Twelve interns of the Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of Clay County have completed the 13-week course to become professional gardeners. This course is offered by the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Clay County Center to help residents become more knowledgeable about different aspects of gardening, including growing crops and flowers and understanding soil and diseases. Over the course of the class, the interns had the opportunity to attend classes each week that were taught by an expert in each field. Now that they have graduated, the new Master Gardeners will complete volunteer and education hours each year to help them continue growing and learning. This group of interns was eager to get to work, following their graduation, they headed down to the Downtown Discovery Gardens to get to work on their first project. We look forward to watching them ‘bloom’ in this program and community. Congratulations interns! If you are interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer of Clay County, please visit our website to sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications about upcoming courses.

2023 Master Gardener Graduates – Front Row – Helen Seymour, Stacey Cassedy, Jeff King, Frances Avent. Middle Row – Christine White (president), Denna Brand, Jennifer Higel, Melinda James, Marjorie Hobkirk, Nancy Dutcher. Back Frow – David Also Brook, Bill O’Malley, Roland Eunice.