I will be more inclusive of people from varying backgrounds. This is something I already attempt to do, however the training provided gave some tangible ways for me to try to do a better job. Including that I will make mistakes, and to apologize, learn, and move on. I now know better, more reliable ways to ensure I am growing native plants and removing invasives. I also will use containers that are more easily sanitized for harvesting my vegetables. I have already used my new knowledge to help a family member who planted a new tree. They were very excited for the tree they purchased, and I educated them on ensuring the root flare was not covered, and that they didn’t over mulch and cover the flare. I have also used my knowledge for reseeding our lawn.

It helped me to appreciate and recognize the need for more diversity in the gardening field as well as acknowledging that gardening could function as a bridge across cultures and everyone’s gardens would be all the more richer and vibrant for that. This program, I believe, is working on building that bridge one intern at a time

I am so grateful for the program. I wanted to engage in food justice, volunteer and spend more time in the garden but did not know where to start. The volunteer opportunities are so easy to get involved in and I feel so much more confident about growing vegetables and herbs. The knowledge about soil health, plant growth was truly tremendous. Thank you!

With a very busy work schedule, and children and sports schedule, the recorded classes has allowed me to maintain work life balance, and do this program for myself, without having to be somewhere in person.

So excited for all of the volunteering opportunities and the chance to help address equity and diversity by way of the garden- something I had not considered before!!

In general, I learned so much from the core training. I feel empowered with this foundational knowledge and now I have the tools or resources I need to continue learning science-based gardening practices. I feel much more confident talking with others and thinking through gardening problems. I look forward to taking part in the community projects, both continuing my education and extending it to others in my community. I have already taught my husband and family many things about vegetable gardening, native plants, and insects!

I really liked how well-rounded the program was and how it hit elements of gardening from all angles (from composting, native plants and equity, etc.)

The URIMGP has fundamentally changed my approach to gardening… I feel prepared to apply new methods and begin to advise others more confidently.

All in all, this experience was enriching, empowering, and exciting, and I thank you all! Looking forward to volunteering!

I feel during the pandemic crisis the master gardener program was an excellent outlet to brighten my own spirits. I feel like I have learned so much in so many areas and am quite impressed by what this program offered.

From start to finish, the entire program just makes sense. Each week we were given a lecture by top notch professionals who shared their own scientific expertise. I would say the sum of this experience is priceless! 

I learned so much more than I anticipated through the training. While I wanted to learn how to be a better, more successful gardener, I now feel that I have an understanding of the many elements that contribute to a successful garden. And I know how to find the resources to uncover the answers.

The course helped me become more environmentally conscious, understand and care more about the health of our environment. I learned new gardening skills, concepts and techniques I can apply to improve the environmental conditions. I am actively participating in volunteer projects in our communities. Now I know where to find the research based knowledge and where to refer others for it.

I found the course to be truly excellent. Its availability and accessibility to such a diverse group of students from many different walks of life with wide variation in exposure to gardening practice and science is very impressive.