The Piedmont Master Gardeners Association
460 Stagecoach Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902-6441 434/872-4580 Fax: 434/872-4578
Interested in Becoming a Master Gardener?
The Master Gardening course typically is offered three or four times a year in different locations by the local office of Virginia Cooperative Extension. (Twice yearly in Charlottesville; once or twice yearly at other locations in Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa or Nelson Counties.) Classes are usually held during the day on weekdays, but occasionally an evening series is available. Tuition per student is approximately $175.
** The course usually runs eighteen weeks or approximately 50 hours of classtime. Once in a while, classes meet twice weekly and the course is completed in nine weeks. Classes on a variety of required topics are taught by VCE staff or guest speakers. Training includes basic botany, soils and fertilizer, insects, diseases, pesticides, plant propagation, pruning, lawn and tree care, and many other areas of gardening. Class attendance is mandatory.
** If the number of applicants for a course exceeds the number of seats available, candidates might be interviewed to determine level of interest and experience.
** Volunteer mentors provide support to students during the course. The curriculum is directed and supervised by the County Extension Agent.
** Students receive a copy of the Virginia Master Gardening Handbook published by Virginia Tech. The open book final exam of the course is based on the Handbook.
** Within one year of starting MG classes, students must complete 50 hours of community volunteer service before being certified as Master Gardeners. PMG offers more than 20 sanctioned volunteer opportunities to its members.
** After completing initial training and volunteer commitments, MGs must contribute at least 20 hours of volunteer service each year in order to retain certification. MGs must also participate in at least eight hours of recertification training (continuing education) each year. PMG's monthly membership meetings, our Spring Lecture Series and other PMG workshops and events often qualify as continuing ed hours.
** For information about upcoming Master Gardening courses in Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa or Nelson Counties, contact Lottie Dudley or Cathy Betts in the Albemarle County Cooperative Extension Office at 434/872-4580. ** A new class for January 2008 is being organized. Click here for details and an application form, or call the Extension Office.
** For general information about Virginia's Master Gardening program, visit the program's website: VCE Master Gardening.
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