RE:Master Gardeners

I'm saddened to hear that corporations, etc have gotten involved to use
the MG program as a vehicle for their products, etc.  The program was to
be a part of the Dept of AG thru respective states Extension services.
That is where it got started (in Washington state) and the reason one
had to pay back into the system with work was that the program was free.
In Alaska the Extension service is a part of the Univ. of Alaska. The
materials were very up to date and the U of A had a good control over
the program.  Several of the students over the years worked for
nurserymen in the area and some of the owners also went thru the
program.  Maybe Alaska is an exception, I only wish that the other
states were as true to the program.  I presently live in Montana and the
program seems extremely weak.  Guess before one seeks out a program they
should investigate it thoroughly to make sure it is what they want.  And
even though I no longer live in Alaska I still try to give to the
community, I write a gardening column for the local gardening club, help
my fellow homeowners in a large subdivision, work on projects and give a
helping hand when possible.  Caroline Hudnall


Message: 12
   Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 18:31:49 -0700
   From: "Hensler" <hensler@povn.com>
Subject: Re: OT: Master Gardeners

----- Original Message -----
From: "Caroline Hudnall" <dogskater@attbi.com>
> Now on the Master Gardeners.   I'm a very proud one.

Caroline (and everyone else who thinks this was an insult to MGs),

I'm not adverse to Master Gardeners. Some of my best friends are MGs and
if
you happen to live in an area with a good program involving good
gardeners,
good for you.

I *do* have a conflict with any organization which puts more emphasis on
hours logged (yes, there is some requirement for paying back the program
with hours served tho it's not always well enforced), having legal butts
covered, and paying homage to whichever large corporation is
underwriting
the project than in actually promoting what it was intended to promote..
namely good gardening practices and information.

I walked out because our local program would have had me spouting
misinformation or horribly dated information rather than draw on any of
my
personal experience. In exchange for the MG designation, I would have
had to
promote chemical controls over organic and learn to placate questioning
gardeners with "I'll have to check on that and get back to you" rather
than
give them a good simple answer they could use immediately.

Enough said.
Christy Hensler













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Message: 13
   Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 21:47:34 -0400
   From: Sandy Ives <rives@rogers.com>
Subject: Re: AIS: Soap Box #9   (OT-Humor??)

'Soap Box #9' must be a whiter than white self.  Is it ultimately 
derived from 'Love Potion' (Craig '57, TB, 40", honey-cream std, rich 
maroon falls)?

It is my personal opinion that everyone needs to plant more iris and 
split more clumps and dig more beds and review all catalogues and figure

out interesting names for new introductions and get away from the net. 
That's just a start.

The effort required to keep up with this symposium thread should count 
towards judges' training hours.  And I'm on digest.

Ok, with lots of volunteers, we finish the electronic checklist pronto. 
    Next, with big cash and heavy brains, we set up a program to allow 
voters to select 25 cultivars from entire checklist.  Program has the 
smarts to count.  Program has the smarts to sort.  No more TB bigotry, 
vote for all LA.  Program searches web for photos, color corrects for 
monitor differences and uses imagination when photo not found.  Voters 
sign on with AIS registration number, smart program lets voter change 
mind multiple times à la Regis until lockdown at 24h00, Aug 31 (Is that 
your final answer Walta?).  RVPs get life back in time for planting.

   Problems?  No lots of volunteers yet.  No big cash.  Heavy brains 
need to save world, calculate outstanding VISA balance, figure out 
Botrytis convoluta before it takes out 2002 intros.  Requirement for 
computer smarts, or at least lack of computer stupids when much of world

relies on cellulose.

Biggest problem?  Only "Caesar's Brother" cracks Top 100 (at position 
99, greatly embarrassing "Thriller" in position 100) , rest are TBs on 
original ballot.


Regards,

Sandy Ives (bsj & mde - who urges all R16 members to get their bollocks 
in before the deadhead of 31/8.  And who needs to keep out of the midday

sun.  And Maureen doesn't know this guy.)



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Message: 14
   Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 01:47:55 -0000
   From: "albee703" <alhbee@aol.com>
Subject: Re: TB: Witch's Wand

On the state road to Leesburg, Va there was a sign on the side of the 
road  which said "Beware - area is rife with copperhead snakes".   

The builders started to develop the area with houses with cookie 
cutter yards. Thinking the neighborhood was "going to hell" the 
snakes left. I don't know if that is a solution.

Al Bullock Sterling Va. Z7


--- In iris-talk@y..., "Bob & Donna Lockman" <thelockmans@t...> wrote:
> The more I hear of your critters, the happier I am that I am not in 
Texas!
> Donna
> NCz7/8



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