Master Gardeners Week
"Helping others learn to grow"
March 22, 2023
Barry County Master Gardener member E.J. Adams answered questions during the programs"Let's Get Growing" workshop held earlier this month. Photo: Rosario Keele
Adriana Keeton
This year marks the 50th year since the first Extension Master Gardener program began at Washington State University with 300 volunteers and has grown to more than 84,000 volunteers nationwide. This week we commemorate National Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Week and the research-based learning practices the program brings to local communities.
Earlier this month, local Master Gardeners with MU Extension of Barry County held a “Let’s Get Growing” workshop at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Cassville.
Lainey Harvick, the owner of Harvick Farms, in Cassville, with her husband Joseph, gave a preview of plants and trees available at the nursery for the 2023 season.
Kelly McGowan, Horticulture Specialist with MU Extension in Greene County, gave an interesting presentation on the many benefits of landscaping with trees and shrubs. Landscaping is aesthetically pleasing to the eye but can also be used for screening, temperature moderation, and wildlife habitat. McGowan discussed several native landscaping options and the importance of planting native and avoiding invasive species. She also discussed research the University of Missouri is doing with Elderberry and Lavender.
Presenter Angela Brattin, Small Farm Specialist with Lincoln University, explained the importance of soil health and how plants use nutrients during her presentation. She also covered irrigation, mulching, and choosing the right plant for space and time. Succession planting and intercropping were also discussed, and how this planting can extend seasonal crops.
Barry County Master Gardeners will have their next meeting on Wednesday, April 5, at 1 p.m., at the Cassville Library, for those wanting to learn more about the program.
To become a Missouri Master Gardener, individuals complete a 30-hour core training course and then give 30 hours of volunteer service to their communities through approved MU Extension activities with the program’s mission of “helping others learn to grow.” Anyone interested in gardening, or the Missouri Master Gardener program, visit mg.missouri.edu or contact the MU Extension of Barry County at 417-847-3161.
This year marks the 50th year since the first Extension Master Gardener program began at Washington State University with 300 volunteers and has grown to more than 84,000 volunteers nationwide. This week we commemorate National Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Week and the research-based learning practices the program brings to local communities.
Earlier this month, local Master Gardeners with MU Extension of Barry County held a “Let’s Get Growing” workshop at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Cassville.
Lainey Harvick, the owner of Harvick Farms, in Cassville, with her husband Joseph, gave a preview of plants and trees available at the nursery for the 2023 season.
Kelly McGowan, Horticulture Specialist with MU Extension in Greene County, gave an interesting presentation on the many benefits of landscaping with trees and shrubs. Landscaping is aesthetically pleasing to the eye but can also be used for screening, temperature moderation, and wildlife habitat. McGowan discussed several native landscaping options and the importance of planting native and avoiding invasive species. She also discussed research the University of Missouri is doing with Elderberry and Lavender.
Presenter Angela Brattin, Small Farm Specialist with Lincoln University, explained the importance of soil health and how plants use nutrients during her presentation. She also covered irrigation, mulching, and choosing the right plant for space and time. Succession planting and intercropping were also discussed, and how this planting can extend seasonal crops.
Barry County Master Gardeners will have their next meeting on Wednesday, April 5, at 1 p.m., at the Cassville Library, for those wanting to learn more about the program.
To become a Missouri Master Gardener, individuals complete a 30-hour core training course and then give 30 hours of volunteer service to their communities through approved MU Extension activities with the program’s mission of “helping others learn to grow.” Anyone interested in gardening, or the Missouri Master Gardener program, visit mg.missouri.edu or contact the MU Extension of Barry County at 417-847-3161.