Pasco Master Gardeners

The Master Gardener Program is sponsored by the Pasco County Extension Office, a part of IFAS, the Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida.

Master Gardeners "promote wise use of natural resources at Cooperative Extension offices around the state."

Pasco's first Master Gardener class was held in 1995, and trained about 80 students through 1999. Our first class was started by then director Michael Demaree. Dr. Vivienne Harris, Horticulture Agent/Director of the Pasco County Extension Service took over in September 2000 and really infused the program with new energy, applying for grants to fund the FYN program, and kicking MGs into high gear. Among other things, she helped design and build the Demonstration Garden. (Dr. Harris has recently passed and is sorely missed.)

There are requirements we need to meet and maintain our MG status. MGs are required to volunteer 50 hours per calendar year with the Extension in horticultural and educational programs.

MG volunteers come from every part of the county-Dade City, New Port Richey, Hudson, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, and Trilby.

Most of us realize that we should be turning in our volunteer hours, but we also need to be taking continuing education courses like the Regional MG Training at Lowry Park or at New Turfs & Alternatives at the Florida Botanical Gardens in Pinellas County. (see our Events section for upcoming opportunities.)

This site is a resource for information about events for or by Master Gardeners.

Useful Links

IFAS Master Gardeners Web Site