And our ‘beautification specialists’
Suzanne’s CORNER
There are wonderfully talented women and men working diligently for all of us every day. You have probably never seen one of these ladies or gents, or realized that they exist. Perhaps you have seen a printed sign on one of the buildings saying “Project by Cass Master Gardeners” and shrugged it off, didn’t pay attention, had no idea what it implied, who was involved, or maybe you just didn’t care! No doubt you have seen what they do but have you ever stopped to admire their work? It’s colorful, well placed, nicely manicured and done at no cost to you. (Isn’t that unheard of, NO COST?) Your total enjoyment is their entire goal as they beautify our public buildings around Linden, Atlanta and all the way to Texarkana. I’m talking about our twenty-five Master Gardeners of Cass County.
Wow you say, I thought I was a “master at gardening”…I planted nine flower beds from scratch! Well, NO, not exactly! It’s not easy to get that title and certification where you are known as a “MASTER GARDENER”. According to the Texas A&M Extension office, there is a program in the near future for certification and training for 2019 Cass County. The cost is only $90. What a steal since it covers an on-line class, materials and a field trip. It really is a deal since research on line shows the cost to go as high as $250 in other parts of the USA.
“What could they possibly teach me? I’m pretty good at growing flowers,” I say! Well, further research shows this program trains individuals in not only science but the total art of gardening. Sharing the information from the certification classes, a master gardener initially becomes a volunteer who can help educate the general public on not only gardening but horticulture as well. Oh my…HORTICULTURE? WOW!
The next time you go by the Atlanta Middle School or the Linden Tax Office and Community Building, or the 12 beds at the Miller County Court House in Texarkana, look at the flowers and thank Ms. Theresa and her superb team. Not only does she plant appropriate flowers for each season like summer zinnias, moss roses, salvia, fall asters and butterfly bushes to mention a few but she labels each group of plants and flowers just in case you might want to plant a similar garden for yourself. Bet you never noticed those little white or metal signs in the soil. Take a close look on your next visit, or make a special drive-by to admire the scenery.
Tirelessly Ms. Theresa and her volunteer master gardener group make the rounds from Linden, through Atlanta and on to Texarkana almost daily in the scorching summer sun to check the flower beds, pull any weeds and water the plants. She is indeed a Master Gardener that enjoys talking flowers and helping newbies to the field.
The newly dedicated Linden Public Library is a labor of love from Ms. Lynn and several helpful volunteers. She has new freshly planted beds featuring summer flowers. Starting from scratch, she chose knock out roses, oncor azaleas, gerber daisies, moss roses, cannas and white vincas. Scott and Ken helped to till up the soil for new beds. Hard work! She said this project is a work in progress as the flowers try to get a start in fresh soil. In the case of Ms. Lynn, as with all new gardeners in the first year after certification, they are required to provide 50 hours of community service and report the stats to the Texas A&M Extension office. Her beds and flowers look remarkable and have lasted well through the unrelenting summer sun.
Visiting with the beautification specialists they all reminded me that all the flowers and plants are tremendously heat stressed and struggling in the 100 degree summer sun. The arid season is almost over and it’s just about time to plant fall colors and appropriate plants for the change in seasons and for our general enjoyment.
Our Master Gardeners grow many of the planted blooms in their own greenhouses and share these with us as well as each other. Additionally, anytime there is a plant sale at one of the box stores, you will see our group there picking up bargains for our enjoyment. They are not reimbursed for their time and trouble but take total enjoyment from the public viewing and commenting on their art. They do however, have plant sales from time to time helping to offset some of the expenses. Make sure you catch one of these sales to help out and more than likely will pick up some great tips.
It is indeed a labor of love to be a Master Gardener. “It makes me proud when someone going into the court house stops and says these flowers just make me happy every day as I go into this building to work” Ms. Theresa said.
The gardeners share happiness with all of us. And, in these trying times we can all use a bit more joyfulness and contentment as we share a smile noticing beautiful flowers attracting stunning butterflies.
If you are at all interested in pursuing becoming a Master Gardener, please research this field further. East Texas gets prettier with every new volunteer!
Important contacts for further information and to sign up: Jessica.Rymel@ag.tamu.edu