Master Gardeners are community volunteers trained in earth-friendly gardening and environmental principles. In Middlesex County, the training portion of the Master Gardener program lasts for one year.
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County welcomed 23 new Master Gardener graduates on Feb. 21, according to information provided on April 2.
“Since 1984, nearly 8,000 residents statewide have been trained through the Master Gardener program,” Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios said in the statement. “We are proud to say that Middlesex County’s program is among the most active in the state, and to offer our congratulations to the Class of 2019.”
Area graduates include:
From Old Bridge: Pamela Aleman, Susan Grubiak, Harry Brennan and Denise Madden
From Milltown: Paulette Caputo
From Metuchen: Amy Dees
From Edison: Doreen Harrison
From Sayreville: Anton New
From East Brunswick: Peggy Scott
From North Brunswick: Adero Solomon
From Monroe: Bala V. Sathyamoorthy
In Middlesex County, there are currently about 150 active Master Gardeners assisting the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County’s staff and faculty in various capacities, including dissemination of research-based information at community events, conducting workshops, answering garden inquiries on the Helpline, and managing various demonstration and display gardens, according to the statement.
“For many years, we’ve been fortunate to have the Master Gardeners help protect the beauty and environmental health of Middlesex County,” Middlesex County Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, chair of the county’s Business Development and Education Commission, said in the statement. “I wish the newest graduates all the best and know that their shared knowledge will keep our county green.”
Trained Master Gardeners are available from 9 a.m. until noon weekdays. Email questions and concerns to mastergardeners@co.middlesex.nj.us.
For more information about the Master Gardener program, call 732-398-5278.
To learn more about the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County, visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov and search “extension” or text EXTENSION to 56512.
