Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) of Morris County and the Morris County Park Commission will be offering a Master Gardener Program this fall. People who enjoy gardening and helping others are encouraged to apply to the program.

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist RCE in delivering horticultural programs and information to the general public. Students who enroll in the program will receive in-depth training in gardening and horticulture from Rutgers University faculty and professional staff.

The program will includes a series of about 22 weekly lectures in the classroom and gardens at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morristown and a requirement of at least 60 hours of volunteer activities for RCE and the Morris County Park Commission.

Successful graduates will become Certified Master Gardeners after completing the volunteer component and are encouraged to continue their assistance with the Extension office and the Park Commission.

Classes begin in September and there is a fee to cover materials and program costs.

Sample of classes offered: Basic Plant Pathology & Diagnostics, Basic Soil Management & Soil Fertility, Plant Identification, Basic Botany, Pesticides & Pest Management for the Home Grounds, Weed Identification and Control, Basic Entomology, Environmental Stewardship, Household and Structural Pests, Horticultural Therapy, Wildlife Management, Tree Fruit in the Home Garden, General Turf Management, Bulbs and Annuals, Houseplants, Turfgrass Pests, Pruning, Vegetable Pest Management, Help-line Training/Volunteerism

For more information, call Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County at 973-285-8300 or email: sbayard@co.morris.nj.us.