I hope you all are enjoying the summer months and able to spend some quality time in your gardens. Don't forget to find time to increase your garden knowledge over the summer. All interns must complete 8 hours of continuing education (beyond the Core Course) in their first year; all Active and Active-Emeritus volunteers must complete 12 hours of continuing education each year. (See the RCMG Policy Manual for more details)
Continuing Education
Whether it is exploring a garden in the neighborhood, talking with a fellow Master Gardener or participating in an online horticulture presentation there are so many opportunities to learn around us. A foundation of the Master Gardener Program is learning (and sharing that knowledge). The core course that we are required to complete is just the beginning of learning as a Master Gardener volunteer. Whether you are an intern or a veteran in the program I think you will agree that there is lots to learn and experience. I encourage you to take advantage of the many education resources around us in addition to sharing your knowledge whenever possible.
Garden Tours
After all the weeding, watering and tending to my own garden I look forward to getting out and exploring other gardens around me. Whether it is visiting the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (remember, MG volunteers can visit for free!) or participating in a local garden tour I find I learn a lot during these experiences.
During the next couple of months we will have the opportunity to explore the gardens of fellow Ramsey County Master Gardener Volunteers during the Garden Gate Tours. Special thanks to Nilgun Tuna and Suellen Campbell for assisting with planning the tours as well as all of the garden hosts! Sign-up to join a tour.
Continuing Education Sources from RCMG
These are just a few suggestions for continuing learning. You can find links and sources on our website under Members > Continuing Education.
RCMG monthly meetings
RCMG quarterly train-the-trainer events
RCMG monthly and quarterly newsletters
Continuing Education Sources from the MN State Leadership Team
Educational sessions through other county-based Master Gardener Programs or at state, regional, or national/international Master Gardener conferences.
Check out the State Master Gardener website - Continuing Education (https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/mgweb/continuing-education)
Hot Topics - these are self-paced continuing education opportunities available for Continuing Education credits (click here)
Master Gardener Program Core Course (click here)
More Continuing Education Sources
Here are a few links of education opportunities:
Classes taught by Extension Educators, faculty, and university professors in person or on-line. (click here)
Horticulture classes taught by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. (click here)
Horticulture classes offered by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society (click here)
Have fun learning!
Darren Lochner
University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Program Coordinator - Ramsey County