“My garden will never make me famous,

I’m a horticultural ignoramus,

I can’t tell a stringbean from a soybean,

Or even a girl bean from a boy bean.”

Ogden Nash

He Digs, He Dug, He Has Dug

Had Ogden Nash had the opportunity to become a Master Gardener, perhaps his self esteem could have been elevated in the field of growing things.

If only Ogden had had the opportunity awaiting all of you, he too could have become a Master Gardener. Yes, the 2009 Master Gardener training is beginning.

For everyone who has been thinking about joining this fun group, which has lots to learn and lots to give, now is the time to register. Call the Adams County Extension Office at 601-445-8201 immediately.

Class starts Tuesday, Feb. 24 and meets each Tuesday and Thursday until April 2 from 1 to 5 p.m.

The registration deadline is Monday. The cost is $105 and scholarships are available.

You will be educated on a variety of garden subjects including basic botany, plant propagation, weed science, fruits and nuts, insects, invasive plants, lawns, ornamentals, soils and vegetables. Curriculum material will be provided to support the classroom. Class instructors include extension specialists, agents and horticulture professionals. That’s 40 hours of education. You will be trained and certified in horticulture and related areas.

In exchange for this 40 hours of educational training, you are then asked to give 40 hours of volunteer service within one year to help county extension offices with horticulture projects that benefit the local community. After the first year, volunteers are required to return 20 hours of volunteer service and to attend 12 hours of education training to remain certified as Master Gardeners.

The Master Gardener Program is great fun. You learn a lot and you laugh a lot as you return to the community.

The Master Gardener program is an outreach of the Mississippi State University Extension Organization. For more information contact your County Extension Office or visit the following Web site: msucares.com/lawn/master_gardener/index.html.

Classes meet at Adams County Home Extension Office, which is located on Lower Woodville Road next to the old International Paper building.

Refreshments will be provided and everyone is welcome. Beginners, know-it-all, plant killers, join us.

Gardening is fun, healthy and even to some a spiritual experience. After all, it was God who made the fist garden.

Register today.

Mary Jane Gaudet is a Master Gardener.