The Master Gardener Program is offered by the University of Tennessee Extension. The Program trains and engages with volunteers to provide the public with research-based information on lawn and garden topics. TEMGs are volunteers who have a love of plants and horticulture coupled with Extension training to equip them to teach and assist Tennessee residents. These volunteers work in partnership with their counties to expand the educational outreach. 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.

April Membership Meeting

Monday, April 6

Details to be announced 

SULLIVAN COUNTY EXTENSION CEU OPPORTUNITIES 

Watch email for more info on NETMGA  and local sponsored events

Google Sign Up Sheet for 2026 UT Extension May Month and Summer Office Hours Sessions

March 23 Grafting Workshop

March 27 Learning Journeys with Melody  Wildflower Walk

April 24  Learning Journeys with Melody Herb fest in Asheville

May 5,12,19,26   May Small Space Food production Lunch and Learn Zoom sessions

May 27 – 29   State Conference in Knoxville

June 9   Fruits of the Backyard Field Day in Spring Hill

June 12   Office Hours Live Diagnostic Visits via Zoom

July 10   Office Hours Live Diagnostic Visits via Zoom

August 14   Office Hours Live Diagnostic Visits via Zoom

August 24-25 Fall Gardeners Conference in Crossville 

September 11 Office Hours Live Diagnostic Visits via Zoom

WASHINGTON COUNTY EXTENSION                           CEU OPPORTUNITIES 

Improving Garden Soils

March 31^st, 2026 Tuesday 6:00 pm

Join UT Extension Washington County Agriculture Agent Adam Watson and learn about one of the most important parts of your garden it’s soil. We’ll discuss fertilizers, amendments, and why clay soils aren’t as bad as some people think. Note location for in person!

In-person Registration: https://tiny.utk.edu/inpersongardensoil

Zoom registration: https://tiny.utk.edu/gardensoil

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Watch for sign-ups in your e-mail 

February 3 – May 12   TEMG Intern Training

March 28 - NETREC Workday in Greeneville

Highlights from the NETMGA Award Dinner

Melody Rose greeted the Master Gardeners congratulated them on their achievements during 2025.  NETMGA members reported 11717 service hours and 1707 CEU’s. This represents a value of $477,416 provided throughout the five counties of Northeast Tennessee.   Melody reminded the group of the many upcoming opportunities to earn CEUs.

Karen Rowell and John Hitchcock presented a PowerPoint highlighting Master Gardener projects within the area.   

The following awards were presented: 

One Year

Nine members of the 2025 class finished their requirements and are now Certified Master Gardeners: Back row: Jack Broyles, Gus Vizgirda, Shawn Dougherty,  Steve Givens Front: Brenda Sneyd, Amy Broyles, Annamaria Conley, Erin Ford, Janice LaBonne,  Debbie Vasult, 

Three Years

Seven members of the 2022 class have achieved VIP status:

Cameron Coates, Lisa Disher, Janet Smith, Linda Spisak,

Tracey Brown, Glen McClain, Kathleen O’Lenic

Five Years

Susan DiCarlo, Frank DiCarlo, Ana Fernandez, Debra Harris, and Laura Robertson were recognized for five years of service.

10 Years

Cheryl Heisey and Mary Ann Lovelace were recognized for 10 years of service and have achieved Lifetime status. 

15 Years

Jane Mullins, Penny Rutledge 

20 Years

Don Davis, Liz Blakely, Johnda Burdette

Forty four members were added to the Gold Leaf Club for 2025, each contributing 100 or more hours.   

READ ALL ABOUT IT

2/23 New pics and info on the Carver Peace Gardens in the Project and Photo Gallery

1/19 New photos and info on the Church Hill Senior Center Garden in the Project and Photo Gallery.

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