The most noteworthy thing about gardeners is that they are always optimistic, always enterprising, and never satisfied. They always look forward to doing better than they have ever done before.
Vita Sackville-West (1892-1962) Novelist and poet
Master Gardener Emeritus
When word gets out that you are a Master Gardener, you never lack for topics of conversation, folks always have questions. Usually, the question is a neighbors, and since we have similar soils and weather conditions, I can answer most questions. But my second favorite answer is I don't know for sure, call the University Extension or check their website.
Honestly, I don't have many plant failures. Because the most important thing I learned as a Master Gardener is to first prepare the soil and then choose right plant for the right place. My problem is that my gardens are too successful and getting over crowded. I just don't have the energy any more to get out there and divide all the plants when they need it. Of course, any fellow Master Gardener who wants iris, day lilys, or some perennial herbs is welcome to them, if they do the digging.
Old Master Gardener, is not the way I like to be introduced. It smacks of the introduction: The Last Living Civil War Widow. Ladies and Gentleman, may I introduce Patsy Bell Hobson, the only living person who actually had personal tour of the Garden Of Eden. (Class of 1987 Master Gardener Graduate.)
My husband Jules and I live in a 150+ year old home in Southeast Missouri. Tales of our adventures and occasional rants are on my blog.
I'm currently working on a book about the herbal adventures of my fictional Aunt Alvy.When I can't be outdoors gardening, I am indoors writing about gardening. My favorite annuals are sunflowers. I always grow several different varieties of sunflower every year. They make great cut flowers and the birds love them. My favorite season is what ever is next and my favorite flower is what ever is blooming now.
