History

The Master Gardener Program is a volunteer leader training program offered by Michigan State University Extension.  It is offered to people who are enthusiastic about gardening, who want to learn more about growing plants and are willing to share their knowledge with others.  This program brings students up-to-date horticultural information and gardening methods, reinforces previous knowledge and helps them learn how to disseminate this information.  A Master Gardener is a volunteer trained by MSU Extension to help others learn more about gardening and basic plant science. 

The Master Gardener program originated in Washington State in 1972.  It has grown to over 600 programs in at least 46 states and Canada.  Michigan State University Extension created and held its first Master Gardener program in 1978.  Today, more than 10,000 residents from more than 50 Michigan counties have earned and enjoy the "Master Gardener" designation.

Locally, nearly 150 residents of Otsego County have taken this course.