As the days go by, HHH and I are enjoying a season of gardening and learning. UNR’s Master Gardeners course has proved to be informative while convenient. The only garden we’ve visited so far is the one in our back yard, but that will change in the fall.
So far, we’ve learned about soils, plant nutrition, composting and plant propagation. Then, we moved on to herbaceous ornamentals, vegetable gardening and native plants. We’ll finish up our first class learning about woody ornamentals, tree fruits and nuts, small fruits, container gardening and finally Integrated Pest Management.
Each one of these subjects includes lots of reading and lengthy online-lectures. Every Thursday, we join ZOOM for a meeting in which questions are answered by experts. All in all, it’s been a wonderful experience.
Through each lesson, we’ve been expected to read, listen, answer all questions, and take quizzes. We’re required to pass an exam at the end of the class with a score of 80%, along with the other requirements.
After completing this course, we’ll move on to the Master Gardener class, during which we’ll be expected to do actual volunteer work in the biggest little city to the east. It’s exciting to think that by the end of December, we may have our Master Gardener Certificates.
Of course, we’ll also need to pass an extensive background check including fingerprints. Then, there’ll be face-to-face interviews with a panel of Master Gardeners who will make the final decision. When representing the Extension department of UNR through the Master Gardener program, one needs to be squeaky clean.
With all the years of gardening and farming experience, there shouldn’t be a lack of experiences to talk about. HHH had his own farming experience for 22 years. Developing a long drive and beautiful yard, he learned much about desert landscaping. No surprise that his ranch was a botanical show stopper for three seasons, and then a winter wonderland with his Christmas light display.
As for me, I’m recalling more and more information from my 20’s and 30’s, when composting, gardening, and houseplants were things I loved. Between the two of us, we have 138 years of collective knowledge of gardening and plants to be examined during our interviews.
Whatever you do today, think about trying something new. If you are lucky enough to have a Community College, see if any classes are offered for free. From art to history and everything in between, there might be something that interests you. Check it out!
