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Seven individuals recently completed the LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Master Gardener (LMG) course in Washington Parish and have advanced from being LMG Trainees to LMG Apprentices. Graduates were presented certificates during a luncheon on Monday. The graduates are Anne James, Aidan Pierce, Christy Pierce, Jesse Thomas, Jason Verret, Aquinas White and Nina Wood.

Louisiana Master Gardeners help the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service provide research-based horticultural education to the public. Participation in the program begins with 40 or more hours of training. Topics covered during the training include botany, plant propagation, soil science and fertilizers, vegetables, fruits and nuts, ornamental plants, lawns, plant diseases, plant insects, weeds, and pesticides. After successful completion of the coursework and an end-of-course exam, participants become LMG Apprentices and have one year to complete at least 40 hours of volunteer service. Following fulfillment of the volunteer service requirement, LMG Apprentices become Certified Louisiana Master Gardeners.

People who are interested in learning more about gardening and lawn care and desire to serve the public by helping provide education in these areas are invited to apply to be part of a future Louisiana Master Gardener course for Washington Parish residents. Contact Horticulture Agent Mary Helen Ferguson (mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu or 985-277-1850) for an application or to request e-mail updates about upcoming horticulture-related events held by the LSU AgCenter in Washington Parish. The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.

Dr. Mary Helen Ferguson is an Associate Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter, with horticulture responsibilities in Washington and Tangipahoa Parishes. Contact Mary Helen at mhferguson@agcenter.lsu.edu, 985-839-7855 (Franklinton) or 985-277-1850 (Hammond).