This article was written by Gail Griffin, Class of 1996, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Lee County.

For the Extension Master Gardener volunteers of Lee County, that beginning was in 1996. A class of fifteen students set out on a course of study to learn more about horticulture and help them find answers to their own gardening questions. This diverse group of individuals varied in age, occupation, background and level of education. Many were retired, others had a true interest in being involved in the community. All shared a common goal of learning more about plants and their importance in enhancing our lives and the environment around us. Since then, there have been a dozen Master Gardener classes and almost one hundred and forty participants!

The Extension Master Gardener Program

It was not exactly a new program. The Extension Master Gardener program originally started in Washington State and initially took root in North Carolina in Wake and New Hanover Counties in the 1970s. A statewide curriculum had been developed to assist county horticultural agents in relating information to the public. This was based on research at the state's land grant universities, notably N.C. State and N.C. A&T University. This program had spread across the state in more populated areas and finally found its way to Lee County in 1996. There must have been a good fit between Extension and this new class of volunteers, because it is now turning thirty!

Technology and Resources

In those early years, you have to understand that technology looked quite a bit different than it does today. Home computers were just starting to become more widespread, user-friendly and affordable by the mid-to-late 1990's. Class material at that time was confined to a training binder and internal resources. For many of these students their research was through books and publications, not yet at the click of a mouse. The first Master Gardener manual was published in 1994 with updates and revisions in 1998 and again in 2014. The Master Gardener Handbook, as it is now known, was not widely available online until 2018. These early EMG participants helped pave the way to provide a valuable service to the community.

Moving Locations

There have been quite a few changes in the Lee County program in thirty years, with the location being one of them. In the beginning, Lee County Cooperative Extension was located on South Steele Street in downtown Sanford. Through the generosity of the Ernest and Ruby McSwain Foundation, the Master Gardeners now find their home at 2420 Tramway Road in the Agriculture Center that bears the name of its benefactors. During the move between locations in 2000, monthly meetings were held at the homes of members. The McSwain Center has allowed for the creation of Extension Demonstration Gardens, like the Pollinator Haven Garden, through the years, as well.

Community Projects Through the Years

The EMG volunteers in Lee County have supported countless service projects over the years. To date, Master Gardeners have logged more than 25,000 hours of community service!

We have installed raised vegetable beds, landscapes and pollinator gardens. We have made presentations, held workshops and plant clinics, held gardening demonstrations and manned information booths. Master Gardeners have helped with programs in schools, churches, daycares and local parks.

You may have seen us during the Lee Regional Fair, at the Sanford Farmers’ Market, at the McSwain Center or at public events. We have been involved in projects at the Enrichment Center, local libraries, the Stevens Center and Habitat for Humanity. We have supported Extension with the gardening helpline, answering phone calls and emails, and with reaching out to the public through media outlets, including newspaper publications, and radio and television stations.

Some programs are still ongoing, some remained for several years, and some were one-time events. Some were more successful than others. Nonetheless, enthusiasm remains through our persistence and presence. Thirty years and growing, and there is more to come.

Article Attribution

This article was written by Gail Griffin, Class of 1996, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Lee County; and edited by Amanda Bratcher, horticulture agent, NC Cooperative Extension- Lee County Center

Amanda Bratcher is the horticulture agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension- Lee County Center. You can reach out to the office at 919-775-5624 for more information or questions regarding this article, but also any other questions about your garden, farm, land or plants! We’re here to help! You can check out our website's events page for more information and to register for upcoming programs.

This article originally appeared in The Sanford Herald. You can read more articles from the Herald here.

Learn more!

Learn more about the Lee County EMG Program on our website.

Learn more about the State Extension Master Gardener Program and the impact the EMG volunteers have across the state on their website.

Learn more about gardening through the online, FREE Extension Gardener Handbook