Master Gardener

Mission Statement 

   The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Program provides knowledge to and develops the leadership abilities of volunteers who, in turn, enable others to improve the quality of their lives by enhancing their home and community environments through horticultural education and activities.

Vision Statement

     The OSU Extension Master Gardener Program is a premier statewide network of volunteer education and leadership development; as well as a consumer horticulture education delivery system that maximizes human, material, and natural resources, and values teamwork and excellence in educational programming.

History of the Delaware County Master Gardeners

     The Delaware County Master Gardener program was started in the summer of 1994 by Rob Leeds, Delaware County Extension Agent, John Hixson, Union county Extension Agent and managed by Dusty Sonenberg, OSU Intern. The school was initially started as a combined school between Delaware and Union Counties and continues today but with two separate county operations.  
     Nancy Bendle joined Delaware/Union County Extension in 1995 to coordinate the program on a part time basis.  The school was held in July and August but was later changed to Mid March and April.  The school has always been held in the evening to accommodate working county residents.  There are only a few of the counties that hold school in the evening. The combined school terminated in 2000 and Nancy Bendle left Union County to coordinate the Master Gardeners in Delaware County on a full-time basis.
     In 1997 the Master Gardeners voted to adopt a constitution and form  the Master Gardener Association.  The Association is governed by four officers, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The office of Time Keeper was added later.
     All Counties participating in the Master Gardener program receive guidelines from the OSU State Master Gardener Coordinator, Pam Bennett of Clark County. The guidelines help the counties in the State of Ohio maintain some constancy in the program; however procedure does vary from  county to county.
     As of April 2007 the Delaware County Master Gardeners have volunteered over 22,00 hours, with approximately 120 volunteers.. Delaware County Extension is very pleased with the efforts of our Master Gardeners in Delaware County.

The Master Gardener Program 

     The Master Gardener Program provides intensive training in horticulture to interested gardeners who then volunteer their time assisting with educational programs and activities for Ohio residents through their Ohio State Extension office.
     Working with county extension personnel, Master Gardeners provide services to their communities such as answering gardening questions, conducting plant clinics, working with youth or elderly, beautifying the community or demonstration gardens and other horticultural activities.
     In 1990 the Master Gardener program was active in 10 counties in Ohio. As of January 2007 there were approximately 3,000 certified Master Gardeners who are active in over 60 counties within the State.
     Fifty-five counties reported their volunteer hours for 2000. Ohio Master Gardeners volunteered approximately 84,677 hours.