Middlesex County Graduates 36 'Master' Gardeners

The Middlesex County Office of Extension Services held a graduation ceremony in March for its most recent class of 36 Master Gardener graduates.

Master Gardeners are community volunteers trained in Earth-friendly gardening and environmental principles. In Middlesex County, the training portion of the Master Gardener program lasts for one year. The program begins in September with weekly classes from fall to spring, followed by hands-on activities in the vegetable and herb gardens during the growing season. Middlesex County has a day program on Friday mornings and an evening program on Thursdays. The graduation ceremony was held Feb. 16.

“Since 1984, nearly 8,000 residents statewide have been trained through the Master Gardener program,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald Rios. “Middlesex County’s program is among the most active in the state, and we congratulate our graduates and newest members.”

In Middlesex County, there are almost 250 active Master Gardeners and their volunteer work includes giving out research-based information at community events, conducting workshops, answering garden inquiries on the “Helpline,” and managing various demonstration and display gardens.

If you have questions on backyard environmental issues, Middlesex County’s Extension Office can assist you with its free Master Gardener Helpline. Residents can call 732-398-5220 with their questions on plants, bugs, home conservation practices and other gardening-based questions. Trained Master Gardeners are available from 9 a.m. until noon Mondays through Fridays, or you can leave a detailed message, and volunteers will get back to you. You may also e-mail your questions and concerns to mastergardeners@co.middlesex.nj.us.

The 2017 Middlesex County Master Gardener graduates are:

Diane Ali South Amboy

Eileen Ulrich South Amboy

Marcia Anderson Fords

Saroj Bhutra Monmouth Jct

Nancy Bialler Monmouth Jct

Carolyn Peucker Monmouth Jct

Susan Boscarino Highland Park

Steven Bukovec South Amboy

Jessica Collins Piscataway

Carol Drake Milltown

Bunny Jaskot Milltown

Martha Fertman Plainsboro

Bonnie Freidenreich Edison

Maggi Schock Edison

Lois Hartnack Old Bridge

Raymond Brown Parlin

Robert Hausler Parlin

Ken Murray Parlin

Peter Hofmann North Brunswick

Stefan Thiersch North Brunswick

Rajani Karuturi Monroe Township

Robert Streeter Monroe Township

Gabriel Pacheco Monroe Township

Phyllis Lasky Dayton

June Oliphant Belvidere

Gary Prokop South River

Paige Randall Pennington

Donna Russo Staten Island

Niki Schlett Somerset

Roseann Wagner Somerset

Ross Sheasley Lawrence

Fred Sisto East Brunswick

Gail Tilsner Milltown

Terry Van Liew Cranford

Ellen Weber South Plainfield

Sharon Wells Sayreville

Kate Colucci Iselin

For more information about the Master Gardeners or any other Cooperative Extension program, call 732-398-5260.