New Training…
Expand and share your garden knowledge
Master Gardener volunteers pick flowers at Parker F. Scripture Botanical Gardens. (Photo provided)
ORISKANY, N.Y. — It's a bright, sunny day and you feel like getting out somewhere where you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors and the wonders of Mother Nature. What do you do? Jump in the car and head to Cornell University Cooperative Extension in Oriskany to tour the Parker F. Scribecher Botanical Gardens, which is managed by Master Gardener volunteers.
Here you'll find lush herb gardens, vibrant flower beds, blooming rose arbors, sun-soaked vegetables and gorgeous daylilies – and that's just the start – stroll the woodland trails and visit the butterfly house.
If you do this on a Tuesday or Saturday morning (the second Saturday in June and July) you'll not only be able to see lots of flowers and other plants, but you'll also get to watch the gardeners at work – busy but dedicated people who will be happy to talk to you about their gardens and their work.
So what do these gardeners do? Some are busy early in the year designing their gardens, sourcing and planting seeds, and planning their spring plantings. They may rearrange flower beds to allow for proper drainage and access. Some Master Gardeners build raised beds, plan pathways, and install trellises.
But spring is here and it's time to plant. Now we head to the garden with lots of plants to put in our flower beds. Here, apprentice gardeners will work alongside seasoned gardeners to learn all aspects of successful planting. The plants will include flowers, vegetables, herbs, grasses, ground covers, climbing plants, and almost every plant that grows in Central New York.
After planting, spring and summer growth begins. Is the work finished? No, not at all. Now it's time to weed, weed and weed some more.
So what about gardeners who can't do the physical work? There are plenty of activities for them too. In the garden, you can pluck dead flowers, water the plants, take photos of the plants, and even make and put up signs, as all the plants are labeled.
A Master Gardener's goal is to educate the public. Some Gardeners act as advisors to help groups plan gardening activities. It is not uncommon to see Gardeners demonstrating the basics of gardening with groups of adults and children.
You might think you never fall into this category because, “I can't remember all that,” but this program offers a series of classes on gardening before you go out. It also teaches gardeners how to get information. Someone might ask you a question that you can't answer, and you say, “I don't know, but I'll look into it.”
Other members may also present workshops on a variety of topics, including container gardening, planting, harvesting, perennials, herbs, native plants, etc. Some workshops are held by Extension as part of special gardening events. Other presentations may be given to gardening clubs or other groups who want to learn about gardening.
Our community hosts many events, including farmers markets, home shows, festivals, fairs, etc. It is not uncommon to see Master Gardener booths at these events, which may focus on pollinators, tick prevention, and a variety of other topics of interest to the general public.
Gardeners go out on field trips from time to time, visiting nurseries and public gardens. There is always something worth learning just around the corner. One thing about gardeners is that they really enjoy making new friends and working together. They are always eager to learn new things and to help others.
Interested? To secure an interview with an MGV Coordinator, submit your application by July 31, 2024. Call Holly Wise, Consumer Horticulture Resource Educator, at 315-736-3394 or email her at hlw2@cornell.edu.
—Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County
