Putnam County graduates new group of Master Gardeners

Putnam County Master Gardeners who recently received new certifications in 2022 include (front, from left) Donna Wilson, Pat Johnson, Linda Hunter, Beth Connell and Jeanne Sibbitt. In back are (from left) John Garner, Brian Dickerson, Kim Dickerson, Yvonne Clifford, Brenda Freeman, Kristi Nelson and Howard Shrader. Not pictured are Judi Bundza, Linda Kanouse, Margaret Kenton and Janice White.

Courtesy photo

Putnam County Master Gardeners volunteered more than 1,721 hours in Putnam County during 2022, hosting horticulture-related events, working at the Putnam County Fair and raising funds for future horticulture/agricultural scholarships.

During the Putnam County Master Gardener Association’s December meeting, several local residents received a new Master Gardener certification.

To earn Purdue Master Gardener certifications, volunteers must complete horticultural training conducted by Purdue Extension county offices and engage in volunteer service that has been approved by Master Gardener county coordinators and completed in Indiana communities.

During the meeting, Linda Hunter and Janice White received their Master Gardener certification (earned after 40 cumulative volunteer hours and 40 cumulative education hours).

Those receiving their Advanced Extension Master Gardener certification (65 cumulative volunteer hours and 50 cumulative education hours) were Judi Bundza and Linda Kanouse, while Yvonne Clifford, Brian Dickerson and Kim Dickerson earned both Master Gardener and Advanced Master Gardener certifications.

Those receiving their Advanced Extension Master Gardener Bronze certification (200 cumulative volunteer hours and 60 cumulative education hours) were John Garner, Pat Johnson, Margaret Kenton, Jeanne Sibbitt and Donna Wilson.

Meanwhile, Beth Connell, Brenda Freeman, Kristi Nelson and Howard Shrader earned their Advanced Extension Master Gardener Silver certification.

To earn this certification, they had to accumulate 500 volunteer hours and 75 education hours.

Anyone who would like to know more about the Purdue Extension Master Gardener program may contact the Putnam County Extension Office at 653-8411.