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Any value in becoming a master gardener?
dstvns wrote: I was wondering if anyone has found being a master gardener to be a boost in finding jobs in horticulture, or at least some sort of respect in the agricultural fields (excuse the pun). Is there any value to these positions, or are you simply 100 free hours of hired help the first year, then 25 hours every year thereafter? I don't mind the volunteer work either, but these classes seem to focus the vast amount of time on flower gardens, not the herb, fruit and vegetables which I enjoy so much in gardening. When I asked more about utilitarian gardening (ie food), the trainer gave a blank stare, as if noone had ever thought of focusing on these topics. From the point of view of a professional horticulturist in the state where the MG program was first developed, it is of NO benefit to establishing a professional career. The program was not intended for this purpose and to be blatantly honest, very few "graduates" have anything more than the most cursory horticultural knowledge. The program was intended to relieve the local extension agents of the huge amounts of gardening-related questions that pop up daily by offering free 'plant clinics' at local garden centers and nursery departments of larger discount and box stores. It has expanded in some areas to include other volunteer activities like reclaiming greenbelts of exotic invasives, demonstration gardens, planting of small pocket parks and traffic circles, etc. If you wish to expand your own knowledge to a limited degree ( you can achieve as much or more with self-study) and like to volunteer and have the time to do so, then this is a good program to participate in. If you wish to enter the horticultural field in any professional capacity, then take the time to get proper training through a technical or community college or other accreditied institution. I know of few professionals in this biz that regard MG's with any kind of respect. pam - gardengal |
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