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.

Membership Meeting

Monday, April 3

6:00 Refreshments 

6:30 Program begins

Ron Ramsey Regional Agricultural Center

140 Spurgeon Lane, Blountville TN

Washington County Agricultural Extension Agent Adam Watson will speak on: Much to do about the Weather: You and your Garden - Coping with the recent crazy weather trends.

Members are welcome to bring an appetizer or finger food to share. Coffee, tea and water will be provided.

CEU Opportunities

Master Gardeners may earn CEU credits by participating in in-person or online teaching sessions, particularly those offered through Extension or taught by Master Gardeners. 

NETMGA members are welcome to audit classes in the

2023 New Master Gardener Class for CEU credit. 

Washington County Extension Spring Classes 

March 22^nd Spring Cleaning: Maintenance and Sharpening of Garden Tools 6:00pm-7:00pm   

UT/TSU Washington County Extension Office

206 West Main St. Jonesborough.  

Led by two of our current Master Gardener interns, Marie Taylor and Charles Honeycutt, learn the ins and outs of getting your garden hand tools prepped for the garden season.  In-person only!  Limited to 12 people! Preregister by calling our office 423-753-1680 

Awards and Statistics from the NETMGA Annual Award Dinner

President Karen Rowell congratulated the members for a successful year which included hosting the State Master Garden Conference and an active presence in the community, maintaining project gardens and many educational efforts throughout the region.

Members logged over 10,000 project hours and over 1600 CEUs.  Forty members received gold leaf pins for their service of over 100 hours during 2022.

Members who were not present may pick up their award packets at the Extension Office.

Gold Leaf Club Members:

Two members were recognized for 20 years of service:  Ben Hunter and Gene Morgan

Three members were recognized for 15 years of service: Cheryl Broome, Jim Hayes, Marcia Vandermause

Three members were recognized for 10 years of service: Earl Hockin, Betts Leach, and Vern Maddux .  

Seven members received a pin for 5 years of service: Mary Carr, John Hitchcock, Barbara Radice,  Karen Rowell,  Karen Todd, Wes Walker, and Margaret Woolery

Nine members completed three years of service and received VIP pins:

Sarah Barbour, Heather Duby, Robin Feierabend, Lucie Hagen, Janet Hill,           Catharine Horne, Michelle McClure, Brenda McKinnis, and Susie Morrison

24 members of the fall 2021 class fulfilled their requirements and are now

Certified Master Gardeners.

Elaine Adams, Terri Agold, Susanna Barry, Edith Early, Karen Fleenor, Maxie Gregory, Jennifer Hale, Karen Hatfield, Millie Sue Hawk, Charles Hawk, Michelle Hejny,

Clark Hollingsworth, Catherine Hornbeck, Ginny Lapin, Jeanne Lilly, Christine Loveday, Monty McLaurin, Phyllis Morgan, Susan Sims, Willy Sims, Gloria Snodgrass,

Jeanne Thompson, Julie Underwood, and Kathleen White

15 members of the spring 2022 class fulfilled their requirements and are now Certified Master Gardeners:

Tracey Brown, Joyce Bolden, Cameron Coates, Lisa Dishner, Jennifer Guest,                   Glen McClain, Susan Miller,  Linda Mitchell, Marcianne O’Day, Kathleen O’Lenic,

Janet Smith, Linda Spisak, Dan Tippen, Elise Valencia, and Susan Young

Photo Gallery from Award Dinner, grouped by classes from 1994 through 2018  

READ ALL ABOUT IT

3/1  See news pics and information about the Carver Peace Gardens in the Project and Photo Gallery. 

2/2  See new pics and information on the Church Hill Senior Center Garden in the Projects and Photo Gallery section.