More than 150 years ago, lawmakers in the federal government recognized a need for unbiased, science-based advice and education among the farmers and agricultural workers of our country.
Through a series of laws and initiatives, the Agricultural Cooperative Extension was created with an office in every county of every state. This resource is available to inform and educate anyone desiring assistance with farming and agriculture.
The Extension Master Gardener Program is an outgrowth of this endeavor. With a Master Gardener Program in nearly every extension office nationwide, there are over 85,000 members whose goal is to serve the communities in which they live.
Patrick County Master Gardener Association (PCMGA) currently has over 40 members serving a county that is 98% rural, providing education and advice for everything from yard maintenance to flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and orchards.
Here in Patrick County, our Master Gardener program is guided by four principal officers:
Ed Coleman – President
Robin Reichelt – Vice President
Sylvia Cummings – Treasurer
Denny Jennings – Secretary
Ed Coleman serves as president for the PCMGA. Anyone who meets Ed can’t help but notice how knowledgeable he is. Getting to know him, it is apparent that he is always seeking new opportunities to learn and has a passion for sharing what he learns. He says, “I became a master gardener because I wanted to teach others how to grow their own fruits and vegetables as a way to help reduce food insecurity. The pandemic, the shortages and the inflation that followed highlighted the extent of food insecurity within our community. In response, the Master Gardeners of Patrick County created a demonstration garden, and over the past three years, have provided 24 free workshops for those interested in growing their own produce.”
Ed further explains, “Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Master Gardeners are volunteers who enjoy sharing their passion for gardening within their communities by providing educational programs. One of our most important activities is teaching others within our community how to create landscapes and gardens that are
environmentally friendly and sustainable.”
Robin Reichelt serves as Vice President for the PCMGA. She has been with Master Gardeners for 8 years. Robin views gardening as an adventure and a source of joy. She first joined Master Gardeners in Williamsburg, Va after she retired from teaching 20 years ago. Robin has since moved to Patrick County, and we are fortunate to have her excellent leadership and organizational skills. She describes her early days of gardening as hit or miss. Robin says, “I decided I needed more knowledge to become more successful. Also becoming a Master Gardener allowed me a place and time to meet with new people with similar interests to me. Lastly, it gave me a chance to give back to the community.”
Sylvia Cummings serves as treasurer for the PCMGA. She has been with the organization since 2015. Sylvia was inspired to garden by her grandmother and wanted to carry on her tradition of gardening vegetables. But more than that, Sylvia is proud that her activities benefit her community. She says, “We can give to deserving people and organizations. Learning gardening is rewarding, but writing a scholarship check makes you happy to help someone in life.” Never short on enthusiasm, she adds, “I was born in Patrick County – raised here – love living here. I’m probably the best free-walking publicity for Patrick County there is.”
Denny Jennings serves as Secretary for the PCMGA. She completed her training just last year. Denny says, “I wanted to study gardening to expand my knowledge and abilities on our forever-home property. But I quickly learned that this program is much more involved. As I became more involved with the organization, I was impressed by the clear focus of our group as a help to our community.
Education is the key factor. As I learned more about nature and horticulture, I discovered that the members had a wealth of knowledge about all things gardening. Our projects provide gardens and learning areas, but the major focus is always educating the public and being a valuable resource for our community.”
Denny is an active volunteer, helping to beautify uptown Stuart with our many community gardens. She also coordinates a partnership with Solutions To Empower People (STEP), a community agency that provides resources and meals to our senior citizens.
I think she speaks for all of us when she says that PCMGA allows its members to continue to be life-long learners, providing a warm and welcoming gardening family of friends dedicated to the growth and enrichment of our community.
We hope you will come grow with us.
Find us on Facebook at Patrick County Master Gardeners or email us at pcmgassn@gmail.com
For Extension Master Gardeners Training inquiries, please email us at pcmgbasictraining@gmail.com
Or check us out at patrickmastergardeners.org
Don’t forget, you can also get assistance with:
*site analysis
*agriculture and horticulture questions
*information regarding speakers for your organization’s upcoming events
Contact the Patrick County Virginia Cooperative Extension (276) 694-3341 for more information.
