When I first moved to Porterville 30-something years ago, I remember driving around looking at different neighborhoods for a home. I was so impressed with one home's landscaping and appeal that I kept going back to that area, hoping to find a house there. What made it look so welcoming were the colorful blossoms spilling out of the window boxes, the perfectly trimmed low hedges with skirts of bright flowers lining the curved walkway, and beautiful shade trees on the corner lot sheltering lush ferns, impatiens, and coleus. I became acquainted with the wonderful woman who created this inspiring landscape, and she became my go-to source for all my fledgling gardening questions. Her cheerful and gracious generosity in sharing her wealth of information made me long to be just like her. I discovered she was a Master Gardener and pledged to follow in her footsteps someday, which I did in 2010.
Master Gardeners are volunteers who share a common goal of educating the public in research-based home gardening practices, integrated pest management, and sustainable landscape practices in our community. They are trained by and supervised by the University of California Cooperative Extension.
To accomplish these lofty goals, MGs answer public questions in Tulare and Kings Counties by holding office hours at the UC Cooperative Extension, staffing booths at several local Farmers' Markets, and attending special events at local nurseries several times a year. In addition, MGs offer workshops and demonstrations to the public on rose pruning, fruit tree pruning, composting, and other garden topics. They serve the community by maintaining the roses at the Tulare County Courthouse and the Ralph Moore Rose Garden. MGs mentor teachers and other adults who work with youth to establish school and community gardens. Each Master Gardener gives a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer time each year and acquires a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education hours annually to remain in the program.
The rewards of serving as a Master Gardener volunteer are numerous and varied. From newfound friendships outside their local community to the fulfillment of sharing knowledge and gardening experiences with others, or improving one's own gardening repertoire, being an MG creates a sense of purpose in giving back to the community. Even though she always loved to garden, Nancy Hawkins, MG Past President, joyfully admits, "As a Master Gardener, I now have the knowledge and support to garden properly. I know which plants to use in our area, how to irrigate efficiently, and how to use and dispose of pesticides and fertilizers correctly. But, best of all, I have met a group of people who share my passion and enthusiasm." Another (anonymous) MG added, "Not only have I expanded my own gardening knowledge, but I've also expanded my circle of friends to include eager plant experts willing to share their insights with the community."
If you are interested in expanding your gardening knowledge and sharing your horticultural passion with others, the Master Gardener program may be perfect for you. A new training class will be offered in January 2026. The weekly classes will be held on Wednesday mornings from January 21 through June 17. If you are interested, for more information, visit our website and fill out the survey (link at the bottom of the page). There will be a mandatory orientation on October 15, 2025, from 9-10 am at the Master Gardener Office, 4437 B South Laspina Street, Tulare, followed by interviews on November 5.
If you love gardening, have time to spare, and are interested in educating the public about updated gardening and pest information, this program is for you!