In this post I want to point out more of the improvements to our program

that have resulted from the work of our Statewide Master Gardener office. I can personally attest to what a difference these improvements have made in Alameda County.  We had none of the following when I became a Master gardener in 2001, and we were constantly making things up as we went along.

1. Master Gardener Program Administrative handbook, June 2008: defines policies and procedures for MG programs all over the state. Provides guidance, helps to ensure consistency, and helps to avoid duplication of effort.

2. Along the same lines as the handbook, the Statewide Office has standardized a number of things that now project a consistent brand and message throughout the state. We have a state logo, a state tagline "Advice to Grow By...Ask Us!"

and a number of items, including clothing, with the logo in the Master Gardener store.

3. The State Office created a yearly training for our Program Coordinators, called the Volunteer Management Institute, which improves the skills of the coordinators and helps improve the consistency in how MG programs are managed statewide.

4. The state office has organized advanced training for volunteers that many of us have taken advantage of: such as Sustainable Landscaping, Advanced IPM, and others.

The Master Gardener Program has come a long way in the 11 years since I became involved and much of that rapid improvement has happened since the Statewide Master Gardener Program was created in 2005! A big "thank you" to our state staff! 


What positive changes have you seen since the Statewide Master Gardeners Office came about? Any I forgot to mention?