Only 3 Spots remain for this year’s master gardener class – register immediately (online application) to avoid disappointment or contact the coordinator (Michelle Edworthy) at mastergardener@calhort.org. The Master Gardener program will start on Saturday, October 28, 2023 and run until Saturday, April 13, 2024. This course will run on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, both in person and online. The online application form can be found here.
The Master Gardener program is perfect for those interested in learning more about the art and science of gardening such as botany, plant care, propagation, pest and weed management, sustainable gardening techniques, basic garden design and more. It is both theoretical and practical, taught by horticulturists, experienced practitioners and industry experts. Participants are encouraged to work together as a group in order to enhance knowledge and to solve problems. Different perspectives enrich the discussions and the learning experience. This non-credit program is designed to train volunteers who then can share their knowledge in the community.
Are you looking for a challenge?
The Master Gardener program provides a broad scientific base of knowledge for gardeners. Expert speakers will help bolster student understanding of garden care and diversification.
Community participation
Participants network to share knowledge and create a community of like-minded learners. They will join a bigger body of Master Gardeners across the continent who have the knowledge and tools to provide gardening guidance and assistance to the public and institutions.
Program commitment
This program will challenge participants and requires a serious investment of time. Students are led through an intensive program with assignments, discussion posts and a volunteer practicum of forty hours. Each week students will be required to do some pre-reading and journals/discussion posts or assignments will be due each week.
Those students choosing to do the online option must have a computer with the capacity to run Zoom as well as a camera and be willing to turn on their camera for the duration of the class.
All students will be required to use the online learning management system at least once per week to access resources, submit work and participate in online discussions as part of their marks.
Prerequisites
Required: Secondary (High School) Education is required. Some post-secondary school (education or experience) is an asset.
Recommended: Since the Master Gardener Program covers a variety of topics and is scientifically challenging, attending the prerequisite courses is recommended to help ease the transition into the program. The recommended prerequisite course is Introduction to Woody ID which runs in September/October. Calgary Gardening Fundamentals is also helpful to any beginner/novice gardener wishing to take the Master Gardener Program in the future. Garden Fundamentals is being offered ON DEMAND (watch when is convenient for you—click the link above to register).
Schedule
See the 2023/2024 program details and schedule
Location and Cost
In person classes will be held in the Glamorgan Community Association (4207 41 Ave SW).
The online learning management system is SkillbuilderR . This system is cloud-based so will work on the majority of devices. Online classes will use Zoom.
Please note that the class (both online and in-person participants) will use the learning management system to connect as a group. This platform will host notes and other resources, homework (including questions about it), volunteer opportunities, job postings and any other pertinent opportunities. An invitation to the platform will be provided two weeks prior to class start.
Costs: $200 registration fee (due with application, non-refundable) + course fee:
Course fee:
$1000 for both Part A and B together (due early October).
or $550 for Part A only (due early October). If student chooses to continue they would be charged another $550 to take Part B in 2023. Prices may change in subsequent years.)
Need a bit more information? Please refer to the FAQs or contact the coordinator by email: mastergardener@calhort.org or call the office 403.287.3469.
Application Form
The online application form can be found here. Registration opens in August 1, 2023 and closes Sept 30.
Frequently Ask Questions
Still have questions? Visit the Master Gardener Frequently Asked Questions page.
