Ferriday — The Concordia Parish Extension Office will be hosting its first Louisiana Master Gardener certification course this month for horticulture enthusiasts.

The Louisiana Master Gardener program is a service and educational activity designed to recruit and train volunteers to help meet the needs of home gardeners, while providing an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for volunteers.

Classes for the LSU AgCenter program will meet weekly at the Central Louisiana Technical Community College in Ferriday for 14 sessions.

Those interested from Concordia, Catahoula and Tensas parishes are encouraged to pick up an application from the Concordia Parish Extension Office in the old courthouse in Vidalia or by calling County Agent Sara K. Nuss at 318-336-5315.

Completed applications are due back to the Extension Office by Monday to be included in the 2014 program.

After applications have been submitted and approved, participants should bring their payment of $150 to the first class meeting and orientation, which will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 27 at the college.

For more information, please contact the Concordia parish Extension Office.