Louisiana Master Gardner program slated this fall

Local gardeners who want to enhance their garden knowledge are invited to participate in the Louisiana Master Gardener Program which begins in August.

The Louisiana Master Gardener program is a service and educational activity designed to recruit and train volunteers to help meet the needs of home gardeners while providing an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for volunteers.

The volunteer aspect of the Master Gardener program allows individuals to dedicate their time and talents to citizens of their community by applying the science and art of horticulture.

Classes for the 2009 LMG program begins Aug. 12 and concludes with graduation on Nov. 11.

Training will involve one class session per week to be conducted each Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and every 3rd Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Classes will be conducted at the St. Charles Parish County Agent's Extension Office of the LSU AgCenter located at 1313 Paul Maillard Road in Luling, La.

Instruction will involve more than 14 subject matter areas in horticulture with classes conducted by Ph.D. Specialists and parish county agents of the LSU AgCenter.

Additional instruction will be provided by certified horticulturalists, Master Gardeners, and nursery professionals.

Participants are not required to have an extensive horticulture background or knowledge.

The course work is tailored for beginner and experienced gardeners.

The 2009 class will involve a maximum of 20 participants.

To qualify for selection, an LMG application must be submitted to the St. Charles Parish County Agent's office by July 15.

To receive an LMG application for the 2009 program, contact the St. Charles Parish County Agent's office at 985-785-4473.

The Louisiana Master Gardener program is sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and is open to all adults regardless of socio economic level, race, color, sex, religion or national origin.