The Louisiana Master Gardener program is a service and educational activity offered by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. The program is designed to recruit and train volunteers to help meet the educational needs of home gardeners while providing an enjoyable and worthwhile service experience for volunteers.

Experienced and beginning gardeners seeking up-to-date horticultural information can advance their gardening expertise and gain self-satisfaction through volunteer efforts. The volunteer aspect of the Master Gardener program allows individuals to dedicate their time and talents to enhancing the quality of life for citizens of their community by using the science and art of horticulture. It allows individuals to put into practice what they know and learn.

Master Gardeners should be interested in horticulture, willing to help people, outgoing, flexible, dependable, unbiased and open-minded. Previous volunteer work and good verbal skills are desirable. As a trainee in the Master Gardener program, you must attend at least 80% of scheduled instruction, pass an open-book examination and volunteer for a minimum of 40 hours of service to earn the title of Louisiana Master Gardener.

Classes will begin on March 6, 2012, and conclude on May 29, 2012; however, a graduation ceremony will take place on a late date. The class sessions will be held on Tuesday of each week from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Louisiana Tech University’s Lomax Hall.

The Master Gardener program is open to all people regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion or national origin. There will be a course fee of $150.00, which covers the cost of the Master Gardener Manual, printed material, Master Gardener name badge, as well as refreshments.

Individuals interested in becoming a master gardener should call the Lincoln Parish Cooperative Extension Office, a branch of the LSU AgCenter at 318-251-5134, or stop by 201 N. Vienna St. in Ruston, LA 71270 to pick up an application, or you may download the application below.