My First Month as a Master Gardener in Training

(I feel the need to add a disclaimer to this post, that it was written in 2020 I believe... I chuckle now to read it and perhaps in one of my next posts I will share several of the reasons why).

My name is Christine and I have had the pleasure of being an active volunteer in my community of Stoney Creek, Ontario for several years. This summer, the gardening and horticultural community welcomed me with open arms as I threw myself headfirst into new endeavors. My journey towards becoming a Master Gardener in Training officially began when I joined my local Garden Club. At the very first meeting I attended I knew it was perfect for me and that I was on the right path. THESE WERE MY KIND OF PEOPLE! I loved the topics we discussed, and the presentations were phenomenal. I was lucky to learn from some very knowledgeable guest speakers, Claudette and Allyn. I couldn’t get enough! That was when I first heard of the term “Master Gardener”. I immediately began researching.

You see, like many others, I sought solace in nature throughout the ups and downs of the pandemic. Memories of being a young child by my grandfather's side in his garden in Orillia, Ontario guided me as I grew a significant (if I do say so myself) vegetable garden in my backyard. At the same time, without having any formal training, I attempted to create a pollinator garden in my front yard. The next thing I knew I was calling myself a #RoseMom and battling aphids like my life depended on it.

There is a lot that one needs to learn about gardens in order to be successful. That being said, I love gardening and have poured my heart and soul into my gardens. I want to help inspire others to do the same and feel the same peace that gardening brings me.

"Like many others, I've sought solace in nature."

So, after a short family meeting, we agreed it was time. There wouldn’t be a better opportunity for me to start my formal horticulture education than this fall. My extended maternity leave is coming to an end and pivoting feels natural at this point. Guelph University, here I come! Taking a chance. Seeking new opportunities! Going back to school!

The road to becoming a Master Gardener in Training compliments my secret dreams for the future perfectly. An amazing team of individuals who are just as passionate about plants and soil as I am makes me feel very supported in my quest for knowledge. Don’t even get me started on the compost chatter! Joking aside, it is so much more than that. Way more than I could include in this short “how I got started” blog. Sharing a love of gardening, and the environment with a well-oiled-machine (that also happens to be an amazing charitable organization) truly is something to behold. Becoming a trusted resource for other gardeners and helping advocate for best practices while promoting factual, scientific information through my own rapidly growing knowledge base? Yes, please.

Maybe, just maybe, I also might be able to find a way to tie in all these loose pieces of my deep desire to end food scarcity in Canada. That’s right, I said it. It’s not just the beautiful pollinator gardens, no-mow-lawns or reduction of impact on city water systems that draws me in. It’s believing that positive change comes to our society one person at a time. Right now, I feel as if it is my duty to do everything in my power to make things better for my kids and those around me.

Looking ahead, I have made commitments this year that bring me joy when I think about them. Being a Master Gardener in Training means I must pass a written exam within a certain window of time as well as complete 30 volunteer hours per year. The next few months are already filling up with unbelievable educational opportunities featuring workshops delivered by the best of the best. I have already spent hours drooling over the members’ section of the Halton Master Gardeners website and let me tell you, I do not take this privilege lightly.

With any luck I will continue to take this all in and provide updates on my journey. I have already learned so much in such a short period of time that it’s difficult for me to believe. But it is all so, so good. Like when I got to meet a Master Gardener of thirty years AND got a special tour of the garden he has been tending to for fifty years…

But that, my friends, is a tale for another time. Now, get going and go grow something! Preferably native.

Always sending you my warmest wishes,

Christine

MGIT