by Karen Cochran

I started the Master Gardener class in February 2020. Many of my friends and contacts have asked me “so all knowing master gardener intern, what do I do about my this or that problem in my vegetable garden.” My reply: “Well, I don’t know much about that. I am not into growing vegetables much. I’ll look into it and get back to you.” Their reply back to me is usually something along the lines of “What??? I thought you said you were taking classes about gardening. What do you mean you are not into growing vegetables?” When talking about “gardening,” the majority of the people I encounter automatically default to gardening = growing vegetables. While growing vegetables is, definitely gardening, there are many other areas in gardening or related fields the Master Gardener course covers.

I love trees. Have you ever just stood under a massive 80-foot tree and looked up at it? From a little seedling all the way to something you cannot even wrap your arms around…all from sunlight, dirt, and water. Of course, any Master Gardener intern will tell you there is more to it than just sunlight, dirt, and water. After all, you can’t forget air! Okay, okay…. there is still really a lot more to it than just sunlight, dirt, water, and air. But if you go out in the woods, the native trees are growing in the existing earth with no help from humans. These massive quiet living things that most people pass by with no thought of, give us so much. With all they give us, they can also make or create unwanted problems. Ever see someone cutting down a beautiful magnolia because they just cannot deal with cleaning up another mess in their lawn? We have all seen pictures of fallen trees that have destroyed homes and cars. And yes, even falling and killing people.

In the Master Gardener program, planning what kinds of trees to grow for the climate and soil type is part of the class. How does it handle droughts? Any insect issues? (Ever hear of these little guys called pine beetles?) Diseases? But also, why do you want to grow the tree…for example: aesthetics, fruit, shade? How big will it get? Will it eventually become a hazard to your home? These are just a few of the topics regarding trees.

If you are interested in learning more about “Trees,” Alabama Extension has webinars about trees. Below is a link to see what tree topics are coming up and how you can participate!

https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/landscaping/raising-trees-webinarseries/

While there is so much more to know about growing trees than can ever be addressed in the class, the point is that the Master Gardener program is not a one-size-fits all endeavor. For example, I have met people who are interested in ONLY lilies. What? Yes, that is it…only lilies? But google how many kinds of lilies there are and how you can even hybridize your own! All of a sudden, saying “only lilies” doesn’t

seem so “only” anymore. Gardening has so many meanings to different people and within it, you can find your passion. The Master Gardener program will not make you an expert in any one field, but it

will give you a great overview of many areas of gardening and teach you more than what you knew before starting. For me, I will continue to focus on trees, and leave the vegetable growing to the pros. You will find me at the farmers market or in the produce section of the grocery store for my vegetables.

 

Karen Cochran, an intern in the 2020 Master Garden Class, lives in Pike Road. For more information on becoming a master gardener, visit www.capcitymga.org or email capcitymga@gmail.com.