The Palmyra Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension will again offer the Master Gardener training class beginning in January 2010. The Master Gardener Program is a volunteer education partnership, dedicated to working with the community to promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management.

The training occurs in two stages:

• Each participant receives 50 hours of classroom and field instruction on such subjects as weed and insect control, composting, and plant propagation (to name a few of the 16 specific topics).
• At the completion of training, a 50-hour internship as a horticulture volunteer is required. Volunteers assist with horticulture programs and activities to educate our community, protect the environment, and refer questions to appropriate agencies.

The training class, which is held from 9 a.m. to noon, will begin on January 6 and will be held in the Meeting Room at the Fluvanna County Public Library.

Class size is limited so individuals are encouraged to submit their application early. The early registration discount ends December 15.

To obtain an application and fee schedule, contact the Fluvanna County Cooperative Extension Office at 434-591-1950, or email the Training Committee Recruiter at areyouliterate@yahoo.com.