained in.
How many years has McHenry County had this program?
We are celebrating our 35th year in this county.
How many homeowners are helped annually by Master Gardener’s?
We get 100 plus calls/emails a month.
What are some examples of questions that Master Gardeners may get asked?
We provide speakers, offer classes, and work with youth groups. In the office, we identify insects and trees and weeds/plants, and answer veggie garden questions most often.
Can you tell me a little bit more about the events that Master Gardener’s organize?
Our two biggest events are Gardenfest in the early spring and a Garden Walk in July.
Anything else you would like our readers to know?
We also mentor groups who do pantry/community gardens.
Do you have more questions of your own? You may contact Brenda at 815-338-3737.
Sun City has its very own Master Gardener Volunteers that are available to answer your gardening questions. The volunteers are available every Tuesday from 10am-12pm in the Fountain View Atrium and the Prairie Lodge. They will continue to be available weekly through September 30.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or tgsinc12@msn.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
