Now that recertification is 100% done I wanted to be the first to say welcome to a new Master Gardener volunteer year!  In previous years, a welcome like this only applied to those programs that began their new year on July 1.  Now, thanks to the Statewide Master Gardener Program, ALL the California Master Gardener programs are beginning the new membership year at the same time, with the same expectations for all! 

This may be considered a minor point by some, but after working as a Master Gardener Program Representative for almost a decade, I applaud these fundamental “consistencies”.  In recent years, I have served on a number of committees related to UCANR and/or the Master Gardener program and I have really come to appreciate the balancing going on at the Statewide Master Garde

ner Program level.  The Statewide Master Gardener Program is supporting us by developing a balanced approach to smart and sustainable program growth:  programmatic consistencies, advanced training opportunities, online resources, networking circles, marketing tools, outreach models and much more. 

As a Program Representative for two very different Master Gardener county programs, I am committed to preserving the flavor of each of my volunteer groups.  I don’t want them to lose what makes their programs unique in their communities and the specific approaches that have proven successful over the years in regard to outreach and education.  However, I do believe in a common “infrastructure” to all the Master Gardener Programs up and down the state so that the public understands exactly what our program is and what we’re trying to accomplish across the golden state. 

I want a Master Gardener volunteer to be able to transfer to a new Master Gardener program when they relocate and not have to be confused with different timelines and volunteer requirements.  I want the public to be able to make sense of what the “Master Gardener Training” is all about and what it entails no matter where they train.  That doesn’t mean trainings can’t be customized to the locale, it means we all agree to a level of consistency and quality that we can be proud of and share in.

As all of our Master Gardener Programs grow, we can flourish by keeping our roots tucked firmly in the fertile Statewide soil but allowing our local blooms to be as unique and colorful as we are.