Re: RE:Master Gardeners

Caroline,

I am glad that the MG program works well in places, but I must admit 
that I was not surprised to hear Christy's account of how the major 
pesticide/fertilizer companies are running the show in some places. If 
you study the history of the Extension Services and the land grant 
colleges, you'll find that they have been working hand-in-glove with the 
large agribusiness firms from the beginning. The lion's share of all 
that research money in the early years was focused on the "bigger is 
better" philosophy at the expense of the small landowner. Many Extension 
services now provide useful services to all farmers/gardeners, but the 
real money still ends up benefiting the large operations.

Bill Wells (now hunkering down lest the onslaught slay me)




Caroline Hudnall wrote:

> 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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> 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.)
>
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
> ________________________________________________________________________
>
> 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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