You may be wondering if becoming a Master Gardener through the University of Minnesota Extension is the right next step in your gardening journey. We reached out to our friend, Jamie Miller of Lime Street Creative, to give us her take on the program.

Gain a new perspective on everyday gardening

Becoming a Master Gardener (in Hennepin County) through the University of Minnesota Extension has changed my life in immeasurable, positive ways.  I see the world through a whole new lens, from the food we eat, to the plants and animals we see, to the soil we walk on, I now move with a different level of hope and care.

Going into the program, I didn’t expect to make such amazing, like-minded, life-long friends, nor did I foresee joining communities of gardeners with such a wide array of backgrounds and experiences, but today, I can say I am honored to be a part of all of it.  There is so much to learn and get involved with, and the way the U of MN Extension has it set up is awesome!  The access to information and activities is endless, beautiful, important, and impactful.

How Master Gardeners make an impact

When you tell people you are a Master Gardener, their faces light up, they want to connect and ask questions, they are excited, curious, and all around happy to talk “garden talk.”  I love this part, because to know a gardener is to have a generous friend for life.  We immediately want to share tips, seeds, flowers, food, tours, tricks, knowledge, kinship, and love.  What could be better than that?

Today I spend much of my volunteer time in a variety of ways, like intergenerational community gardens (seniors and teens), working with young learners in the spring to plant and prep gardens, farmers markets, plant sales, pollinator gardens, sharing knowledge with neighbors & friends, and so much more!  If you are ready to join this community filled with learning, growing, building, and connection please consider becoming a Master Gardener today!

Where to apply for the Master Gardener program

Joining the U of MN Extension Master Gardener Program is simple!  Visit the extension site – https://extension.umn.edu/master-gardener/become-master-gardener and look for the link to complete your application.  Here is a handy checklist to get familiar with before applying:

• Part 1: The Program Mission, Vision, and Priorities.
• Part 2: What program priorities and community engagement projects most interest you?
• Part 3: Do you have any community engagement ideas to share? 
• Part 4: Share your experiences.
• Part 5: Confirm your commitment.
• Part 6: Read and sign the Volunteer Terms of Agreement. 
• Part 7: Additional information.

Jamie Miller has been a Hennepin County Master Gardener since 2023.

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