Growing Plants and Volunteers: A Master Gardener Nursery Project

摘要

The first few Master Gardener classes, during the years 1995 - 2000, graduated a motivated core of individuals. With the size of Okaloosa County, it was necessary to open a satellite office, which was quickly staffed by volunteers. During the "slower"days, Master Gardeners worked on "plant projects." The office had enough space to establish a nursery. With assistance from county personnel and donations from Master Gardeners, the space grew to a 1500 sq. ft. productive learning facility with a greenhouse, work area, tables and hoop houses. The Commercial Horticulture agent served as a trainer and consultant. Volunteers were educated on nursery Best Management Practices, propagation and scouting. Production focused on "Florida-Friendly" plants that were utilized is local planting projects and sold for fund raising. The site also offered the opportunity for public education. Established in 2001, the Master Gardener Nursery Project has been able to raise 2500-13,000 plants annually. Over 70 volunteershave gained knowledge in pest identification, irrigation, fertilization, and propagation. These are skills that are difficult to learn in just the classroom. The nursery provides the opportunity for socialization while learning and accomplishing a task.Master Gardeners produced over 2000 plants for the landscaping of the Extension office in 2012. In 2015, they contributed 1048 hours to produce 3782 native plants while averaging the use of 18 gallons of water daily. Approximately 500 homeowners visitedthe site annually to consult with trained volunteers. The hands-on experiential learning has enabled Master Gardeners to better advise citizens on implementation techniques for their own property.