The annual “Master Gardener Roundup” allows potential applicants to learn more about the organization, meet current Master Gardeners and ask questions about activities the organization supports. Those wishing to apply for the 2015 Master Gardener training program must do so by Oct. 17. Attending the Roundup is not required for new class members, but everyone must complete an application form, which is available online at www.dcmga.com.

To become a Master Gardener, you must attend 70 hours of classroom instruction taught by leading educators. Classes are held all day each Tuesday from February through May. The 2015 class schedule has not been announced, but topics will include botany/plant physiology, soils, lawn care, vegetable and herb gardening, insects and landscape horticulture. All classes are held at the Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. Stemmons Freeway (IH35E) in Corinth. A one-time fee of $225 for training, which covers the official Master Gardener manual, is payable on the first class day. 

After completing classroom training and passing the final exam, you will become a Master Gardener Intern and must fulfill 70 volunteer hours of service to the community in 2015. Once certified, Master Gardeners must earn a minimum of 12 hours of advanced training and volunteer a minimum of 12 hours annually on any Master Gardener project in order to maintain active status. 

The Master Gardener program is an education and volunteer initiative affiliated with the Texas Master Gardener Association and Texas AgriLife Extension at Texas A&M University. The mission of the Denton County Master Gardener Association is to educate county residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that contribute to healthy gardens, landscapes and communities.