A simple tip from a master gardener.
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A few observations from a master gardener.
I am now a master.
Not a ninja or anything. Though that would be pretty darn cool. Nope. It’s not that exciting. After months of class time, reading, volunteer hours, tests, and more reading, a couple of weeks ago I became an official Master Gardener here in South Carolina. Officially official. Although I don’t think the learning will ever end. There’s just so much to know. And for the record, I still have weeds out the whazoo. That’s official. There are weeds.
Since hearing about my mastership (tee hee … it sounds so important) friends have asked what my big tip or take-away is that I learned over the past months. I’d have to say that, other than getting a soil test (always get a soil test), the biggest lesson for me from the Master Gardening course is observation. Much of learning is observing. Knowledge and understanding comes when we’re watching, listening, being quiet, being still, paying attention to the details.
Isn’t it funny how other things teach us so much about life? Gardening is certainly like that for me.
When we’re always talking and moving, we miss out on so much. When you’re talking, you can’t hear. When you’re moving, you miss the subtle things. So lately I’ve tried to remember to approach not only my garden environment my way, but also my personal environment. Watch and listen. That’s when you really do learn.
Happy gardening and happy living!
(By the way, all of the photos in this post were taken with my iphone. I’m having a little too much fun lately on Instagram. Are you too?)
Congratulations, Amy! I’m so proud of you!!! I know you worked so hard the last months on this and it is a major accomplishment!
Congrats! I’ve taken (and passed) my test, and have enough volunteer hours in to be a Master Gardener here in Pennsylvania – but won’t have the official ceremony until September. I think what i’ve learned is that i have SO MUCH MORE to learn! The classes were great, but I really feel that hanging out with more experienced Master Gardeners is how I’m really going to learn. Some of these people are amazing!
Another hat to wear! Congratulations!
Congrats Amy!!! So proud of you. Love this post 🙂
This is great news and SO well-deserved. Great job!
That is so cool! I envy your commitment, and someday I’d love to stroll through your garden.
instagram has taken over my life!
congratulations on the mastership!!! that’s such an incredible feat – i’m sure i’ll have many many many questions once i decide to suck it up and start gardening!
Congratulations, master gardener! What a wonderful accomplishment. I definitely look up to anyone who is able to keep plants alive. 😉 Ha, that would not be me.
Um…don’t ever ask me to take care of your house plants. That wouldn’t go well. 😉
Amy
first off – CONGRATS MASTER AMY!!!! and second, amen to this one sister – being quiet, observing, learning – i call those life lessons!! (((hugs)))
What an exciting accomplishment!!!!!!
Congrats. I have been thinking about signing up for classes here in NWPA. I go to a gardening club meeting once a season held by a Master Gardener, and she says the same thing, “GET A SOIL TEST”.
How exciting! I’m just beginning this gardening thing, and it’s so addictive!
Oooo girl, you know I’ll take any tip you will give me! I’ve got things dieing on me already. 🙁
Congratulations! My 2 biggest takeaways from the MG course were 1) soil testing and 2) drip irrigation. I incorporated both in my vegetable garden this year and they have made a big difference.
P.S. I wish you would take a picture of the sunflower field on Wren School Road. I love sunflowers but I’m not a photographer.
Loooove thy mastestry!
Wahoo!! Congrats to the Master 😀
Being still and quiet, my daily goal. Ummm…on Instagram only a week and totally hooked!
Love ya! Xoxo
So does that mean I have to call you “master.” No way, big sis! But I will call for advice – as usual…Love ya
Huge congrats, Amy!! I remember when you mentioned last year wanting to do this. So proud of you for accomplishing your goals!! xoxo
Hi Amy! Was just logging on to share what I heard back from my horticulturist/urban forager friend and was greeted by your Echinacea photo! Here is what she said about making tea from Echinacea:
“As far as echinacea tea goes, the roots are typically the part made into a tincture or infusion after they are dug in the Fall from mature plants, cleaned and dried. The aerial parts can be made into tea (flowers and leaves) and they are usually dried, chopped, and mixed with other ingredients for better taste. I think it could be made of fresh parts as well, and might make a good sun tea by placing washed flowers and leaves in a glass container with mint or rose petals or other tasty herbs, set out in the sun for a few hours, and tried on ice. You can also use the leaves on infections externally.”
Think you’ll try it? Sadly we are inundated wtih wildfire smoke you may have seen on the news so will wait a bit for some new growth in cleaner air! Will ‘report back’ with results. Please do the same if you try!
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and Congrats on becoming a Master Gardener!
Wise Words. I’m waiting and watching and you’re so correct. You hear so much more of the story if you zip your lip. tee he he
Amy (also :”) )