MGNA Ask a Master Gardener
This program responds to requests from businesses, garden clubs, churches and schools wishing to have Master Gardeners on hand to answer questions. These are usually scheduled for weekends during the day. Master Gardener volunteers and interns set up a table in an area designated by the host and answer gardening questions for the attendees. Master Gardeners DO NOT SELL product. The Project chair usually provides reference books. Extension publications and soil test kits are sometimes offered as well. Usually this is a team effort; most of the time volunteers will be scheduled in teams of at least 2 per shift. For Interns, Ask a Master Gardener volunteer hours will count for Extension hours.
MGNA Spring Plant Sale
MGNA members propagate plants for the yearly plant sale. Volunteers are needed in many areas for a successful sale – set up, tagging, transporting, cashiers, publicity, clean up, and so much more. Consider volunteering in our annual fundraiser.
Contact: Ann Marshall plantsale@mginfo.org
pH Soil Testing
After training, Master Gardeners offer the public free basic pH soil testing at events around Madison County when requested – such as the Huntsville Botanical Garden Plant Sales and at our own MGNA plant sale. Master Gardeners, in addition to testing the soil samples, provide information on how to properly collect and submit soil samples for complete pH testing and analysis by the Alabama Extension Services in Auburn. The events are divided into shifts with 3 volunteers per shift. The committee chair arranges the shifts and provides all supplies for each event.
Contact: Rita Icenogle pHtesting@mginfo.org
Educational Workshops
In support of the Alabama Extension Services, Master Gardeners provide affordable educational workshops to the public on a variety of horticultural topics. Many of the workshops are free. The committee arranges the yearly schedule of events and contacts speakers to present at the workshops. In addition to reserving the location, the committee members set up prior to and clean up following the workshop, register attendees and introduce the speaker.
Contact: Janet Boothe workshops@mginfo.org
Speaker’s Bureau
The MGNA Speaker’s Bureau is a talent pool of Master Gardeners who have prepared presentations on various horticulture-related subjects and are willing to present them to local community groups upon request. Most of the requests come from groups such as HBG, Learning Quest, Senior centers or church groups. Join us and share your expertise or your passion.
Contact: Melissa Kirkindall speakersbureau@mginfo.org
Jane R Parks Memorial Grant
The Master Gardeners of North Alabama grant committee oversee the Jane R Parks Memorial Grant for existing horticulture and educational projects in Madison County. This grant was set up by Master Gardener Jane Parks’ family in her memory. In August, the committee publicizes the grant and the application process. Once the applications are received, the committee meets to decide which projects will be awarded a grant. The checks are given out at the MGNA Christmas social. It is very rewarding to be on this committee and give away grant money for qualified projects.
Contact: Janet Boothe grantcommittee@mginfo.org
Morris Elementary
Help students at Morris Elementary School connect with nature and their environment utilizing the school grounds and the greenhouse. ‘Lesson plans’ include vermiculture, composting, plant composition, and plant needs. Lessons include different garden topics and occasional guest speakers. We volunteer one day a week from September until mid May. Come out and join us for this fun project working with children.
Contact Carlita Edwards carlitaedwards@gmail.com
Demonstration Vegetable Garden
The Demonstration Vegetable Garden is an edible classroom on display at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. The DVG demonstrates a range of gardening techniques; from traditional row style to small plot and raised-bed methods. Warm and cool season vegetables are grown seasonally. A rain-water collection barrel and compost demonstration site are also nearby. MGNA members and friends volunteer to maintain the garden, harvest the fruits and vegetables. Even if you’re new to growing vegetables – it’s a great learning center. Our harvest is distributed to the needy in the area through local food banks. We usually volunteer on Monday and Wednesday mornings starting at 8.
Contact: Susan Parker vegetablegarden@mginfo.org
Follow Us:
Copyright © 1997 – 2024 by the
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Alabama A&M University and Auburn University
All Rights Reserved.
Legal Disclaimer – Privacy Statement