Master Gardener Program
The Manitoba Master Gardener Association (MMGA), established in 2011, fosters the development of Master Gardeners and encourages their volunteer efforts to promote horticultural education and activities throughout their communities.
We are pleased to announce the Interim Board of Directors:
Co-Chairs—Colleen Zacharias (Winnipeg) and Karen Loewen (Steinbach)
Treasurer—Ed Czarnecki (Winnipeg)
Secretary—Jeannette Adams (Winnipeg)
Governance and Planning Director—Stephanie Tretiak (Gimli)
Education Standards Director—Lenore Linton (Winnipeg)
Communications (Website) Director—Marilyn Dudek (Winnipeg)
Membership Director—Deborah Petrie (Brandon)
Committee members—Carol Bender (Beausejour), Barbara-Jean Jackson (Brandon)
Ex Officio—MG Program Coordinator at Assiniboine Community College—Mary Petersen
Manitoba’s Master Gardeners work together to make a positive difference in our horticultural community.
To learn more, visit us at http://www.mgmanitoba.com/. For further information contact ask@mgmanitoba.com.
What is a Master Gardener?
An individual who, in the interest of learning more about the art and science of gardening, has received their Master Gardener certification by completing the course requirements. Most are enthusiastic gardeners, some are experienced professionals – all have a passion for gardening. The course is designed to provide up-to-date information on all gardening basics, and combines home study, classroom instruction and an exam. Completion of a volunteer component is also required before certification. All courses are taught by qualified professionals, experienced in their field.
What do they learn?
Students improve their knowledge of growing plants, pruning techniques, diagnosis of plant problems, vegetable and fruit gardening, soils, plant identification and much more. They are also trained in natural pest control strategies and proper cultural gardening practices for prevention of problems.
What does a Master Gardener do?
The objective of the program is to educate the public by providing gardening information to the community. To retain certification, Master Gardeners are required to contribute to their community as volunteers, in a variety of ways. This could include: teaching children and youth about gardening and how it relates to their environment and food sources, helping seniors with gardening, writing articles for a local newspaper, contributing in their local garden club, teaching neighbours and friends to garden, etc.
Did you know?
The Master Gardener grogram began in the state of Washington in 1972 and has since grown to include most states and Canadian provinces. There are currently over 60,000 Master Gardeners across North America!
2012-13 Course Schedule
The Master Gardener Program is open to anyone with an interest in gardening. It is an opportunity to learn, share gardening experiences, and develop friendships through community volunteerism.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tanya at 204.725.8700 ext. 6716 or Mary Peterson at 204.725.8700 ext 6683.
For full descriptions of the courses, click here.
For ACC’s brochure on this program, click here.
| Course | Schedule | Location | Fee | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Fundamentals AGRC-0229 (2 day course) |
Sept 22 & 29, 2012 9am – 4pm |
CMU | $199. | Jeannie Gilbert |
| Botanical Latin AGRC-0165 |
Oct 13, 2012 1pm – 4pm |
CMU | $89. | Warren Otto |
| Identifying Insects in Your Yard & Garden AGRC 0163 |
Nov 3, 2012
9 am-4 pm
|
CMU | $129. | Caarla Zelmer |
| Common Plant Diseases ARGC 0230 |
Nov 17, 2012 1pm -4pm |
CMU | $89. | Jeannie Gilbert |
| Safe Use of Pesticides & Alternatives
AGRC-0231
|
Jan 19, 2013
1 pm-4 pm
|
CMU | $89. | Eva Pip |
| Communications-Master Gardener COMM-0202 |
Feb 2, 2013 9am – 4pm |
CMU | $129. | Leanne LaBrash |
| Tree & Shrub I.D. AGRC 0160 |
Feb 23,2013
9 am-4pm
|
CMU | $129. | Michael Allen |
| Master Gardener Theory (EXAM)
AGRC-0233
|
Mar 16, 2013
1 pm-4 pm
|
CMU | $75. |
*All classes to be held at Canadian Mennonite University
Program Overview
- Register for the Home Study portion.
- Complete 7 courses.
- Complete an Internship of 40 hours.
- Write the Final Exam.
Course Descriptions
Garden Fundamentals – Learn the science of gardening! Understanding basic horticulture will help answer many common gardening problems and will help you to become a better gardener. Learn the basics of soils, climate, plant nutrition, botany mulches and watering. The Garden Fundamentals classes include lecture, discussion, slide shows as well as hands-on activities to aid student understanding and give practical skills to use outside the classroom. This two day course is broken into two parts:
Day 1 – Soils for Horticulture
Day 2 – Applied Botany for gardeners.
NOTE: this course is a prerequisite for other core courses.
Day 1 – Soils for Horticulture
Day 2 – Applied Botany for gardeners.
NOTE: this course is a prerequisite for other core courses.
Botanical Latin - is the language developed for the naming and description of plants. This entertaining workshop is designed for those who have no knowledge of classical Latin. Understanding Botanical Latin will assist you when selecting plants for your landscape.
NOTE: this course is a prerequisite for other core courses.
NOTE: this course is a prerequisite for other core courses.
Other courses that will be offered in Winter & Spring include Safe Use of Pesticides and Alternatives, Communications, and Tree Shrub I.D.
For complete details, refer to the Assiniboine Community College website.
For more information or to register, contact:
tel: 1-800-862-6307 or 1-204-725-8700
tel: 1-800-862-6307 or 1-204-725-8700