Get Growing, Ascension
New Class of Master Gardeners Graduate
The Ascension Parish LSU AgCenter is happy to announce the completion of their 2021 Louisiana Master Gardener class. The class, which began in mid-August, concluded with a graduation ceremony held on Tuesday, November 9 at the LSU AgCenter Office at Lamar Dixon. The class was not without incident as Hurricane Ida caused a two-week hiatus and several changes to the original schedule. However, the 14 gardeners enrolled persevered and completed over 40 hours of coursework which included lectures, field trips and hands-on labs. Those graduating were Erin Albarado, Wilhelmina Allen, Sally Blanchard, Victor Carrington, Janet Gonzales, Ora Jones, Sheri Luce, Gaynell Moore, Nick Moore, Laura Moser, Rebel Pope, Mary Schexnaydre, Debbie Smith, and Jo Stephens.
The Louisiana Master Gardner Program is designed to recruit and train volunteers. It is open to anyone with a willingness to learn and a desire to help others. Instructional training for the Louisiana Master Gardener program is tailored for beginning and experienced gardeners. In exchange for horticulture training, Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers by working through their parish extension office to develop and enhance community outreach programs related to home horticulture. Master Gardeners are asked to complete 40 hours of volunteer service their first year and 20 hours each year thereafter to remain in good standing.
If you are interested in enrolling in a future Louisiana Master Gardener class in Ascension Parish, please email your name and contact information to Mariah Simoneaux. Mariah Simoneaux is the Horticulture Agent serving Ascension and Assumption Parishes. For more information visit www.LSUAgCenter.com or contact Mariah at MJSimoneaux@agcenter.LSU.edu.
Gallery
Master Gardener students visited Burden Botanic Gardens in Baton Rouge where they saw ongoing research and learned about the different agriculture related programs conducted there throughout the year. Photo by Mariah Simoneaux | LSU AgCenter.
Retired Horticulture Agent Craig Roussel and Advanced Master Gardener Richard Babin demonstrated the basics of a drip irrigation system at the conclusion of the vegetable class. Photo by Mariah Simoneaux | LSU AgCenter.
