Master Kudzu

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Comment by Christine Chapin on February 12, 2009 at 8:41am

if I can ever get the man to return a call or answer emails- the Master Gardener program took a hit this past summer in my book as he never returned calls or emails about joining the program!!! I started last June trying to get in touch with him- as someone that has coordinated projects between groups for a living for 20+ years it does not give me confidence in the program as a resource- I do like the name though and we can come up with something to that effect.... sooner rather than later.

Comment by Lana Sutton on February 12, 2009 at 7:50am

christine, I think it would be cool if the SCA paired up with the master gardeners, maybe even the master kudzu gardeners for a past meets present home gardening event. It would be cool, and Tom might go for it, maybe not while he's really busy. We could call it a Slash to the Past, going back in medieval time for Kudzu-Free Victory Gardens. Just joking. however, I personally am focusing on heirloom varieties. So I think we gould get a lot of the other groups involved, including two new groups I met last night who are focused on homesteading and healthy home building. These groups bring their own membership, and we can all grow together. Also, it really takes a lot of pressure off planning an event when there are several groups responsible for it at once. It's a non-traditional group administrating method, but a fast track of sorts.

Comment by Kat on February 12, 2009 at 7:48am

Thanks, Lana - I'll dig around on SC and see what comes up. So is your general impression that we *can* get away with front-yard gardening? I'm in a relatively pastoral area even though I'm inside the city, and I don't plan on doing the entire yard at this point. "Good little yard nazis..." he he. You crack me up. Thanks for the continued inspiration.

Comment by Lana Sutton on February 12, 2009 at 7:43am

Kat, I have some sample ordinances on my MySpace Sustainable Chattanooga website, although it is probably also embedded in the conversation on the group site as well, since I was trying to get input. I believe there is some in the blogs and will have to review that, it's been so long. I recommended some changes to the ordinance as well, but it's my impression that the city let the ecolandscaping group fizzle out, since it was very unpopular to cite folks for farming and rebuilding habitat. But the city was also getting political pressure to smack folks who have non-traditional lawns, thus upset the neighbors who do mow twice a month, and keep their discount walmart exotic invasive plants all in tidy, gaudy rows like good little yard nazis.

Comment by Lana Sutton on February 12, 2009 at 7:39am

Tom is pretty strung out, but I've worked with him for years. He has workshops coming up for community gardens that I think we'd be interested in participating and learning, if only to improve our own gardens. I'm following how that evolves, because I'd really like to see the master gardeners provide educational tools for home gardeners.

Comment by Kat on February 7, 2009 at 12:21pm

Wow, you've been trying to reach him for a long time. Yeah, I'd put in an appearance, or another call. I called a couple times in one week and happened to get the County Director who was grateful to have received the call so that he was aware of the difficulty folks have been having in reaching Tom (or so he said).

I know they are backed up for a year when it comes to joining the classes. I forgot to mention that in my prior post. If I were you I'd show up and talk to the office people. If Tom is there that day, odds are they'll have him come out and talk to you.

Comment by Christine Chapin on February 7, 2009 at 12:07pm

I can post stuff here- no problem we can also schedule stuff just for the group(s) too.

Comment by Christine Chapin on February 7, 2009 at 12:06pm

unfortunately I have all the info plus the completed application and his personal email- I've already contacted my buddies at National- I used to work for the National 4-H division of Extension. I get kind of p***y when I don't get return emails from people who are supposed to be professionals and are trying to "grow" a program that is all volunteer- I have been a Volunteer Director or Manager for over 20 years until I decided that I like the admin end of things- I started this process of contacting them June 16, 2008- so he doesn't get the benefit of the doubt anymore.

Comment by Kat on February 7, 2009 at 8:51am

Christine, are you game to keep us posted here about any relevant classes/workshops/events for sustainable living that the SCA is putting on? I'm on the VR list but if specifically relevant things were mentioned here, that'd be cool.

Lana, is there any way you can you direct me to policies, etc. about front yard gardening? I haven't had a chance to dig for this and I'm hoping you may have some things at your fingertips. Is there anything still in place that would stop me from being able to garden out front? I'd like to find out what the current limits are. Also any info from others' experience with landlords and rental property would be very helpful. Thanks!

Comment by Kat on February 7, 2009 at 8:49am

The person you want to talk to about the Master Gardener program is Tom Stebbins. He's a very busy man, especially right now with the classes going on, and mostly when you call the extension office it will be volunteers who call you back. Whenever I need something from them, I show up in person. Here is some info in case it helps:

The sign-up fee is $140 which includes a three-ring binder of course materials, and first year membership dues to the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County.

To become a Master Gardener, individuals must receive a total of 40 hours of in-depth horticultural training by extension specialists and agents from the UT and local experts in horticulture. Students who complete the training, meet the attendance requirements, and complete a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service will be awarded the title of Tennessee Master Gardener. Certification is valid for one year. 27 volunteer hours plus 8 continuing education hours are required for continued certification.

Volunteer hours include: admin assistance, preparing for field days or at the UT extension office, or serve on committees. Also community service projects including educational projects and working with other agencies. Teaching or preparing educational programs to groups, or writing newsletter articles.

To apply, call 423.855.6113 or email tstebbins@utk.edu

On the web, go to www.mghc.org

or http://mastergardeners.tennessee.edu

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