The Colorado Master Gardener Program and Colorado Gardener Certificate – There’s Something for Everyone!

Posted by: Micaela Truslove, Broomfield County Extension

If you are a plant junkie like the rest of us CSU horticulture folks, then we’ve got just the thing for you.  Right now CSU Extension offices across Colorado are recruiting for the 2014 Colorado Master Gardener and Colorado Gardener Certificate Programs.

A Larimer County Colorado Master Gardener 

Volunteer answers questions at a community event.
Photo: A. O'Connor

If you are a lover of all things gardening, this is a great way to meet other like-minded gardeners and self-styled “plant geeks” while expanding your horticultural knowledge.

After completing the program, Colorado Master Gardener Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of community projects, from teaching classes at a local community garden, to answering the public’s gardening questions at an “Ask A Master Gardener” event, to organizing Master Gardener plant sales and workshops.  Each county offers unique events tailored to that community’s needs.

But the program certainly isn’t limited to those looking for a volunteer opportunity.  The Colorado Gardener Certificate Program is also great for those in the green industry to receive continuing education.  The classes cover a variety of in-depth training topics that are relevant to landscape maintenance professionals, such as turf care; woody plant care, including tree planting, plant selection and pruning; diagnosing landscape problems; and irrigation management.

The Colorado Gardener Certificate Program is also an excellent way for those just looking for an opportunity to learn more about gardening but without the volunteer commitment.

CMG and CGC participants come away from the 

program with research-based horticultural information 
and the confidence to tackle difficult landscape issues.
Photo: A. O'Connor

Participants have the knowledge of CSU horticultural staff and faculty at their disposal, and the training offers a chance to interact with students and horticultural professionals that specialize in many different areas.  The training incorporates the most up-to-date research-based information out there and it is tailored specifically to our unique growing climate.

Each county has varying application deadlines, training locations and training schedules, so be sure to contact your local County Extension Office for specific program information and training schedules.  You can also learn more about both programs by going to the Colorado Master Gardener Program website at http://www.cmg.colostate.edu/.

Goodness knows that gardening in Colorado can be a challenge at best.  Completing the Colorado Master Gardener or Colorado Gardener Certificate training will give you the confidence to solve just about any landscape issue.  You will also come away knowing what resources are available to you as a gardener and landscape professional.  You'll also meet a lot of other wonderful and interesting folks that are as crazy about gardening as you!