The Master Gardener Program is currently accepting applications, with the deadline quickly approaching on November 19th.  The Master Gardeners would like to welcome the public to an Open House in San Luis Obispo on November 4th, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.  This is an opportunity to find out more about the program, view the text books and curriculum, tour the demonstration garden and meet experienced Master Gardeners.  The Master Gardener Program is a volunteer service organization sponsored by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE).  The purpose of the program is to extend research-based information produced by the University of California, focusing on sustainable gardening and landscape practices for the home gardener.

Master Gardeners are community members who love gardening and are enthusiastic to share this with others.  After an initial group interview process, volunteers are trained by Cooperative Extension experts in horticulture and plant science. The classes cover a range of gardening topics including basic botany, plant propagation, soils and composting, plant and insect identification and control strategies, and diagnosing plant problems.

In return for the instruction the Master Gardener candidates commit to volunteer 50 hours of their time in the year following training, and 12 additional continuing education hours.  Continuing education programs, field trips, and garden tours help the Master Gardeners fulfill their required education credits.

The 2011 training program will be held in San Luis Obispo on Thursdays from February 17 through June 23 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information contact the UCCE Master Gardeners, 2156 Sierra Way, Ste C, San Luis Obispo at 781-5939 on Monday and Thursday, 1 to 5 p.m., in Arroyo Grande at 473-7190 on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon, or in Templeton at 434-4105 on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon.  Application available online:  http://groups.ucanr.org/slomg/ or email mgsanluisobispo@ucdavis.edu.

Please see the links attached below for Applications, Open House info and general info!