NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

My local paper ran a news story about a woman here whose garden has
been certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife
Federation. I was shocked to see all the hype, because this is such a
bogus "certification."

When we lived in South Carolina (mistake, not my fault) I heard about
NWF certification and I investigated it. What I found was that it was
ridiculously easy to be "certified" online, and that the only issue was
payment.

So when I saw this article I decided to do my own investigation before
writing the letter to the editor that was bubbling up inside of me. I
Googled "National Wildlife Federation" and within SEVEN MINUTES my yard
was a certified NWF habitat! They presented me with checklists in
order to "qualify," and the instructions were to check at least 2 of
this category, or at least one of that category, etc. Once that was
done (and my $15.00 charge had been processed) I was certified. If I'd
wanted a sign for my front yard it would have cost me another $25.00.

Now I know the NWF has good intentions, but I also remember what the
road to hell is paved with. This is so clearly just a money-generating
scheme that it makes me ill. If I'd wanted to spend another $15 I
could have had the city dump certified as a "national wildlife refuge",
or the parking lot of the local WalMart. There is no verification
process, and anyone can just get online and certify anything. Hey, how
about the county jail? They have a lot of "wildlife."

I am a Master Gardener and I garden completely organically. I eat
organic meat, but I draw the line at tofu and other new age phenomena.
I care very much about this planet, and I do what I can do for it. In
some ways this "certification" program is insidiously evil in a very
strange way, because the NWF has realized what I and people like myself
care passionately about and they have found a way to make money from
our concerns without giving anything back.

So I wrote that letter to the editor, and we'll see what happens with
that.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"Sparky Organic" wrote in message
ups.com...

I am a Master Gardener and I garden completely organically. I eat
organic meat, but I draw the line at tofu and other new age phenomena.
I care very much about this planet, and I do what I can do for it. In
some ways this "certification" program is insidiously evil in a very
strange way, because the NWF has realized what I and people like myself
care passionately about and they have found a way to make money from
our concerns without giving anything back.

So I wrote that letter to the editor, and we'll see what happens with
that.


There are endless ways for people to purchase titles and recognition. You
can get a degree in comparative literature. What does it prove? You read
lots of books and compared them? More books than someone who loves to read,
but doesn't need to diploma to prove it? If you live on a beach, there's
probably a way to have your 100 feet of sand declared an official clam
sanctuary.

What about Master Gardener? You capitalized the words, which suggests it's
an official title given to you for some reason. What's that about?

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

Do you honestly not know what a Master Gardener is? Oh well. I
disagree with most of what you said. Most titles or degrees reflect
some level of study or achievement. NWF certification does not.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"Sparky Organic" wrote in message
oups.com...
Do you honestly not know what a Master Gardener is? Oh well. I
disagree with most of what you said. Most titles or degrees reflect
some level of study or achievement. NWF certification does not.


I know a number of definitions of "master gardener". I want to know what
YOUR words mean to YOU. Were you certified by some organization?

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

Ther eis only one legitimate definition of Master Gardener. You're
sounding very trollish, and I don't feel you are asking a serious
question, so I'm not going to play this game.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"Sparky Organic" wrote in message
ups.com...
Ther eis only one legitimate definition of Master Gardener. You're
sounding very trollish, and I don't feel you are asking a serious
question, so I'm not going to play this game.


Trollish? I'm asking you valid questions. You say you are a master gardener.
I know that some organization bestows that title. NGA, maybe? It doesn't
matter, though. I want to know why you sought to have the title. My question
is directly related to your original post.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Sparky Organic" wrote in message
ups.com...
Ther eis only one legitimate definition of Master Gardener. You're
sounding very trollish, and I don't feel you are asking a serious
question, so I'm not going to play this game.


Trollish? I'm asking you valid questions. You say you are a master gardener.
I know that some organization bestows that title. NGA, maybe? It doesn't
matter, though. I want to know why you sought to have the title. My question
is directly related to your original post.



It's a certification granted by the state agricultural extension service
after the gardener completes some course work and community service (and
pays a fee, of course.) I'm pretty sure it varies from state to state.
A Master Gardener is recognized by the state as being qualified to
give gardening advice (answering calls referred from the county agent's
office, etc.)

Best regards,
Bob

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"zxcvbob" wrote in message
...
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Sparky Organic" wrote in message
ups.com...
Ther eis only one legitimate definition of Master Gardener. You're
sounding very trollish, and I don't feel you are asking a serious
question, so I'm not going to play this game.


Trollish? I'm asking you valid questions. You say you are a master
gardener. I know that some organization bestows that title. NGA, maybe?
It doesn't matter, though. I want to know why you sought to have the
title. My question is directly related to your original post.

It's a certification granted by the state agricultural extension service
after the gardener completes some course work and community service (and
pays a fee, of course.) I'm pretty sure it varies from state to state. A
Master Gardener is recognized by the state as being qualified to give
gardening advice (answering calls referred from the county agent's office,
etc.)

Best regards,
Bob

Thanks, Bob. I know the question was trollish and rude, but there was still
an answer out there somewhere.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

My yard is both WWF and Texas Parks and Wildlife Certified. I have
many snakes, about 30 species of birds, inluding a road runner,
woodpeckers, cuckoo bird and her broods yearly, a great blue heron
atop one of our largest trees, a female grey fox with her pups, etc.
No neigbors have anything close to this. It doesn't cost 25 for a
sign. It's included in the 15 from my recallation.

To slander this organization is disgusting.

On 5 Sep 2006 05:31:33 -0700, "Sparky Organic"
wrote:

My local paper ran a news story about a woman here whose garden has
been certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife
Federation. I was shocked to see all the hype, because this is such a
bogus "certification."

When we lived in South Carolina (mistake, not my fault) I heard about
NWF certification and I investigated it. What I found was that it was
ridiculously easy to be "certified" online, and that the only issue was
payment.

So when I saw this article I decided to do my own investigation before
writing the letter to the editor that was bubbling up inside of me. I
Googled "National Wildlife Federation" and within SEVEN MINUTES my yard
was a certified NWF habitat! They presented me with checklists in
order to "qualify," and the instructions were to check at least 2 of
this category, or at least one of that category, etc. Once that was
done (and my $15.00 charge had been processed) I was certified. If I'd
wanted a sign for my front yard it would have cost me another $25.00.

Now I know the NWF has good intentions, but I also remember what the
road to hell is paved with. This is so clearly just a money-generating
scheme that it makes me ill. If I'd wanted to spend another $15 I
could have had the city dump certified as a "national wildlife refuge",
or the parking lot of the local WalMart. There is no verification
process, and anyone can just get online and certify anything. Hey, how
about the county jail? They have a lot of "wildlife."

I am a Master Gardener and I garden completely organically. I eat
organic meat, but I draw the line at tofu and other new age phenomena.
I care very much about this planet, and I do what I can do for it. In
some ways this "certification" program is insidiously evil in a very
strange way, because the NWF has realized what I and people like myself
care passionately about and they have found a way to make money from
our concerns without giving anything back.

So I wrote that letter to the editor, and we'll see what happens with
that.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On 5 Sep 2006 07:32:57 -0700, "Sparky Organic"
wrote:

Do you honestly not know what a Master Gardener is? Oh well. I
disagree with most of what you said. Most titles or degrees reflect
some level of study or achievement. NWF certification does not.

Yeah, and a Master Gardener is given a certificate after they do slave
labor for a certain amount of work, physical hours of work. Then,
each year to maintain your status, you must do it every year.

When you walk out a Master Gardener you know basic information. I
have that certification in three states.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On 5 Sep 2006 07:38:46 -0700, "Sparky Organic"
wrote:

Ther eis only one legitimate definition of Master Gardener. You're
sounding very trollish, and I don't feel you are asking a serious
question, so I'm not going to play this game.

Because you know your busted. Anyway, it was okay for you to libel an
organization which does more for wildlife than everything you'll do in
your life and all your Master Garden friends will ever do.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 14:43:46 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Sparky Organic" wrote in message
oups.com...
Ther eis only one legitimate definition of Master Gardener. You're
sounding very trollish, and I don't feel you are asking a serious
question, so I'm not going to play this game.


Trollish? I'm asking you valid questions. You say you are a master gardener.
I know that some organization bestows that title. NGA, maybe? It doesn't
matter, though. I want to know why you sought to have the title. My question
is directly related to your original post.

The county extention office. It's usually taught by several people
using slides, boring. By the way, when I got my three master gardener
certifications, it was 75 dollars each.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"Jangchub" wrote in message
...
On 5 Sep 2006 07:32:57 -0700, "Sparky Organic"
wrote:

Do you honestly not know what a Master Gardener is? Oh well. I
disagree with most of what you said. Most titles or degrees reflect
some level of study or achievement. NWF certification does not.

Yeah, and a Master Gardener is given a certificate after they do slave
labor for a certain amount of work, physical hours of work. Then,
each year to maintain your status, you must do it every year.

When you walk out a Master Gardener you know basic information. I
have that certification in three states.

If it's based on slave labor, I must be a master gardener, based on the
amount of work I do in my gardens. 33+ years of this, and I've got the
calluses to show for it.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 10:05:13 -0500, zxcvbob
wrote:

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Sparky Organic" wrote in message
ups.com...
Ther eis only one legitimate definition of Master Gardener. You're
sounding very trollish, and I don't feel you are asking a serious
question, so I'm not going to play this game.


Trollish? I'm asking you valid questions. You say you are a master gardener.
I know that some organization bestows that title. NGA, maybe? It doesn't
matter, though. I want to know why you sought to have the title. My question
is directly related to your original post.



It's a certification granted by the state agricultural extension service
after the gardener completes some course work and community service (and
pays a fee, of course.) I'm pretty sure it varies from state to state.
A Master Gardener is recognized by the state as being qualified to
give gardening advice (answering calls referred from the county agent's
office, etc.)

Best regards,
Bob

It qualifies you to answer the phones and with mountains of books and
periodicals by your side, you answer questions. Most of the time you
get incorrect recommendations.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"Jangchub" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 10:05:13 -0500, zxcvbob
wrote:

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Sparky Organic" wrote in message
ups.com...
Ther eis only one legitimate definition of Master Gardener. You're
sounding very trollish, and I don't feel you are asking a serious
question, so I'm not going to play this game.


Trollish? I'm asking you valid questions. You say you are a master
gardener.
I know that some organization bestows that title. NGA, maybe? It doesn't
matter, though. I want to know why you sought to have the title. My
question
is directly related to your original post.



It's a certification granted by the state agricultural extension service
after the gardener completes some course work and community service (and
pays a fee, of course.) I'm pretty sure it varies from state to state.
A Master Gardener is recognized by the state as being qualified to
give gardening advice (answering calls referred from the county agent's
office, etc.)

Best regards,
Bob

It qualifies you to answer the phones and with mountains of books and
periodicals by your side, you answer questions. Most of the time you
get incorrect recommendations.

This brings us right back to the OP's comments. Why did he want the Master
Gardener certification and secret decoder ring? Probably for the same reason
someone would pay what is essentially the normal NWF membership fee, and get
a certificate in return.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 19:18:10 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Jangchub" wrote in message
.. .
On 5 Sep 2006 07:32:57 -0700, "Sparky Organic"
wrote:

Do you honestly not know what a Master Gardener is? Oh well. I
disagree with most of what you said. Most titles or degrees reflect
some level of study or achievement. NWF certification does not.

Yeah, and a Master Gardener is given a certificate after they do slave
labor for a certain amount of work, physical hours of work. Then,
each year to maintain your status, you must do it every year.

When you walk out a Master Gardener you know basic information. I
have that certification in three states.

If it's based on slave labor, I must be a master gardener, based on the
amount of work I do in my gardens. 33+ years of this, and I've got the
calluses to show for it.


Don't side step this one. I know what I'm talking about as I taught
part of the MG program at one time. The program requires you to do a
certain amount of hours of labor in order to qualify for the title.
At one time it was 50 hours on THEIR programs, not your garden.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 19:41:20 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

This brings us right back to the OP's comments. Why did he want the Master
Gardener certification and secret decoder ring? Probably for the same reason
someone would pay what is essentially the normal NWF membership fee, and get
a certificate in return.


The difference is that, with the NWF or WWF (World Wildlife
Foundation) you are providing food, water and a place to have broods,
lay reptile eggs, have brush piles for shelter, and in the case of the
Texas certification you must have a minimum of 50% native species.

The master gardeners are nothing like NWF or WWF certicfation.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"Jangchub" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 19:18:10 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Jangchub" wrote in message
. ..
On 5 Sep 2006 07:32:57 -0700, "Sparky Organic"
wrote:

Do you honestly not know what a Master Gardener is? Oh well. I
disagree with most of what you said. Most titles or degrees reflect
some level of study or achievement. NWF certification does not.

Yeah, and a Master Gardener is given a certificate after they do slave
labor for a certain amount of work, physical hours of work. Then,
each year to maintain your status, you must do it every year.

When you walk out a Master Gardener you know basic information. I
have that certification in three states.

If it's based on slave labor, I must be a master gardener, based on the
amount of work I do in my gardens. 33+ years of this, and I've got the
calluses to show for it.


Don't side step this one. I know what I'm talking about as I taught
part of the MG program at one time. The program requires you to do a
certain amount of hours of labor in order to qualify for the title.
At one time it was 50 hours on THEIR programs, not your garden.

I'm not sidestepping anything, nor am I commenting on the value of the
program. How is the physical work you described different from what some of
us do at home? Without knowing anything about what I've grown (or killed)
for over 30 years, it's hard to say one path to knowledge is better than
another, ya know?

My only negativity here comes from the OP's comments about other peoples'
desire to have a little certificate saying their yard is something special.
I agree with him, frankly, but at the same time, I wonder why have a piece
of paper saying you're a master gardener, unless you intend to use it in
volunteer work, or perhaps as part of getting a job in that field? If you're
not doing either of those things, why isn't your own evaluation of your
knowledge good enough? You may know more about peonies or rheum palmatum
than someone else who's only well versed about lawn weeds.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"Jangchub" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 19:41:20 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

This brings us right back to the OP's comments. Why did he want the Master
Gardener certification and secret decoder ring? Probably for the same
reason
someone would pay what is essentially the normal NWF membership fee, and
get
a certificate in return.


The difference is that, with the NWF or WWF (World Wildlife
Foundation) you are providing food, water and a place to have broods,
lay reptile eggs, have brush piles for shelter, and in the case of the
Texas certification you must have a minimum of 50% native species.

The master gardeners are nothing like NWF or WWF certicfation.

I agree that those backyard goals are a good thing. But, I take sort of a
Buddhist attitude toward the certificate and the lawn sign. It's showing
off.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

I'm confused as to why you want to know why I wanted to become a master
gardener. Are you studying me? Are my motivations that fascinating?

But for your information, the reason I took the course was to learn
things. You know, education? The classes were intense and the test
was very difficult, and many people I took the class with didn't pass
the test. I now know a lot more than I knew before.

I am also done with this thread. I posted a legitimate message and all
I've gotten are inane comments. I have no idea what you're up to, but
it sure isn't honest communication.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

Your garden sounds similar to mine. I'm sorry you can't understand my
original point, but oh well.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"Sparky Organic" wrote in message
oups.com...
I'm confused as to why you want to know why I wanted to become a master
gardener. Are you studying me? Are my motivations that fascinating?

But for your information, the reason I took the course was to learn
things. You know, education? The classes were intense and the test
was very difficult, and many people I took the class with didn't pass
the test. I now know a lot more than I knew before.

I am also done with this thread. I posted a legitimate message and all
I've gotten are inane comments. I have no idea what you're up to, but
it sure isn't honest communication.


No. You commented on someone's desire to have a piece of paper saying their
yard was special. I commented on the desire to have a piece of paper saying
YOU were special.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

Because you know your busted.

Busted? How? Because I didn't choose to explain what a Master
Gardener was? Anything obvious you'd like me to Google for you? You
apparently think I exist to do other people's research.

" Anyway, it was okay for you to libel an organization. . ." Libel? I
was stating my opinion and my experience, and my feelings resulting
from same. There was no libel there. Do you work for the NWF or
something? Are you screwing someone on their staff?

For someone who claims to be so organic and ecofriendly you sure don't
seem to get it.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 20:41:21 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

I'm not sidestepping anything, nor am I commenting on the value of the
program. How is the physical work you described different from what some of
us do at home? Without knowing anything about what I've grown (or killed)
for over 30 years, it's hard to say one path to knowledge is better than
another, ya know?

You man the booth at the county fair, do filing in the office, answer
phones, do weeding, etc. Hardly a learning experiennce. I wouldn't
work in an office.

My only negativity here comes from the OP's comments about other peoples'
desire to have a little certificate saying their yard is something special.
I agree with him, frankly, but at the same time, I wonder why have a piece
of paper saying you're a master gardener, unless you intend to use it in
volunteer work, or perhaps as part of getting a job in that field? If you're
not doing either of those things, why isn't your own evaluation of your
knowledge good enough? You may know more about peonies or rheum palmatum
than someone else who's only well versed about lawn weeds.


No, you cannot use it to get a job in the field of horticulture
because it means nothing. If you answer the question on the
application by saying, "yes, I want to be certified to get a job in
the field," you are usually turned down. They do not want
professionals in the program.

The Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat is something else. I have my
yard certified so when people bitch about my plants, which appeal to
animals and birds are there for birds to eat, they can't sue me for
removing them once they go to seed. Sure it looks ragged at this time
of year, but I have many wild birds swinging on spent sunflowers, and
that's why I have that sign on my garden.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 20:50:59 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

I agree that those backyard goals are a good thing. But, I take sort of a
Buddhist attitude toward the certificate and the lawn sign. It's showing
off.


I also take a Buddhist approach and it makes people ask what that is
and it suddenly turns another backyard into a habitat. It's aa
consciousness raising purpose. I certainly don't need to show off,
nor do I ever do that.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On 5 Sep 2006 14:19:05 -0700, "Sparky Organic"
wrote:

I'm confused as to why you want to know why I wanted to become a master
gardener. Are you studying me? Are my motivations that fascinating?

But for your information, the reason I took the course was to learn
things. You know, education? The classes were intense and the test
was very difficult, and many people I took the class with didn't pass
the test. I now know a lot more than I knew before.

I am also done with this thread. I posted a legitimate message and all
I've gotten are inane comments. I have no idea what you're up to, but
it sure isn't honest communication.

Hey Sparky,

You're the person who vehemently put down the efforts of a wildlife
habitat certification. Dish it, but take it.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"Jangchub" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 20:41:21 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

I'm not sidestepping anything, nor am I commenting on the value of the
program. How is the physical work you described different from what some
of
us do at home? Without knowing anything about what I've grown (or killed)
for over 30 years, it's hard to say one path to knowledge is better than
another, ya know?

You man the booth at the county fair, do filing in the office, answer
phones, do weeding, etc. Hardly a learning experiennce. I wouldn't
work in an office.

My only negativity here comes from the OP's comments about other peoples'
desire to have a little certificate saying their yard is something
special.
I agree with him, frankly, but at the same time, I wonder why have a piece
of paper saying you're a master gardener, unless you intend to use it in
volunteer work, or perhaps as part of getting a job in that field? If
you're
not doing either of those things, why isn't your own evaluation of your
knowledge good enough? You may know more about peonies or rheum palmatum
than someone else who's only well versed about lawn weeds.


No, you cannot use it to get a job in the field of horticulture
because it means nothing. If you answer the question on the
application by saying, "yes, I want to be certified to get a job in
the field," you are usually turned down. They do not want
professionals in the program.

The Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat is something else. I have my
yard certified so when people bitch about my plants, which appeal to
animals and birds are there for birds to eat, they can't sue me for
removing them once they go to seed. Sure it looks ragged at this time
of year, but I have many wild birds swinging on spent sunflowers, and
that's why I have that sign on my garden.

Some towns have rules about "messy" yards, so complaints may actually result
in a visit from a zoning droid. Does the certification help minimize the
*legal* threat, as opposed to just complaints from neighbors?

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On 5 Sep 2006 14:30:08 -0700, "Sparky Organic"
wrote:



Because you know your busted.

Busted? How? Because I didn't choose to explain what a Master
Gardener was? Anything obvious you'd like me to Google for you? You
apparently think I exist to do other people's research.

" Anyway, it was okay for you to libel an organization. . ." Libel? I
was stating my opinion and my experience, and my feelings resulting
from same. There was no libel there. Do you work for the NWF or
something? Are you screwing someone on their staff?

For someone who claims to be so organic and ecofriendly you sure don't
seem to get it.

Because I love the work of the NWF and WWF I'm screwing someone on
their staff? What is it I don't get? That the NWF doesn't screw
people the way you clearly implied?

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On Wed, 06 Sep 2006 12:45:47 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:


The Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat is something else. I have my
yard certified so when people bitch about my plants, which appeal to
animals and birds are there for birds to eat, they can't sue me for
removing them once they go to seed. Sure it looks ragged at this time
of year, but I have many wild birds swinging on spent sunflowers, and
that's why I have that sign on my garden.

Some towns have rules about "messy" yards, so complaints may actually result
in a visit from a zoning droid. Does the certification help minimize the
*legal* threat, as opposed to just complaints from neighbors?


Yes, absolutely. It has to be both Texas Parks and Wildlife AND NWF
Certified. Most people here out of 31 homes all know I have to let it
go wild and scruffy for a period which many plants set seed. Sometime
in September we'll go out and neaten up.

They sure do love the entire lawn and street strips in spring when the
Bluebonnets are thick with color.

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

On 5 Sep 2006 14:30:08 -0700, "Sparky Organic"
wrote:



Because you know your busted.

Busted? How? Because I didn't choose to explain what a Master
Gardener was? Anything obvious you'd like me to Google for you? You
apparently think I exist to do other people's research.

" Anyway, it was okay for you to libel an organization. . ." Libel? I
was stating my opinion and my experience, and my feelings resulting
from same. There was no libel there. Do you work for the NWF or
something? Are you screwing someone on their staff?

For someone who claims to be so organic and ecofriendly you sure don't
seem to get it.

Ah, okay...you're a nutter. RUN along

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"Jangchub" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 05 Sep 2006 10:05:13 -0500, zxcvbob
wrote:

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Sparky Organic" wrote in message
ups.com...
Ther eis only one legitimate definition of Master Gardener. You're
sounding very trollish, and I don't feel you are asking a serious
question, so I'm not going to play this game.


Trollish? I'm asking you valid questions. You say you are a master
gardener.
I know that some organization bestows that title. NGA, maybe? It doesn't
matter, though. I want to know why you sought to have the title. My
question
is directly related to your original post.



It's a certification granted by the state agricultural extension service
after the gardener completes some course work and community service (and
pays a fee, of course.) I'm pretty sure it varies from state to state.
A Master Gardener is recognized by the state as being qualified to
give gardening advice (answering calls referred from the county agent's
office, etc.)

Best regards,
Bob

It qualifies you to answer the phones and with mountains of books and
periodicals by your side, you answer questions. Most of the time you
get incorrect recommendations.

Sounds similar to rec.gardens.

_________________
John Henry Wheeler
Washington, DC
USDA Zone 7

NWF Certification. . .grr. . . .
 

"Sparky Organic" wrote in message
oups.com
Do you honestly not know what a Master Gardener is? Oh well.
I
disagree with most of what you said. Most titles or degrees
reflect
some level of study or achievement. NWF certification does
not.

The Master Gardener program was started in King county in the
state of Washington in 1972. There are now programs in all 50
states.

Learn more he http://king.wsu.edu/gardening/BecomeaMG.html

--

Travis in Shoreline (just North of Seattle) Washington
USDA Zone 8
Sunset Zone 5