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By Sharon Hosch | Chilton County Master Gardener

Do you love gardening or want to learn more about gardening? If yes, then consider becoming an Extension Master Gardener. Registration is taking place NOW for the next class session.

Applications are accepted NOW through Nov. 30. If you apply before Nov. 15, you will save $25 on registration. The in-person sessions in Chilton County will be on Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Classes will be on Jan. 30-May 1. In addition to the in-person sessions, interns will also do at home on-line sessions.

 

A Testimony from a Chilton County Master Gardner

Skip Coulter, MG Class of 2010

“When I saw that retirement was coming after 40 years of teaching, I began to think about the hours in the day that would be empty in retirement. In many ways I celebrated those hours, but I also wondered what I would do with them. Watch daytime tv? No! Sit and eat Snickers’ bars? Maybe one bar but …. Spend every hour of every day on “me time?” Probably not that either. I had come to believe my mother’s admonition that “people wrapped up in themselves make very small packages!”

So, I began looking for an activity that would be fun, would teach me something, involve interesting people and offer a chance to serve. That activity has been the Master Gardeners. No, I’m not a wizard of a gardener; no, I don’t have people lined up outside the house wanting to get my advice. But I have had 14 wonderful years of Master Gardening and here’s what I’ve enjoyed.

I’ve enjoyed working with people of many different backgrounds contributing in small and great ways to the community … They say “teamwork makes the dream work” and I’ve found that to be the case. I love coming in from my much improved garden with some good food or with some time growing great flowers … I never come in stressed. Working with God’s creation, getting dirt on my hands, is a great release. I like the people in MG land. They are committed to something bigger than themselves, but are also regular folks like me with their own ups and downs. Sometimes retirement can make our world shrink, but being a Master Gardener has enlarged my world and done so in a good way. People are really interesting and MG’s are that and more!

I love to see the effects of our work — to see 4-H kids encouraged and helped and to see community gardens covered with butterflies. As noted earlier, it’s not that you take the class, do the volunteer work and emerge as Mr. or Ms. World Gardener. But you really are part of something that makes the community better, makes you stronger and more hopeful, and something that actually is bigger than yourself.”

For additional information and how to register, contact the Chilton County Extension Office:   located at 504 First Ave North, Clanton, AL / Phone No. 205 280-6268. Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed noon-12:30 p.m.)