Mary began her experience with the Denton County Master Gardener Association (DCMGA) in 2001, retiring in 2024. Her contributions helped shape and grow the impact of DCMGA’s projects, outreach, and events. Below are highlights of her leadership, creativity, and commitment to growing the education and involvement of Denton County and DCMGA members in sustainable, science-based horticultural practices.
Mary’s commitment to quality community education required engagement in ongoing education herself. She attended training throughout her volunteer career and achieved Advanced Master Gardener Certifications in Entomology (2017), Trees (2010), Propagation (2010), Greenhouse Management (2009), and Oak Wilt (2005). She utilized her training in public speaking, program development, and ongoing efforts to help tenured and Intern members expand their interest and knowledge. For example, she led a hands-on Intern propagation class from 2010 through 2023, an educational propagation event that became a DCMGA tradition for 22 years, and public outreach on trees and propagation. Her years on the DCMGA Help Desk assisted the public on issues with trees, soil, insects, and plants. She was recognized by the State Fair of TX for developing Little Hands on the Farm, which was visited by thousands of children and adults for ten years. She was also active in Cool Shade for the Third Grade, LISDOLA, as well as many other projects.
Leadership was natural to Mary to expand community and member impact. She was Secretary on DCMGA’s Board of Directors for five years, led the Communications Team for eight years creating outreach and promotional materials, and writer and editor for our newsletter, The Roto Teller, from 2006 through 2011. She was co-project manager for our annual Fall Garden Fest with Dale Powell and later Liz Moyer for several years where she recruited and organized members, partners, and vendors. Her logistics included event schematics, set up/break down, and event brochures for the public. The event was enjoyed by hundreds of participants each year. In addition, Mary was a project manager of DCMGA’s Tree Team which fielded community questions and provided local tree education and home visits to provide tree care guidance. She also was project manager of DCMGA’s Propagation Team until 2023, leading education and propagation events for members and the community. Her management of Propagation coincided with involvement in our annual Plant Sale and Garden Tour, helping with planning and implementation, outreach efforts, plant selection, and setup/breakdown of events. Her home was on DCMGA’s Garden Tour twice. Mary was also involved in implementing Denton’s 2005 Texas Master Gardener State Conference with the Texas Master Gardener Association and Texas A&M AgriLife and led the conference garden tour for attendees.
Mary’s active representation of AgriLife’s mission has earned her accolades, including a Texas Master Gardener Association State Award for Individual Master Gardener of the Year (2008), and DCMGA’s Executive Board Award (2011), Special Merit Award for the Tree Team (2013), and Individual Special Merit Awards (2004, 2006 and 2009), and contributed over 7,000 hours of volunteer service as a Master Gardener.