Linda Burshia Battle
February starts out with Groundhog Day, and I'm always relieved if he doesn't see his shadow. An early spring is always welcomed by gardeners. Wish books (seed/plant catalogs) are turning up in my mailbox. I'm checking my yard, almost daily, for spring greenery, buds, bulbs and new growth. The shot weeds are trying to be prolific, but they are part of the process.
Whatcom County Master Gardeners are "springing" forth, also. This is the planning and motivational period before all the physical work begins in the gardens. Planning meetings, scheduling events, reserving venues, plugging in the much needed speakers, that are desperately needed, into the growing local demand from clubs, organizations and libraries.
We receive such amazing training in the Master Gardener Program. An integral part of becoming a Master Gardener involves the commitment to give back, to volunteer, to share the valuable knowledge. We don't have any statistics to back up the general feeling among the MG Foundation Board, but it seems like fewer and fewer graduates are actually volunteering after their first year. We have a strong core of experienced volunteers that have worked tirelessly for years. Unfortunately, we are not getting as many newer, younger volunteers to work and train along alongside the seasoned crew.
There are so many places that volunteer help is needed and fewer are volunteering. It's a problem that doesn't seem to be changing. We cannot have a strong MG Program with the volunteer component.
Those of you who do volunteer, who do step up and help when needed or asked, I commend you. You are the heart of our program. If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. I encourage all Master Gardeners to be part of the solution.
Linda Burshia Battle