Extension Master Gardeners come from all walks of life. They have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. However, they all have two things in common: a passion for gardening and a desire to share their knowledge with others.

As we turn the corner on 2005, it is once again time to train another group of Extension Master Gardener volunteers. The K-State Extension office in Douglas County is recruiting residents to become part of the program. If one or more of the following statements applies to you, I encourage you to consider becoming a volunteer:

1. The Extension Horticulture Hotline number is programmed on your telephone’s speed dial.

2. When attending your children’s soccer games, you inspect the field for crabgrass.

3. You have at least one garden tool held together with duct tape.

4. You know the precise botanical name of every plant in your yard but have difficulty remembering the names of your spouse and grandchildren.

5. You clip your children’s hair into topiary forms.

6. You have bought beer for slugs.

7. At a dinner party, you have discussed the pros and cons of sterilizing garden soil in your oven.

8. You enjoy receiving a load of well-rotted manure for a special occasion.

9. You have a bumper sticker that reads: “I brake for worms,” “I’d rather be weeding” or “Manure Happens.”

10. You were disappointed to learn that you could not order vegetable seeds from L.L. Bean.

Applications for the 2005 class are now being accepted. Training sessions take place at the Douglas County Extension Office (2110 Harper St.) Classes are Tuesdays beginning March 8 and running through May 31. They begin at 9 a.m. and end by 4 p.m. Educational talks are conducted in the morning, and outdoor volunteer/learning activities take place in the afternoon. There is a $75 charge that covers the cost of materials needed to participate.

The Extension Master Gardener program has been an active part of the Lawrence community for more than 15 years. Some 75 volunteers donated more than 3,800 hours helping to educate fellow gardeners last year.

Contact my office if you are interested in learning more about what it means to become an Extension Master Gardener volunteer.

Bruce Chladny is horticulture agent at K-State Research and Extension-Douglas County. For more information, call him at 843-7058 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.