From Passion to Purpose: Becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer

Sarasota County's Master Gardener Volunteers answer homeowners' questions at the Plant Clinic, propagate plants, keep up demonstration gardens, give talks and work with young people, all after training designed by the University of Florida. From Passion to Purpose, a one-hour information session from UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County at Twin Lakes Park, explains how to join. The commitment is substantial: 75 volunteer hours in the first year, split among the clinic, propagation and gardens or outreach, then 50 hours and 15 continuing-education units a year after that. Recent classes have met weekly for several months, covering botany, soils, turfgrass, entomology and irrigation. The program is open to Sarasota County residents.