Early on the morning of Nov. 29, 2007 I departed Madison, GA on my way to Jasper, GA in Pickens County to complete my fifth Advance Course. The Course was on Invasive Plants and the first time it had been offered. When I arrived in the parking area at 7 AM I was welcomed by the spectacular rays of a beautiful North Georgia sunrise.

I was an hour early but as I entered the room I signed in with Anita Rosen and Debbie Dickson and was greeted by the smiling faces of many other enthusiastic volunteers. The room had already been beautifully set up and ready for the activities of the day. After I signed in I met Al Rothe, President of the Pickens County Master Gardener Association and soon to be NE District Director and quite a few of the lovely ladies who greeted me and as old friend which instantly made me feel at home. Of course, as with every Advanced Course I have attended, there was coffee, donuts and other refreshments.

The attendees began filtering in and by the starting time of 8 AM 56 Master Gardeners

were in their seats eager to go to work.

We were welcomed by the capable Pickens County Coordinator Rick Jasperse. After listening to Rick we learned an Advanced course doesn’t happen over night as Rick told us he, Al Rothe and the Pickens County volunteers had worked with Krissy for months arranging for speakers and gathering all the materials necessary, including door prizes, which included a small jar of Kudzu jelly, a recipe book written by the Pickens County MGs and a surprise going away bag of goodies we received at the end of the day.

The first speaker was Dr. David Moorhead- UGA Warnell School of Forestry, followed by Alan Lowman- GA Dept of AG, Plant Protection Division, Eddie Ayers- AG Agent Fannin County, Cynthia Taylor- Elachee Nature Center and ended with Dr. Gary Burtle-  UGA Aquaculture, all experts in their field. If we thought we knew a little about invasive plants we were astounded to learn we were merely neophytes.

Between speakers, there a break for an outstanding lunch of Cuban and steak sandwiches, black bean soup and an amazingly tasty mini gourmet Kudzu quiche, and time to talk with a speaker or two and meet the many dedicated fellow Master Gardeners from around the State.

Advanced Training is to benefit the Cooperative Extension programming with recognition for Master Gardeners participating and to teach them new information to share with their local Association members as well as to share their knowledge though public education. Local MG Associations can be of great benefit by keeping interest alive in the program, providing invaluable networking and support. They are like auxiliary or booster organizations and have provided tremendous support for County Extension offices in hosting Advanced Training

I you have yet to attend and participate in the Advance Master Gardener training program you have missed out on a wonderful experience. However, it will not come to your door step unless, with your help, a local County Coordinator will arrange for a Course to be offered in your area. Courses have already been offered in many areas of the State as well as in conjunction with several of our recent Conferences.

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Upon completing the Course on Invasive Plants I now qualify for the Silver Badge Award which I will proudly wear on my MG Badge. If you haven’t begun the process of Advanced MG Training I suggest you do. It is provided by the Georgia Master Program and is there for the asking. All it takes is your commitment and the time to continue your Master Gardener education.

When you complete your initial Master Gardener training and have completed your 50 hours you will be surprised to learn there is more to Master Gardening than takes place in your local area. To broaden your outlook, meet new friends and expand your gardening education become involved in Advanced Training and the Bi-annual Conferences.

 

Read your emails from Krissy Slagle to keep up with the next Advanced Course being offered. You may also find the information on the GMGA Website at http://www.georgiamastergardeners.com/mission.html Check it often or you may be missing important current items of interest.

 

A favorite motto of mine states, “Any day you spend and go to bed without learning something new is a day wasted”.