The Master Gardener Program is offered by the University of Tennessee Extension. The purpose of the Master Gardener program is to train people as horticultural-educated volunteers. These volunteers work in partnership with their counties to expand the educational outreach, providing home ga​rdeners with researched-based information. Each volunteer has been trained with 40 hours of horticultural education, and keeps updated with continuing education events.

The Northeast Master Gardener Association (NETMGA) membership includes volunteers from Hawkins, Sullivan, Washington, Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi Counties. Their many activities include information booths at various home and farm shows, answering Ask-a-Master Gardener questions, teaching classes in the community, and organizing new Master Gardener classes. Their presence can be seen in many local historic site gardens, demonstration gardens and community vegetable gardens.

COVID 19 GUIDELINES 

Since the Master Gardeners are affiliated with the University of Tennessee, we are required to follow their guidelines regarding COVID 19 restrictions.

The UT System encourages employees and all members of the university community to get vaccinated and educate themselves about CDC guidance. Consistent with CDC guidance, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks or social distance on campus, or in university buildings, outside of a healthcare setting.

If an individual chooses not to vaccinate, the CDC encourages that they continue to wear masks and distance for their own protection. Any individual may choose to wear a mask on campus, regardless of their vaccination status.

June Membership Meeting

Monday, June  6, 2022

6:30 p.m.

Discovery Garden at the Hands On! Discovery Center

1212 Suncrest Dr. 

Gray, TN

The meeting will start at 6:30 pm with a PowerPoint presentation about the Discovery Garden in the Hands On! Museum classroom. Christy Shivell, who was instrumental in the design and plant selection of the garden, will then take us on a guided tour of the 10,000 square foot sustainable pollinator garden of native shrubs, trees, grasses, flowering perennials and vines. 

The Discovery Center encourages mask wearing inside the museum and we will have masks for those who want them. The Program Committee will provide bottled water and snacks during the meeting.  There will also be plants from Shy Valley Farm and Studio for sale after the meeting. You can access the Shy Valley Farm website at; http://www.shyvalleyfarm.com/     

The Discovery Center is wheelchair accessible but the gardens outside could be a challenge as there are grass and gravel paths.      

Tennessee Extension Master Gardener State Conference

June 9 - 11, 2022

Kingsport and Blountville, Tennessee

NETMGA is proud to be hosting the statewide Master Gardener Conference, to be held June 9 - 11, 2022.  Master Gardeners from across the state will be joining us for three exciting days of speakers, workshops and tours.  

More information is provided in the link below regarding class and workshop sessions. Some events have limited seating and will be filled on a first come basis, so register early!  

Registration details for the conference and hotel reservations are detailed in the link. 

CEU Opportunities

While social distancing requirements are in effect, Master Gardeners may earn CEU credits by watching or participating in online teaching sessions, particularly those offered through Extension. 

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May 7    See Chris's Column for a timely article on carpenter bees.