The New Hanover County Master Gardener Program is one of the oldest programs of its kind in the state. Over 150 active volunteers regularly work answering questions on the “Plant Hotline”, addressing problems in the Plant Information Clinic, maintaining the trial gardens, or working with the youth. The service project this group is most known for in New Hanover County is the “Plant Hotline” which has been in operation since the late 1970's and can be reached at 910-798-7679 or 910-798-7680. In 2006, the clinic celebrated 25 years of service to local consumers.
Yearly Master Gardener classes are conducted in mid January and interest in the program has been grown significantly in recent years. Approximately 40-50 new volunteers receive training, which consists of 40 hours of classroom instruction. In return, each trained Master Gardener gives back 50 hours of volunteer service. Classroom instruction provides a horticultural foundation for trainees to build on during their life long journey of discovery and assisting others.
The New Hanover County Master Gardener Program is first and foremost a volunteer educational program with the purpose of disseminating research based information to consumers. The Plant Information Clinic enhances the quality of life for the residents of New Hanover County by acting as a clearing-house for horticultural information. Accurate, research-based information is provided on subjects ranging from lawn fertilization to the safe and effective use of pesticides. By teaching and encouraging responsible use of garden chemicals we will have a profound beneficial effect on our environment.
If making a positive difference in your community is something you would be interested in contact the Consumer Horticulture Agent, Ken Wells, at 910-798-7674 or ken_wells@ncsu.edu and inquire about the Master Gardener program. If you would like additional information on volunteer opportunities contact CC Hensley, cc_hensley@ncsu.edu. Visit us in the Plant Clinic, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., located in the Hutaff Visitor's Center, and come out to the Arboretum to see what's growing in your community.