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Writer's pictureRogene "Jeannie" McPherson, Country Notebook

The joy of being an Extension Master Gardener

Updated: Aug 7, 2024


Country Notebook

By Rogene "Jeannie" McPherson


Recently I took a trip down memory lane going back to the fall of 2010.  I had retired in the spring of that same year and was looking for ways to remain physically and mentally active and develop new friendships.  Having read about the training to become an Extension Master Gardener and finding much joy in gardening, the opportunity was too good to pass up.


With pen and paper in hand, I started the fall training with individuals from Johnson, Linn and Miami counties, enough to fill a medium size room at the Johnson County Extension Office in Olathe. My classmates included about 10 men and women from Miami County. I was the only one from Linn County, but fortunately that has changed to include many individuals from Linn County once the two counties merged to become K-State Research and Extension –Marais des Cygnes District.


My mentor and I soon became good friends and we remain so after many years.  I remained active as a EMG (Extension Master Gardener) for years until life threw me a curve ball and I had to decide how best to manage my time.


That brings me to 2024 when I began having an interest once again in reconnecting with the EMG program. Perfect timing as an email indicated a meeting of EMGs at the 4-H Building in Mound City followed by a tour of the Linn County Courthouse. My memory is not as good as it used to be, but apparently good enough as some of the same individuals from the 2010 class remain as EMGs…. and I remembered their names. 


By the way, if you haven’t had a reason to go to the Linn County Courthouse, make up one and spend 15 minutes enjoying the shrubs and perennials found on the north, south and east side of the courthouse. The goal is to have something in color at least three out of the four seasons and the EMGs and courthouse staff put together an outstanding plan that makes a beautiful vintage courthouse and lawn the envy of any gardener.


One of my many philosophies in life is that we can never have enough flowers or friends. I enjoyed my recent evening with friends and hearing of the many programs supported by the Extension Master Gardening Program. A few programs and events include Seeds for Kids, the Spring Plant Sale, Hotline for answering the community’s gardening questions, gardening tour and other volunteer opportunities.  


Fellow gardeners, please consider applying for one of the available training spots for the 2025 Master Gardener class.  The camaraderie of meeting people with mutual interests, learning new skills, and sharing those skills with others is a fun and rewarding adventure. The application is attached. Please note the deadline for this year’s class is July 31. I also suggest you read carefully the expectation of becoming an EMG. The commitment you make includes completion of the training and then giving back through one of many volunteer opportunities.  Come join us!


Rogene “Jeannie” McPherson, from the Centerville area, is a regular contributor to the Linn County Journal. Her latest book Posts from the Country, Adventures in Rural Living is available online in both virtual and printed editions. Copies are on the shelves at all Linn County libraries.




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