I learn how to give a chicken a bath
Not that I expect ever to be doing that. But this is one of the few genuine elements of our oh-so-tacky county fair. Lots of cute baby farm animals, fried food, rickety rides, and not-so-cute adult humans.
Sleepy pigs.
Flowers, too. I had never wandered into the flower displays (in the “arts and crafts” area) before, but I was pleased to see many examples of some of my favorite old-fashioned annuals, and some truly wacky arrangements and place settings. Who enters this type of contest? It’s another world, and a very strange one. The good news: during a desultory amble round the “grange,” we found that the local cooperative extension may be reinstating its Master Gardener program. In the past this program has fostered many opportunities for public gardening and chances to improve one’s gardening knowledge, whether enrolled in the program or not.
Definitely not, in my case, because the Master Gardener classes are always held Friday during the day. Huh? That rules out pretty much anyone with a job. Nonetheless, I am glad to see the extension come back to some sort of life.
Comments
Enough ranting. By the way, I like your new photo. You look much more approachable---less intimidating---in this one. :-)
I like the old picture too though it is a bit stern. I guess I was trying to look serious; it is my work picture.
As for the Master Gardeners class it is essentially to train volunteers to help educate the public about the science based research findings at the agricultural universities. Most of the volunteer activities take place during the day so if you can not find time to take the class you surely will not be able to fulfill the volunteer hours required each year to remain in the program.
For awhile it looked as though the Agricultural extension service would fold but urban areas wanting to keep children and urban adults informed and connected to a green future have revitalized the program.
I love volunteering and do find time to do it, but I find that most organizations have--by now--woken up to the fact that many women and men work during the day. There are plenty of after-work and weekend daylight hours that could be used here.
But I should be telling THEM this! ;)
Professors from the University of Illinois do most of the teaching especially soil, botany,disease and pests.Others are professionals in horticulture or landscaping that volunteer time.The first year we work in projects with mentors before being able to head programs ourselves. Every year we must continue our education with excepted material.
This schedule has worked best for a long time. I doubt they will change except in areas where no one can be found but then demand seems to be down in those areas as well.
Last year Chicago logged over 8,000 volunteer hours and it seems most suburban areas have their own Master Gardener program.
There is an online course available but you would have to ask the locals about availability.
Funny side note is that I have a gardening friend who is a(n) MG from Summit County... he couldn't take the classes until after he retired two years ago, or he would have been one sooner. Guess when he puts in his volunteer hours? YUP--evenings and weekends!