I came across the UC Master Gardener program about eight years ago, while walking along the Vallejo Farmers Market on a Saturday morning. A small table with small stacks of cards and flyers with information on all manner of gardening topics, from composting to vegetable gardening, to watering, to drought-tolerant native plants, even pests and beneficial insects.
I grabbed a few flyers and cards, thinking it would help me with my issues with growing vegetables and trying to deter some pests. I had a few successes some years, but mainly flops for many years. About five years ago, I returned to the Farmers' Market and found the UC Master Gardener folks there again; I made the mistake of talking to them. The following year, I tried to sign up to become a master gardener. I tried several times, but I did not send in my applications because the classes were held some 50 miles or so from my home, and I did not want to drive that far. I drove long miles to work for 30 years, and I just did not want to drive anymore.
But the gardening bug has already bitten me hard. For many years, I have had all sorts of plants growing in my yard. I tried growing roses, geraniums, and of course herbs like rosemary, mint, chives, onions, parsley, and vegetables like cabbage, bok choy, celery, eggplant, and that infamous vegetable/fruit, tomatoes. A variety of them.
Some of the plants survived, some thrived, some did not sprout at all! I was more dismayed than not when planting vegetables from seeds, when a glimmer of hope after sprouting seeds for weeks turned to disappointment (possibly due to damping off). I just tried again, and again and again...Then I found succulents.
I really love succulents. They thrive on neglect! But I'm aching to grow more, especially plants I can eat. After growing some homegrown tomatoes in the past, there's just no going back to store-bought tomatoes. But growing tomatoes can get finicky if not grown correctly.
So, I revisited signing up for the class again, also encouraged by my husband. I was reluctant to sign up until he mentioned there could be other people from Vallejo who signed up. My hope ignited with the possibility of carpooling! Yes, I'm in!
The drive was long, as I had to attend the first half of the classes in Woodland, but with carpool buddies, the long drive became tolerable, pleasant, and even fun. The second half was held in Fairfield, so the drive was shorter, and we still carpooled, taking turns driving and having fun along the way.
I've just completed the program after four months of intensive training and hands-on exercises. What does completing the program mean and becoming a certified Master Gardener? The joy of learning about gardening runs deep. I've learned a lot, but I find I've just touched the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more lessons to learn, but I see myself hands and knees deep in dirt and carrying lots of vegetables in my hands to feed my family and share with my friends and neighbors.