Master Gardener
The Master Gardener Program: A volunteer Master Gardener Training Class is provided yearly for residents interested in teaching the community about horticulture.
Master Gardener Training Information
Information for the 2014 Master Gardener Training Class will be announced at a later date.
2013 Master Gardener Information Packet (PDF)
If you have any questions, call Kim Gabel at 305-292-4504 or e-mail her at gabel-kim@monroecounty-fl.gov
2013 Master Gardener Interns Graduate!
Six Master Gardener Interns have completed a 60-hour, nine-week training course of intense horticulture education administered by Kim Gabel.
Certificates were handed out to each of the beaming graduates on March 22, 2013. The trainees were: Dave Belanger, Dane Dastugue, Charles Dhyse, Donna Dye, Laura Ann Haarmeyer, and Sonja Wald.
Master Gardeners Remove Invasive Exotics from Overseas Heritage Trail
Kim Gabel and nine Master Gardeners removed invasive exotics from the Overseas Heritage Trail, bayside, near Curry Hammock State Park. The MGs also learned about native and invasive plants.
Two Master Gardeners receive their 10-year volunteer award
Darrell Dye of Sugarloaf Key and Carol Ellis of Key Largo each received a plaque for being a 10-year Master Gardener volunteer.
Darrell Dye receives his award from Kim Gabel.
Carol Ellis with her award.
Florida Keys Marathon Airport Beautification
Project completed by Monroe County Master Gardeners
Story and photos by Linnea
Cunningham
Monroe County Master Gardeners and airport personnel met in March 2012 to plan a new landscape for the entrance to the Florida Keys Marathon Airport. Judy Shaw, Scarlett Duffy, and Linnea Cunningham, Master Gardeners, along with Reggie Paros, Airport Manager, Manny Collazo, Airport Maintenance Manager, and Kenneth Lohlein, Sr., Maintenance Technician, from the airport surveyed the entrance to the building.
They saw short, weedy plants, debris on the ground, some erosion of top soil, empty spaces, and a few beautiful plants and trees which would be saved for the future landscape. Several banana trees, palms, and a white Plumeria, plus a large Sagos would make the tropical environment dramatic. More texture and color were required to give the area impact and continuity.
Creating a list of tropical plants and their location in the ground was the task of the Master Gardeners. Reggie would keep the landscape plan within the budget, and Manny & Kenneth would plan the logistics of the landscaping design.
On the morning of May 11, 2012, the plants arrived and were unloaded with the help of two Monroe County trustees, and Manny, Kenneth, Judy and Linnea. It took time to unload 174 plants that included seven large Pigmy Date Palms in heavy 25-gallon pots. These trees were a challenge to move because of their weight and sharp spines. After several stabs and head bumps, the trees were lifted into the enclosed landscape area. The next challenge was to find the perfect place for each plant. Judy moved the plants around and viewed the layout from various locations. A large pipe designated for removal delayed planting in an area by the main door. Before lunch, most of the larger trees were planted and the smaller plants were in their designated spots. It took several more days of digging to install all the plants into the ground.
Thanks to cooperation and beautification planning, the entrance to the airport will no longer be ho-hum. Eyes of pedestrians will be drawn to the colorful Crotons, Crown of Thorns, Jamaican Poinsettia, and Euphorbia punicea. Beautiful green Singapore Holly and native Coon-tie will add deep green contrasts to the area. Recognition and thanks is given to this beautification endeavor!
Pictures before the landscaping:
Pictures during the landscaping:
Pictures after the project was completed:
Florida Volunteer Management System (VMS)
For all Master Gardeners and Interns to sign up to volunteer for
events, the VMS website link is:
https://florida.volunteersystem.org
You can also use this website to record your volunteer hours.
JMG
JMG stands for Junior Master Gardener. It is a program for youth of all ages that uses fun activities to teach horticulture and environmental science concepts. Please contact Kim Gabel for information about the Junior Master Gardener Program, or visit JMGKids Online.
Links
Here is a great website on diseases from Extension sites throughout the U.S.
Here is a great link for a plant identification learning module for MGs to study and then earn educational hours.
