Suffolk County Master Gardener Program

What is a Master Gardener?

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who provide the public with gardening programs and activities that draw on the horticultural research and experience of Cornell University.

Each Master Gardener has received an initial 125 hours of research-based instruction from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. Master Gardeners are kept up-to-date through continued exposure to the latest developments in environmental horticulture. In return, they have agreed to share their knowledge with neighbors by volunteering an equivalent number of hours in community service.

Suffolk County’s Master Gardener Program, along with similar programs in other counties in New York State, is directly linked to Cornell University as part of its National Land-Grant College charter. It is this tie to Cornell that provides Master Gardener with state-of-the-art gardening knowledge.

Who Can Be a Master Gardener?

Anyone who enjoys gardening and has a desire to share knowledge and skills in their community. Master Gardeners are a cross-section of men and women from Suffolk County. Among the over 800 Master Gardeners are schoolteachers, accountants, police officers -- some are retired, some are homemakers, some are younger, some are older -- in fact, the whole gamut of professions and lifestyles is represented. Anyone with a desire to learn more about gardening and an interest in contributing to the community on a voluntary basis is a candidate for the Suffolk County Master Gardener Program.

How do Master Gardeners Contribute To Their Community?

Master Gardeners . . .

• Answer gardening questions at libraries,flower shows, community gardens, etc.
• Design and install community beautification projects.
• Create and participate in programs for senior citizens, youth, and the physically and mentally challenged.
• Present gardening information through a Speakers’ Bureau to garden clubs, libraries and any interested groups.
• Instruct neighbors (and neighborhoods) on the proper care of lawns, shrubs, trees, flowers and the production of fruits and vegetables.
• Install exhibits and provide gardening information at flower shows, such as the Town of Brookhaven Landscape & Garden Show.
• Offer gardening classes at public libraries, local high schools and the Suffolk County Community College.
• Are involved with school gardens in the community.

For more information about the Master Gardener program please contact: Caroline T. Kiang, Master Gardener Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, 423 Griffing Avenue, Suite 100, Riverhead, NY 11901 or call (631) 727-7850.

Applications are available in September to anyone who is interested in participating in the program.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County • 631-727-7850