GUELPH-WELLINGTON MASTER GARDENERS
Providing advice and inspiration to the local gardening community
History/Background of Master Gardeners Program
The Master Gardeners organization originated in the USA in the early 1970’s and spread to several Canadian provinces by the mid 1980’s. The organization in Ontario began under the auspices of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Master Gardeners of Ontario are now a charitable non-profit organization with about 30 chapters across the province. The Guelph -Wellington Master Gardeners serve the City of Guelph as well as the residents of Wellington County.
The Role of a Master Gardener
Interest in gardening in the past couple of years has increased tremendously. Not only are people planting flowers, shrubs and trees but there is also interest in growing fruits and vegetables. Beginning gardeners often have questions as they embark on their new hobby. Long time gardeners are constantly adding to their collection of plants and/or vegetables. Master Gardeners can serve the public and their community by
- Answering questions at gardening events such as tours, clinics, fairs, etc.
- Maintaining a public Help Line either by phone or on internet or e-mail
- Partnering with other community programs such as libraries to educate the public
- Maintaining public gardens in and around the city
- Writing articles in local papers or magazines and/or by appearing on local television
- Hosting annual plant sales in the community
How to Become a Master Gardener
In Ontario there are a couple of ways to become a Master Gardener. One way is to have worked in the horticultural/agricultural field for several years and then write the Master Gardeners of Ontario Certification Examination. The other way is to engage in online study through the University of Guelph in Ontario or Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. As well as being rewarding and lots of fun, being a Master Gardener provides a great opportunity to meet others who share your interest in gardening.
Maintaining Status as a Master Gardener
Once a member, Master Gardeners are expected to be active and to keep up their education by attending workshops, conferences, meetings, lectures, etc. They must complete 6 continuing education units yearly and put in 30 volunteer hours in their community annually.
CONTACT US:
Website: www.gwmastergardeners.ca
Phone: 519-824-4120 – Ext. 56714 *Allow 3 business days for a response
E-mail: gwmastergardeners@gmail.com
Interested in becoming a Master Gardener?
Becoming a Master Gardener is a rewarding way to deepen your horticulture knowledge and share your expertise with the public. Master Gardener certification in Ontario requires the completion of educational requirements, plus the contribution of 30 volunteer hours annually.
The first step is to join your local chapter as a Master Gardener in Training (MGiT). MGiTs can complete the educational requirements via:
- online study through the University of Guelph
- online study through Dalhousie University
- by Certification Examination.
Learn more about the Master Gardener of Ontario education program.
For more information on joining the Guelph-Wellington Master Gardeners, please contact us.