Working with gardeners, I have realized that gardeners have three main loves. First, all gardeners love gardening and will work for hours to grow a beautiful flower to enjoy or a juicy vegetable that they will give away. They also manage to grow more for tomorrow.

Secondly, all gardeners love to learn. They crave knowledge of their favorite plants and how to get rid of weeds (undesired plants) or control insects and diseases. They will call anytime day or night to solve a problem attacking their gardens and will drive great distances in search of a new or free plant.

Thirdly, they love to share. Gardeners share everything: seeds, plants, labor and information. They derive pleasure from helping others grow the perfect lawn, rose, tomato or make compost.

An opportunity for garden lovers to learn more about gardening and to share this knowledge is on the horizon, in the form of the Master Gardener Program. The program consists of 11, three-hour classes beginning Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Extension Center located at 815 South Hope Street in Jackson. Expert speakers will discuss vegetables, fertilization, weed and pest management, fruit production, growing ornamentals, annuals and perennials, composting, lawn management, herbs and much more during the class.

After the class, trainees are expected to donate 30 hours of public service. This service can be assisting neighbors with gardening, working with Hotlines, teaching other gardeners and youth, newsletters, Food for Hungry, community gardens and much more including seminars, Home Shows and the State Master Gardener Conference. Each county has resource and project units that allow you to interact on the local level for educational and community projects. These units work closely as resources for county Extension programs and Hotline.

How do you enroll or learn more? Call your county Extension Center at (573) 545-3516 or visit with a Master Gardener.