Master gardeners applications available

Staff report

NEW CASTLE, PA.

The Penn State Extension Lawrence County office, 430 Court St. (at the courthouse), is accepting applications for the 2014-15 Penn State Master Gardener program.

The program consists of a volunteer-training course designed to provide experienced home gardeners with information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others. Informational meetings will be in September; weekly classes start in October and end March 2015.

After completing the instructional classes, candidates must agree to volunteer 50 hours for the master-gardener program during the first year. In subsequent years, 20 hours of volunteer time and 10 hours of continuing education are required.

Volunteer activities carried out by the master gardeners include monitoring pollinator gardens, planting and maintaining demonstration flower and vegetable gardens, consulting for a variety of public gardens throughout the county, answering garden-related questions on the Garden Hotline and teaching about poison prevention in the schools, among others.

There is a program fee to cover the cost of training materials and expenses. Applications are being accepted through mid-September. If interested, contact the Penn State Extension office at 724-654-8370.