Fourteen people recently graduated from LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Master Gardener Course in Tanguipahoa Parish and were promoted from LMG trainees to LMG apprentices.
Certificates were presented to the graduates at the Tanguipahoa Parish Master Gardeners Association held on December 8th.
Alumni include Shuna Bickham, Nick Bordelon, Janice Koston, Liz Durham, Thomas Eisenman, Trudy Foster Landry, Lee Ingles, Carolyn Howard, Melissa Jones, Jon Lord, Valerie Magee, Mark Perettiere, Deroxolin Spencer, Jodie Starker.
Additionally, seven LMG apprentices who completed the class in 2021 and provided more than 40 hours of volunteer service to the LSU AgCenter were promoted to Certified Louisiana Master Gardeners.
These volunteers include Michael Clancy, Rebecca Eisenman, Sandra Grimm, Charlotte Humphries, Alicia Cornick, Michelle Regans and Cheryl Wade.
The Louisiana Master Gardener helps the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service provide research-based horticultural education to the public. Participation in the program begins with at least 40 hours of training.
Topics covered during the training include Botany, Plant Propagation, Soil Science and Fertilizers, Vegetables, Fruits and Nuts, Houseplants, Lawns, Plant Diseases, Plant Insects, Weeds, and Pesticides.
After successfully completing coursework and an end-of-course exam, participants become LMG apprentices and are given one year to complete at least 40 hours of volunteer service. Upon meeting the Volunteer Service requirements, LMG Apprentices become Certified Louisiana Master Gardeners.
Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an LSU AgCenter Extension Agent responsible for horticulture in the Tanguipahoa and Washington Parish. She answers fruit, nut and vegetable calls for Tanguipahoa Parish. Contact her Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850.