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Welcome to the Lakelands Master Gardeners Website

The Lakelands Master Gardeners Association (LMGA) is a non-profit organization that is affiliated with the Clemson University Extension Service. The Lakelands Master Gardeners program serves all people regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

With the excellent guidance from Doug Crawford, the Lakeland Master Gardeners and their guests installed a drip system in the raised bed community garden at the YMCA, on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Doug is an intern from the 2011 class but there was nothing “intern-ish” about his knowledge of drip systems. We want to give a special thank you to Doug’s wife Kim who helped us learn how to install it.
The one hour class turned into two hours with questions and hands on work. “We were hoping for a larger turnout,” Ann Barklow explained. “Since only 6 showed upit took us a little longer to put it in.” We want to also thank the Executive Director of the YMCA, Gray Stallworth for allowing us use of his site to teach our workshop.
A successful part of the mini workshops is exposing non Master Gardeners to our organization. We were pleased to have Claudette Bannerman and Kit Adkins, both encouraged to come by Master Gardener Toni Able. A big thanks to LMG Priscilla Ellis, Anita Herzsprung Sandy Orr, Ann Barklow and Doug Crawford for all their hard work. Fun was had by all and a feeling of a job well done.

LMG President, Patti Larson and Vice-president, Ann Barklow worked with the kids at the YMCA, April 21, 2012. With thunderstorms threatening all week, we were blessed with a warm and sunny afternoon of planting. The community garden installation was part of the Healthy Kids Day that the YMCA celebrates every year.
YMCA Executive Director, Gray Stallworth approached the master gardeners a few months ago and the planning began with a design and planting plan. “Many of the staff at the YMCA are very knowledgeable about farming,” explained Ann, “and they did most of the work; buying materials, making the raised beds, filling them with soil, and mulching the paths. They are a great organization to work for.”
The kids filtered in all afternoon, making the work steady but not hectic. Planted from seed were: corn, pole, bush, and lima beans, southern peas, yellow squash, and zucchini along with zinnia, cosmos, and sunflowers. Plants were: peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, basil, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, oregano, mint, and parsley with a sprinkling of marigolds throughout the raised beds.
The garden will be maintained by the after school and summer camp kids under the occasional supervision and consultation of the LMG’s. Master Gardener intern, Doug Crawford will be installing the drip system on May 12, 2012 as part of an education miniseries for master gardeners.

March 17, 2012 Extension Office
Another great class this warm St. Patrick's Day morning at the extension office by Vince Plotczyk. This class was on Container Gardening for plants and vegetables. 13 Lakeland Master Gardeners and their friends showed up for an informative class covering such topics as soil, drainage, fertilizers, pest control, and care. The class watched as Vince demonstrated how to drill drainage holes and plant a blueberry bush in a container with his homemade acid soil mix that he learned about through his research. Vince also brought several of his vegetable container gardens to the class so attendees got to see his lettuce, spinach, and radishes up close and personal.

Thursday, February the 9th the Lakelands Master Gardeners held their 2012 awards banquet at the Greenwood Metropolitan District Meeting Room. Friends and family shared an awesome meal and had a wonderful time then reflected back on the previous year. Pins were given to members reaching mile stones with hours and some honorary members recognized for their contributions.

Congratulations to Master Gardener of the Year Vince Plotczyk

Certified Master Gardeners

Erwin Able	Rusty Wilson	Sandra Orr
Ann Barklow	Millie Parnell	Susanne Bender
Janet Ledebuhr

Class 2011 Interns

Toni Able	Doug Crawford	Ann Stoddard
Lynsey Bock	Priscilla Ellis	Sharon Grooms
Mary Jo Cook	Beth Osteen	Jeremiah Grooms

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