Welcome to Cumberland County Master Gardeners

May 9 “Using Elderberries and other Antioxidant rich native plants” presented by Edie of Maine Medicinals, Bar Mills Community Church, 13 Hermit Thrush Rd, Buxton. FMI buxtongc@yahoo.com, free

May 11 Master Gardener Workday, 9-1

May 13 Mushroom Identification with Greg Marley, St Mary’s Parish House, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth, fee for nonmembers

May 18 Master Gardener Plant Sale, Barron Center, Portland, 8 to noon.

August 10 Backyard Locavore Tour, 10-4. Watch for details.

Become a Master Gardener Volunteer!

What is the Master Gardener Program?

Maine's Master Gardener Program provides participants with at least 40 hours of in-depth training in the art and science of horticulture. Trainees receive current, research based information from Extension educators and industry experts.

In return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise in many ways for community programs and activities.

As part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension effort, Master Gardeners are recognized as well-trained practitioners who serve and beautify their communities. They are linked to a professional network of support through county, state and national Cooperative Extension offices.

What Volunteer Projects Do Master Gardeners Do?

A major statewide effort of the Master Gardener Program is the Maine Harvest for Hunger program. This is a "people helping people" program to assist in feeding the homeless and hungry in your own community. Through various projects, gardeners will grow a little extra and donate the produce to local soup kitchens and food banks that serve the homeless and hungry.

Other projects Master Gardeners might do include:

teach school children about the environment and develop school gardening projects
design and build barrier-free gardens for persons with disabilities
develop demonstration gardens to test different plant varieties
plan and conduct educational workshops

A Master Gardener Knows....

how to turn leaves, grass, and kitchen scraps into garden gold compost
how to amend soil and also benefit the environment
the difference between beneficial insects and pests
how to save big by growing their own vegetable and flower seedlings
how to get the most out of Maine's short growing season
how important freshly grown food and beautiful surroundings are to everyone in communities

A Master Gardener ...

has a passion for green and growing things
enjoys helping others learn how to grow their own food
longs to create beauty in public areas as well as private surroundings
wants to share an enthusiasm for gardening with friends, neighbors, and community.