The Master Gardener Program is offered by the University of Tennessee Extension. The Program trains and engages with volunteers to provide the public with research-based information on lawn and garden topics. TEMGs are volunteers who have a love of plants and horticulture coupled with Extension training to equip them to teach and assist Tennessee residents. These volunteers work in partnership with their counties to expand the educational outreach. Each volunteer has been trained with 40 hours of horticultural education, and keeps updated with continuing education events.

The Northeast Master Gardener Association (NETMGA) membership includes volunteers from Hawkins, Sullivan, Washington, Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi Counties. Their many activities include information booths at various home and farm shows, answering Ask-a-Master Gardener questions, teaching classes in the community, and organizing new Master Gardener classes. Their presence can be seen in many local historic site gardens, demonstration gardens and community vegetable gardens.

April Membership Meeting

Monday, April 6

Details to be announced 

CEU OPPORTUNITIES 

Watch email for more info on NETMGA  and local sponsored events

Google Sign Up Sheet for 2026 UT Extension May Month and Summer Office Hours Sessions

March 6  Right Tree, Right Place

  Register by February 27

March 23 Grafting Workshop

March 27 Learning Journeys with Melody  Wildflower Walk

April 24  Learning Journeys with Melody Herb fest in Asheville

May 5,12,19   May Food production Lunch and Learn Zoom sessions

May 27 – 29   State Conference in Knoxville

June 12   Office Hours Live Diagnostic Visits via Zoom

July 19   Office Hours Live Diagnostic Visits via Zoom

August 15   Office Hours Live Diagnostic Visits via Zoom

August 24-25 Fall Gardeners Conference in Crossville 

September 11 Office Hours Live Diagnostic Visits via Zoom

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Watch for sign-ups in your e-mail 

February 3 – May 12   TEMG Intern Training

March 6 – 8    Garden Show at Meadowview

March 20 – 21   Tennessee Tree Days  Tennessee Tree Day - TENNESSEE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL

Highlights from the NETMGA Award Dinner

Melody Rose greeted the Master Gardeners congratulated them on their achievements during 2025.  NETMGA members reported 11717 service hours and 1707 CEU’s. This represents a value of $477,416 provided throughout the five counties of Northeast Tennessee.   Melody reminded the group of the many upcoming opportunities to earn CEUs.

Karen Rowell and John Hitchcock presented a PowerPoint highlighting Master Gardener projects within the area.   

The following awards were presented: 

One Year

Nine members of the 2025 class finished their requirements and are now Certified Master Gardeners: Jack Broyles. Amy Broyles, Annamaria Conley, Erin Ford, Steve Givens, Janice LaBonne, Brenda Sneyd, Debbie Vasult, Gus Vizgirda

Three Years

Seven members of the 2022 class have achieved VIP status:

Tracey Brown, Cameron Coates, Lisa Disher, Glen McClain, Kathleen O’Lenic, Janet Smith, Linda Spisak

Five Years

Frank DiCarlo, Susan DiCarlo, Ana Fernandez, Debra Harris, Laura Robertson were recognized for five years of service.

10 Years

Cheryl Heisey, Mary Ann Lovelace were recognized for 10 years of service and have achieved Lifetime status. 

15 Years

Jane Mullins, Penny Rutledge 

20 Years

Don Davis, Liz Blakely, Johnda Burdette

Forty four members were added to the Gold Leaf Club for 2025, each contributing 100 or more hours.   

Members Honored for 100 or more hours of service during 2025:

READ ALL ABOUT IT

1/19 New photos and info on the Church Hill Senior Center Garden in the Project and Photo Gallery.

1/3 New photos and info on the Discovery Garden have been added to the Project and Photo Gallery. 

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