The Texas Master Gardener Program

Accepting applications September 1 thru December 30, 2010

The Master Gardener program is a volunteer development program of Texas AgriLife Extension. These Master volunteers receive in-depth horticultural training. In return, they provide volunteer service through Extension by delivering horticultural and environmental education and projects to their communities.

Program participants should be able to communicate with the public by telephone, personal contact, as a speaker or through written correspondence. Master Gardener volunteers serve as “horticultural docents” supervised by AgriLife Extension personnel who assign, review and facilitate their volunteer work.

A trainee receives a minimum of 50 hours of instruction, completes an examination and an essay to gain the title of “Master Gardener Intern.” Interns contribute 50 hours of volunteer service in Extension initiated projects in Brazos County. Participants become a Certified Texas Master Gardener for 1 year only, after which time he/she maintains certification as a Master Gardener through annual service of 20 volunteer hours and each year acquires 6 hours of continuing education. The volunteer aspect of the Master Gardener program allows individuals to dedicate their time and talents to educate, enhance, and beautify their local community utilizing the science and art of horticulture.

Applications are accepted September 1 to December 30. Training classes meet on Thursdays, during the day, for 4 - 5 hours from January to May. The course fee is $175.

Trainees join the Brazos County Master Gardener Association that meets monthly on the 4^th Tuesday, 6-8 pm, for education, program planning and fellowship. Dues are $15 annually.

To learn more, go to the Texas Master Gardener website

Download Program Information and Application

Charla Anthony
Program Assistant/Master Gardener Coordinator
Brazos County office, Texas AgriLife Extension
979-823-0129