Master Gardeners at Work – AG Day in VZC
As some of you might know, Ag Day was held out at the Van Zandt County Fairgrounds on October 22 and 2
3. Mimi Sherwin and Louella Iliff taught the first day, taking turns teaching the 15-minute sessions on edible parts of plants. Carter Hallmark and Sharon Palmer taught the second day, also tag-teaming. There were eight groups of kids one day and ten groups the second day, anywhere from 20-45 kids in a group, so it was quite a good turnout. The kids were handed pictures of plants with magnets on the back and they each took a turn coming up to the front and trying to figure out which part of that plant was edible. They would then put the plant on the magnetic whiteboard in the area that listed which part was edible. Some were pretty tough to figure out. Plants such as sorghum, rhubarb, onion, kohlrabi and potato had them stumped…even some of the adults were at a loss! The kids were so great! I could tell they were having fun engaging in the learning experiences those few days. We had a good response from them and they were actually eager to participate. By Sharon Palmer
Who Are the Free State Master Gardeners?
The Texas Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer program conducted by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service of the Texas A&M University System. Free State Master Gardeners in Van Zandt County take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and help others and able to communicate with diverse groups of people. What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, persons who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through the Van Zandt County Texas AgriLife Extension office to provide horticultural-related information to the communities.
For more information, contact: Tommy Phillips, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
235 E. Groves St.
Canton, TX 75103
903.567.4149