Want to become a Master Gardener?
Come to the Master Gardener Open House

Residents who want to improve their gardening skills, enhance their knowledge and, most importantly, share what they have learned with others through volunteer work should reserve their place in the 2010 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program quickly. Application packets can be downloaded by clicking here.

Offered by Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) – Arlington County Office, in cooperation with the City of Alexandria, the Master Gardener program trains participants in practical gardening and landscaping techniques that preserve and protect, as well as beautify, the environment. Classes will begin January 12 and will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 8th at the Fairlington Center building in Arlington. After over 70 hours of classroom training, candidate Master Gardeners must complete a 60-hour internship focusing on community service in VCE-approved, educationally oriented gardening activities.

Enrollment is limited to 40. Residents of Alexandria City and Arlington will receive preference, but others in the Washington area may also enroll on a space-available basis. Tuition, which covers the cost of study materials and instructor fees, is $190 for residents of Arlington County and Alexandria City and $240 for others. Need-based scholarships are available to cover some of the tuition costs.

After completing both the classroom program and the internship, participants become certified VCE Master Gardeners, who assist VCE staff in teaching environmentally sound gardening techniques in their communities through plant clinics, a horticultural help desk, demonstration gardens, and other projects. To maintain certification, Master Gardeners must volunteer a minimum of 20 hours a year in VCE-approved activities and attend 8 hours of continuing education programs. VCE sponsors monthly continuing education programs to help Master Gardeners maintain certification. To RSVP and for more information and an enrollment form, contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension office, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington VA 22206; telephone, 703-228-6414; e-mail Master Gardener Help Desk: ex013mg@vt.edu. VCE’s local website is http://offices.ext.vt.edu/arlington.

Limited scholarships are available for the training. A separate application is required for consideration for a scholarship -- download the scholarship application and criteria.