My plans to attend the master gardener program changed when I found out they use chemicals.

Johnny

I agree on the chemicals, but I figure I can filter out or discount that portion of the program.

It's unfortunate, one of our major sources of information seems to be contributing to what most of us view as a problem. That said, I've been less than impressed with the results of some of organic methods out there, so I guess I can understand how some gardeners resort to use of chemicals in extreme cases.

I have never found one online and have been looking myself since the only one I know if is during the day when I work. Which why they would not at least offer a evening or weekend one I don't know...

I passed the deadline in my county, but called to ask if there was still room. There was here, so they told me to submit. Just got my interview, and looks good. Worth a call. Good luck!

"The title Master Gardener can be used by volunteers only when engaged in Extension Service-sponsored activities."

Big nope. The real 'master gardeners' in Oklahoma are on this forum. And they will always be 'master gardeners'.

Ok. I understand people don't like the title of the volunteer program, but you don't have to disparage other people from doing it, or liking it. I'm new to that program, and also to the animosity given it. I thought most gardeners would be nice. I should know better.

I hope to someday complete the Master Gardener program but my county doesn't have one so I'd have to travel to do it. Another year! I think one of very cool parts about the volunteerism required by the MG program is that it encourages a sharing of knowledge and skills with others in your community. And I think those same knowledge and skill sharing urges account for people bothering to share and talk here on this forum. Lots in common!

Meris,

Many of us hate toxic chemicals. None of us hate other gardeners. Especially those who volunteer in their communities.

Johnny

I could give a rat'sa$$ about the title, when it comes to being 'Master Gardener'. Most, I've had contact with would be considered idiots in most circles. (Sorry, that may be a little harsh)

The master gardening program is very simply another way of advancing my skills. I WILL gain those skills with or without going through the program.

Yes, I understand our state program and many others employ methods I may or may not agree with. I'm way more than intelligent enough to sort through the info and use only what I feel like is useful.

I am a master gardener by heart. Went through the program in OKC, and in Tulsa.

Unfortunately I am no longer certified, cause I could not attend the required meetings after I started working. But I learned so much, both times! And made live long best friends.

Dawn is a much better gardener, and is loaded with tried and true knowledge I wish I had. I sooooo appreciate her giving us her time, and sharing her knowledge.

none the less, my plan is to attend the needed classes again, an get certified again this year.

But it I will never be of any help to anyone with lawn issues, as that is the lowest on my list of importance, I just don't care for over fertilized and watered lawns at all.

just concentrate on your interests.

There is much to learn.

Moni

Last time I looked the Master Gardner program here in OKC was on Tuesdays. I maybe able to manage time off work to go and then to volunteer, I don't know, but it is worth a shot asking the boss to increase knowledge and skills.

Yeah, I don't do lawns either Moni...they are a waste of space....IMHO...

Moni!!! Where have you been?

There could be possibly be a reason for county extension programs to indorse chemicals!! Just saying. But I'm sure they offer much to learn.

Moni, Don't sell yourself short. You have a huge wealth of gardening knowledge to share. I didn't know you had let your MG certification lapse and look forward to you sharing your renewed knowledge with us when you take the course again.

Down in Texas, they are trying to diversify the MG knowledge by offering some Earth Kind MG courses (in addition to the regular MG classes that are more chemically-oriented) that focus less on chemicals. I wish that concept would spread nationwide.

Like some of the rest of you, I don't care much for lawns either. They give us very little (pretty much nothing, except they cover the ground and reduce erosion) in return for all the inputs and maintenance they require. I'd rather not have a monoculture of grass when it is better for all the wild creatures to have a mixed culture of many grasses, forbs and legumes. If I'm going to put time and effort into something, it is going to be the non-grassy parts of the landscape. I don't "do" lawns. If Tim didn't regularly mow ours, I'd let it die and replace it with something else.

Dawn

I am currently converting my front lawn to Dutch white clover. This is the third year. We'll see.

I threw dutch clover on the front yard last fall. Some of it came up. We have some bare patches under the tree and I don't water the lawn, so I am hoping the clover will crowd out the bermuda and weeds. I also sprinkled it up close to the beds in back. DH doesn't want to mulch paths, so I'm hoping to keep the weeds down around the beds. I can hope, can't I?

AmyinOwasso/zone 6b(6b),

My sentiments exactly. I have seen a lawn covered with Dutch white clover once. It was very low maintenance and their chickens loved it.

Gotta keep my sentences short. I'm cooking some venison chili with home grown tomatoes and pinto beans. Home grown sweet corn (Bodacious) on the side.

Johnny

Sorry guys, I've got to have a little lawn to run my toes thru!!!!

There's nothing wrong with lawn if you want it. I just happen to not especially want it. When we lived in a nice little suburb where everyone had the standard lawn, we had a gorgeous lawn. It was St. Augustine in the front and bermuda in the sunny parts of the back yard. We fertilized it, watered it, mowed it, etc. and it always looked great. I always resented, though, that so much work went into a lawn, so I was continually digging up lawn and putting in more flower beds.

Our lawn here is mostly bermuda but we do nothing to encourage it or to keep it weed-free. We do have our share of clover but it never can outcompete the bermuda grass in full sun. Our fields are a mixure of native grasses and forbs. We just mow pathways through them. Bit by bit, as our trees get taller and wider, they are shading out the bermuda and I need to plant some sort of ground cover in those bare areas this spring. Right now the bare shady areas are mostly dandelions and poa annua.