Master Gardener Program

Green Spring Gardens established a Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program in 2001. The site's horticultural resources and its mission to advance the awareness and practice of responsible horticulture make it an ideal location to host a VCE Master Gardener Volunteer Program.

The VCE Master Gardener Program began in 1972 when Washington State Cooperative Extension trained interested volunteers to serve as a community resource for reliable horticulture information. Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Programs are now active in 48 states and provide an invaluable service to their communities.

To become a Green Spring Master Gardener Volunteer requires a commitment of 100 hours in the first year. This time commitment is divided between 50 hours of specialized training in environmental horticulture and 50 hours of internship volunteering in approved horticulture education projects in the community.

After the first year, VCE Master Gardener status is maintained by remaining active in the program as a volunteer educator for 20 hours per year and participating in eight hours of continuing education in horticulture.

The Green Spring VCE Master Gardener Volunteer training is held each fall beginning in September and ending in late November. The training generally requires two three-hour classes per week and two Saturday classes.

We interview all applicants and select approximately 30 trainees by the end of June. Selection criteria include the ability to commit to the training schedule with no more than three absences and adequate time and commitment to follow through on VCE approved Master Gardener volunteer projects.

For more information, an application, or to be placed on the waiting list, please contact:

Sandra Reichert
Community Horticulture Program Coordinator
703-642-0128