Do you love gardening? Would you like to give back to the community by doing something you love?  Would you like to learn more about horticulture?  If you answered yes to these questions, you might consider becoming a Penn State Extension Master Gardener.

The Master Gardener Program promotes research-based best gardening practices to educate the community.  Master Gardeners develop their horticultural expertise through a series of classes conducted by Penn State University faculty and Extension staff. The Program is a great way to make lasting friendships, share your joy of gardening, and serve the community.

Master Gardeners typically have the following qualities:

• A love of learning more about horticultural best practices based on scientific research.
• A willingness and enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge and experiences with others.
• A dedication to performing volunteer activities in their community.
• A desire to promote environmental stewardship.

If these qualities describe you, and you would like to serve your community, become a Penn State Master Gardener.  Master Gardeners help the Extension Service better serve the home gardening public by answering questions, speaking to groups, writing gardening articles, working with youth, gardening in the demonstration gardens, and in many other ways.

To receive an application, you must first attend one of three upcoming free information sessions to learn about the program.  Two sessions will be held online (May 2nd and May 14th), and the third session will be held in person at the Smedley Park Environmental Center in Springfield on May 16th.  All sessions will be from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and are free to attend.  Applicant interviews will be held during the summer.

If you are interested in attending one of the information sessions to learn about the program and to receive an application, contact the Delaware County Master Gardener Coordinator, Holly Thorpe via email at hat5041@psu.edu. You can also hover over the appropriate QR code with the camera app on your smartphone or tablet to register.

In-person at Smedley Park:  May 16, 2024, at 7 pm   

 Webinar: May 2 or May 14, 2024, at 7 pm                                 

The 33rd Annual Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Delaware County Garden Contest, open to all county gardeners (novice to advanced), will be held this spring and summer. Master Gardeners will personally visit all gardens entered in the content.  They are interested in gardeners’ good gardening practices, design, plant variety, and environmental impact and will recognize winning gardens for their merits.

On the judging days, entrants meet with the panel of Master Gardeners, who will not only judge the gardens but also answer gardeners’ questions. Award ribbons and certificates for each category will be presented at the annual Fall Fest, which takes place at Smedley Park in Springfield on Sept. 28.

Photo by Steven Brodsky

All Delaware County community gardens are welcome to enter, whether you are a school, senior center, or any other kind of group garden.

Judging Dates

The 33rd annual Garden Contest has the following three judging dates.  The first judging date of May 17 is for judging ornamental gardens that have spring ephemerals such as azaleas, bulbs, and peonies. The deadline to enter is May 13.

If your garden is full of annual flowers and early summer flowering shrubs and trees, the June 21 date fits your garden’s splendor.  The deadline to enter is June 17.

On Aug. 2, they will judge vegetable and community gardens throughout the county.  The deadline to enter is July 29.

If you are interested in entering the garden contest, copy the following URL into your browser: https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4ZKsuYttlUmrSho