Submitted photo . . . Take the steps to become a master gardener volunteer and join us!

We bought our house 31 years ago and, as neophyte home buyers, we never thought of looking through the dirt-laden windows into the backyard. When we finally did, the sight was ghastly.

The yard dropped off sharply after 20 feet and, to the right, stood a colossal red sewer pipe rising from the earth, dominating the entire space. Turning to my husband, Ed, I asked if he could hide it and, oh my, what he did was beyond magical! He turned this eyesore into a park setting with 15 flower gardens, a grape arbor, three serene ponds and a bridge made with parts of the girls’ swing set. I can still hear their laughter every time I cross it.

Ed is a master at the whole gardening gig, so I was surprised when he said he wanted to become an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer and learn more.

“What could he possibly learn?” I thought to myself.

I was even more surprised when he asked me to take the classes with him. I agreed. My skill set in gardening was nowhere near Ed’s. He said that it didn’t matter, and he was right.

You don’t need to have an established background in gardening to become a Master Gardener Volunteer. You just need to have an interest in plants and be willing to learn. Like wildflowers, you thrive and grow at your own pace.

The course takes place at the Mahoning County Extension Office and takes place one day a week for 11 weeks. After instruction, you can start to volunteer, and this is where the best learning takes place and amazing friends are made. There are many programs geared to helping the public with their horticultural needs that you can dive into. Ed and I had a blast helping set up the Master Gardener Volunteer display at the Canfield Fair and interacting with the public. We also enjoy volunteering at the pest clinic with David Sprague and crew. We love researching and identifying pests. It doesn’t bug us at all!

When I started the course in January 2024, I was a part-time gardener. I had planted a few seeds on my own, and did some light gardening. Today, I’m the lead gardener on our herb garden, which I grew from seeds and planted outside last spring.

I can troubleshoot when leaves turn brown and pests invade. I’m cognizant of how and when to water and fertilize. I’ve learned over 200 flowers from our backyard gardens. My gardening transformation has been amazing. Ed has expanded his practices to use eco-friendly techniques. What a difference a year makes!

I started out small, and Ed started out big. He’s on his gardening journey, and I’m on mine, but now we garden together. I’m not just hanging out in the gardens. I’m part of the magic.

Master Gardener Volunteer applications are open and will close Dec. 5. Call 330-533-5538 if you have any questions.