UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension
Master Gardener Program
A Master Gardener is a volunteer who has been trained by the Extension Service as a University of Florida-trained volunteer educator in the Environmental Horticulture Program. A Master Gardener educates and provides research-based information to Floridians about gardening, environmental horticulture and pest management.
They provide information about planning and maintaining urban, suburban and rural landscapes with an emphasis on environmental stewardship. In addition, these volunteers assist homeowners with their landscape and garden concerns, staff information booths at special events, give presentations to garden clubs, work with youth groups (4-H, Scouts, public and private school students, etc.), assist with community gardens, and help train and facilitate horticultural activities for the developmentally and physically-challenged as well as senior populations.
Major activities include assisting residents at the Master Gardener Help Desk in the Extension Office as well as Help Desks at six of the county libraries, farmers’ markets, retail stores and special events, including the annual plant sale in October. They also volunteer their time conducting tours or working in demonstration landscapes throughout the county.
Some Master Gardeners are part of an outreach program in which they present 45-60 minute programs to groups throughout the county.
Contact Patricia Porchey at (941) 861-9801
