The only thing Dave has said that I can disagree with, is that it's 'simple' to find all your posts by typing in your user name in a search. Yes, it does bring up all your posts, but it doesn't bring them up in chronological order. If you've been here for years as many have, you could have many pages of posts to review before you might stumble upon your most recent posts. I gave up on trying to find my posts in that way. I did decide to 'check the box' on each thread I post to, so that it will be sent to my email. That was not easy either. I had to contact support because after repeated efforts to set my account to allow emails, it wasn't changing it. Once I did contact Tamara, they did change it and now I do get emails for the threads I'm following. But, I don't always get them and sometimes they come into my email box days later. lol But, for now, that is working the best so far for trying to keep up with threads I am following. But my email box is now needing a lot more time weeding out. I use the Cornell site to read reviews on different vegetable varieties and like that site. I have however started following others' suggestions that Google/Gardenweb searches turn up better results than GW and have found that works better for me sometimes. I try the search function and if the results are just too random and I find myself *sighing*, I just start a new thread and ask for what I need. edit: I see someone above has said, that sometimes other members 'insist I do a search'. I have rarely had that happen to me, thankfully. My way of looking at it is, that every subject we discuss is a repeat of some earlier discussion. Some of the forums, especially over the winter, are so inactive, that any discussion is a bonus, even a repeat one. If we all did searches and found the answers we needed, we wouldn't need to be discussing live every day. And btw, even if you find posts on the subject you are looking for, they are not always giving you what you want. Sometimes there will be 3 posts on a thread. Or the exact question you wanted to ask was not discussed. Or the person on the forum with the most experience was not on that day. This post was edited by prairiemoon2 on Fri, Jun 27, 14 at 17:07

Wow, Greendesigns & hollysprings- you make the industry sound…. well awful. Largely the kitchen design industry is an unregulated one (by state or federal government). You need no formal training of any kind to begin working in the industry, just a useful skill set that will encourage an employer to hire you. Kitchen designers often have a wide diversity of backgrounds in architecture, interior design, decoration or construction and there are even a few wonderful designers, whom I have had the pleasure to work with, who have a natural talent, but no formal education. There are two types of business structures, a designer who sells and does all the work (design, drawing, field measure, pricing, ordering, manages delivery and final completion) or a designer who only sells and has a support staff who does all the other work. The former structure is far more popular here in the New England states. Often the showrooms here are small & owner operated by family. The larger companies focus on volume work. (Each sales person is expected to sell about $500K of product per year to start- these companies provide the most basic of services, limited design, drawing and delivery- limited follow thru during the installation process. Lowes & HD are examples of this type of shop. A volume shop can have each designer ordering 6-12 kitchens per week) There are two ways to get into the industry, one is start low and work your way up or to come in as a sales person. In order to sell you need to understand the products (cabinetry, appliances, how things go together and why). A good sales person can sell anything, furniture, tile, appliances, construction, plumbing fixtures etc. When starting at the bottom you could be doing anything from administration, greeting, bookkeeping and working it into deign assistant or draftsperson. Now in order to gain the knowledge base to successfully design kitchens there are several places to start- you could join the NKBA, order the Professional Learning Library (which is $700 hard cover or $600 e-book) "it is about $100 less if you join a study group (another $350 there)) and read it completely. You wont be able to sit for any of the exams without experience, but you certainly can read the books. I recently ran a study group through our local chapter and I must say that in the 7 years I have been a CKD, the material you need to know has doubled. Is it impossible to learn as a novice? No- but you need to be able to put in the time. The trick is that the academic knowledge is good, but you need hands on to become proficient. (I will get to the NKBA certifications shortly) The other option is to pick up and read every book you can find not only on design, but also construction, architecture and interior design. Our industry is very very broad, you could learn to design with cabinetry and know nothing about construction. Or know everything about construction but not have the creativity to design a kitchen beyond placing boxes. Now- to become a certified kitchen designer there are two tests you have to take through the NKBA. The first is the AKBD ( Academic Kitchen & Bath Designer) you need (2) years of documented experience & (2) professional references. This test is very difficult and you need to read & comprehend the complete PRL books. This test cannot be passed without proper preparation. The second part is the CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer), you need (7) years industry experience to be eligible to take the part + (2) professional references & (2) client references. (The first and second parts can be taken together once you meet the latter criteria) The CKD exam is a design exam and is 4 hours. You are given a design problem that you must solve. You have to produce a floor plan, elevation, construction plan, mechanical plan and a design statement explaining what and why you have made your design decisions. The exam is graded on the proficiency of the design solution, including adhering to the client survey (ie listening to the clients wants and the site constraints), the design guidelines and the interpretation of the design solution and the assessment of health and safety guidelines. You mentioned that your friend wants to only design- to accomplish this she would need to become a draftsperson. Often a draftsperson or technical designer as I call them, has to know everything. The products, appliances and their requirements, construction… A good draftsperson can draft by hand or by computer and can draw perspective or do computer renderings. Draftspersons are subject to the tools that the showroom supplies. I will tell you that high end shops do not use 2020, they either hand draft or use more sophisticated CAD programs such as AutoCad or ChiefArchitect. (2020 does not have the capability to do custom cabinets with any level of accuracy) Draftspeople are responsible to support the sales designer and make the design & product work. We do not only drafting, but also cabinet estimates and orders, we can order appliances, hardware & countertops, we also do tile takeoffs. Would your friend be comfortable ordering kitchens? Cabinet orders are easily $10K to $120K, it is a lot of responsibility. This industry is known for the potential of errors and omissions and each person has to step up and be responsible for their portion. This is a very detail orientated industry. I have been working in this industry since 1990, mostly as a technical designer. If your friend wants a fun design job, this could work for her if she can put in the time. The advantage of the K&B industry is that you get the start designing a lot sooner than in architecture or interior design. But if your friend wants to make money, or needs to make a living wage to survive, then she may be better off as a sales person or even in interior designer. As a last note, many people come into the K&B industry from a parallel course. They may start in related industries, not limited to interior design, architecture or construction, but also thru tile, appliances or cabinet manufacturing companies. There are a lot of factors that contribute to becoming a successful K&B designer, I hope to have touched on a few for you.

First and foremost... you need to make sure that both you and future hubby agrees that no matter what happens you and he are a united front. Even, if you disagree the 'discussion' should be held out of ear shot of the little one. If that doesnt happen if he doesnt support you and your decisions as much as you respect his ... things will fall apart quickly. Kids are smart and all kids no how to work a system to their advantage... So, a united front is an absolute must. I think that is the problem most of the step moms have in the long run... a lack of support with regards to the kids. I personally treat my step kids exactly how I treat my daughter. No better. No Worse. I have an equal hand in raising disciplining and decision making with regards to the kids. (even if ex doesnt like it) Especially, with the little boy living with you... you need to establish what both of you consider discipline and DO NOT let yourself be over run EVER. Be prepared to be disliked... it will come from the ex and probably from the son at some point. Remember two things... 1. the ex more than likely in this situation will not disslike you for any reason other than the fact that you are actively involved in her sons life and probably doing a better job. (if she has dissappeared more than once). This will anger and frustrate you but never never express that anger infront of kid 2.kids even your very own flesh and blood at times are mean, are rude, have moments where you want to wring their little necks, and will tell you to go away and in those teenage years perhaps much worse... you wouldnt take it to heart with your own kids dont do so just because he is a step. when they say I hate you say Im sorry to hear that because I love you... You are going to be a 'mother' to this child because dad has full custody and mom lives two hours away with a tendancy to abandon him. If you are not prepared to take both fiancee and son into your heart and accept that awesome responsibility than you are not in the right relationship... no matter how wonderful it is with dad because son is going nowhere. Without that sound knowledge in your heart to know that you love that kid and would do anything for him wether dad was there or not, it will be very hard to deal with the tough times that come with raising kids. As far as attention goes... kids deserve a great deal but dont be afraid (and this goes for daddy too) to say no no this is adult time .... dont be afraid to put your relationship needs first (not to the detriment of the child) I have always believed one of the greatest gifts we can give kids is to show them how to love and be with and treat the one they love... it gives them an example for a lifetime of something strong and positive in their lives. Oh and regarding the 'discussion' of disagreements... if, for example, you tell son that he cant play with a toy for rest of the day because of something he did ... and hubby disagrees and you two talk and decide he can have the toy back ...you should be the one to give back the privilege, not dad. This way you arent made out to be the bad guy and dad saving grace. umm I think these are all of the little drops of wisdom I can share (if they can be called that) :-) good luck...

The answer to this question varies by state and, perhaps, county. Following is information from the states of South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maine, Ontario, and West Virginia. The requirements in you state will be similar to those represented here. We are reading, in this forum, that some states are requiring "background checks", "fingerprints", and what-have-you as part of the qualification process. You should read elsewhere in this forum for such information; it is not covered here, in this FAQ section. PLEASE NOTE: This information is current as of the date of posting, and is not warranted or guaranteed to be valid beyond such date. For the most current information in your state of residence, you should contact the "county extension office". Space limitations preclude posting of the programs for all states. ********************************************************** SOUTH CAROLINA: This volunteer training program is administered by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. Introduced in Charleston County in 1981, the Master Gardener program is now offered in 36 counties. The Master Gardener program is divided into two parts: instruction and service. In the first part, participants receive at least 40 hours of intensive, practical horticultural training. A few of the following topics are covered in the program: *Soils and Plant Nutrition *Basic Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Entomology *Vegetable Gardening *Tree and Small Fruit Culture *Culture of Woody Ornamentals *Lawn Management *Basic Landscape Design *Problem Solving After successfully completing the classroom portion, which involves regular attendance and passing a final exam, participants receive the title of "Master Gardener." The Master Gardener graduates then donate at least 40 hours of service to complete the last part of the program. What is Expected of Master Gardeners? After completing the course, Master Gardeners are required to volunteer at least 40 hours of service in the Clemson Extension office or in the community. The volunteer activities are coordinated through the local county Extension office. Master Gardeners share their knowledge and skills in a number of ways: answering horticulture calls at the Extension office; speaking to garden and civic clubs; working with youth or senior groups; and assisting communities with beautification projects. Many Master Gardeners far exceed the expected 40 hours of service. Many continue in the program beyond the first year, motivated by their willingness to help others and the personal satisfaction derived from participating in this community service program. *********************************************************** PENNSYLVANIA: POLICY STATEMENT PURPOSE: Master Gardeners are volunteers who support Penn State Cooperative Extension's educational programs in consumer horticulture. They develop their horticultural expertise through participation in educational programs conducted by Penn State University faculty and cooperative extension staff. Faculty and extension staff also provide diagnostic support for horticultural issues and questions to those Master Gardener volunteers participating actively in the program. Extension publications, teaching materials, and/or other program support materials are provided as deemed appropriate by faculty and county extension staff responsible for leading and supervising the Master Gardener program. Information presented by Master Gardeners must be consistent with Penn State Cooperative Extension recommendations concerning various aspects of consumer horticulture. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Strong interest and knowledge in horticulture as evidenced by scoring a minimum of 80% on a final exam administered by Penn State Cooperative Extension. 2. Willingness and availability to undertake extensive training in consumer horticulture practices. Trainees may not miss more that one training session. 3. Dedication and willingness to provide a minimum of fifty (50) hours of volunteer service for Penn State Cooperative Extension. Master Gardeners have one (1) year from the end of training to complete the volunteer requirement. 4. Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with others either by telephone, personal contact, group contact, and/or in writing. 5. Willingness to support Penn State Cooperative Extension staff in providing extension audiences with up-to-date consumer horticulture information. EXPECTED COMMITMENT: 1. Attend required training sessions. 2. Perform the required number of volunteer hours for Penn State Cooperative Extension. 3. Maintain an activity log and submit it to the county extension office on a monthly and/or quarterly basis, as required by county operating procedures. 4. Attend meetings as scheduled to update information, discuss gardening problems and coordinate Master Gardener activities. 5. Participate in cooperative extension activities as needs arise. 6. Provide own transportation. 7. Maintain a flexible schedule which permits day and/or evening and/or weekend activities. TRAINING: County Master Gardener Programs will offer core and elective training totaling a minimum of thirty (30) hours. CORE CLASSES (required in all counties): 20 hours Orientation to MG Program Plant Propagation Communication Skills Entomology Plant Science Plant Pathology Soil Science IPM & Pesticide Safety SUGGESTED ELECTIVE CLASSES (varies by county): 10 hours minimum Turfgrass Culture Indoor Plant Culture Herbaceous Ornamental Plant Culture Vegetable Culture Woody Ornamental Plant Culture Diagnosing Plant Problems Pruning Horticulture Tours/Workshops Tree & Small Fruit Culture Office Orientation CERTIFICATION: A Penn State Master Gardener must attend the prescribed hours of instruction, pass the final examination and fulfill the 50-hour volunteer commitment before becoming a certified Master Gardener. Upon completion he/she will be awarded a Penn State Master Gardener certificate. This certification is restrictive in nature in that it is valid only when the individual is participating in the Penn State Master Gardener Program and for one year only. Recertification will be issued each year only to those individuals who make a commitment for participation in the program for the coming year as outlined below. When individuals cease active participation, then their designation as Penn State Master Gardener becomes void. Those not continuing in the program should be aware that if they represent themselves as Master Gardeners, they are violating their original commitment to Penn State Cooperative Extension. RECERTIFICATION: A Master Gardener may recertify for participation in the program for another year by: 1) committing to a minimum of twenty (20) hours of volunteer work to be completed each year, and 2) completing or having completed eight (8) additional hours of horticulture training each year. Examples of additional training are : New Master Gardener training, Master Gardener Advanced Training, State/Regional/National MG conferences, University or Community College courses, Arboretum and Botanical Garden seminars, annual horticulture conferences, and Pennsylvania Federation of Garden Club courses. The training must be approved as acceptable by the county extension agent responsible for supervising the Master Gardener program. INACTIVE STATUS: An inactive Master Gardener is one who is unable to commit to an additional 20 hours service plus 8 hours training at present, but would like the opportunity to recertify themselves in the future. The following policies apply: 1) An inactive Master Gardener is one who is in good standing, having completed the original commitment of training, exam, and volunteer service. 2) The inactive Master Gardener must attend or have attended eight (8) hours of acceptable horticulture training for each year of inactive status. (See Recertification #2 for examples of training). 3) An inactive Master Gardener may recertify within three (3) years as long as the above criteria are met. Individuals on inactive status for more than three years are required to retake the New Master Gardener training. OUT-OF-STATE: Master Gardeners who are certified in another state may be admitted to a Penn State Master Gardener program by meeting the following criteria: 1) acquire or be provided with a current Penn State Master Gardener training manual. 2) acquire or be provided with a Penn State Master Gardener name badge. 3) score a minimum of 80% on a final exam administered by Penn State Cooperative Extension. 4) meet the Recertification requirements listed above. FEES: To cover the cost of training manuals and supplies, a non-refundable standardized fee determined by the State Coordinator will be charged. Upon an individual's acceptance into the program, this fee will be paid at the county level by the county extension office or the Master Gardener volunteer as per county policy. LIABILITY: Master Gardener Volunteers are insured under the P.W. Woods & Son, Inc. liability insurance program. Coverage applies only to individual volunteers while they are performing their volunteer activities for Penn State Cooperative Extension. The coverage does not extend to other organizations or groups that volunteers are working with. Volunteers may not sign contracts or leases assuming liability responsibility on behalf of other organizations or groups. All contracts or "facilities use" agreements that require volunteer signature must be reviewed by the Wood office prior to signing. County offices are asked each year to identify the number of volunteers to be covered and the appropriate premium charge is applied. If volunteers are not reported, there is no liability coverage. GUIDELINES: The title "Penn State Master Gardener" is to be used only and exclusively by individuals trained and certified to assist Penn State Cooperative Extension, and the title is valid only when the volunteer is participating in the Penn State Master Gardener Program. The title Master Gardener is to be used only when doing unpaid, volunteer work in a program activity approved by an extension agent. Master Gardeners are not to advertise their name or their place of business nor be listed on the advertisements of business places as Penn State Master Gardeners. Because the Master Gardener Program is a Penn State Cooperative Extension public service program providing unbiased research-based information appearing as a commercial activity, having association with commercial products, or implying Penn State Cooperative Extension endorsement of any product or place of business is improper and grounds for dismissal from the program. The training and experience gained by participating in the Penn State Master Gardener Program are valuable, and may rightfully be listed as qualifications when seeking employment. Once employed and while serving as a paid employee, or if self-employed, Master Gardeners should not display credentials or give the appearance of being a Master Gardener at the place of business, unless the place of business is specifically designated by an extension agent as a Master Gardener clinic location. When Master Gardeners speak before groups on horticulture topics it is permissible for them to accept unsolicited reimbursements or gifts. It is inappropriate, however, to seek paid speaking engagements while participating in an authorized extension function and while using the Master Gardener title. In all cases the county extension office policy on speaking engagement fees should be honored. When a Master Gardener travels out of county for a speaking engagement, it is appropriate to request payment for travel expenses from the county cooperative extension office or other organization requesting the Master Gardener 's services. When making recommendations which include the use of fertilizers and pesticides, Master Gardeners must follow current cooperative extension recommendations. Horticultural problems which are not specifically covered by extension recommendations should be referred to an extension agent. Questions concerning commercial production of crops and pest control on such crops should be referred to an extension agent. *********************************************************** MAINE: Maine's Master Gardener Program provides participants with at least 40 hours of in-depth training in the art and science of horticulture. Trainees receive current, research based information from Extension educators and industry experts. In return, trained Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise in many ways for community programs and activities. As part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension effort, Master Gardeners are recognized as well-trained practitioners who serve and beautify their communities. They are linked to a professional network of support through county, state and national Cooperative Extension offices. What Volunteer Projects Do Master Gardeners Do? A major statewide effort of the Master Gardener Program is the Plant A Row for the Hungry program. This is a "people helping people" program to assist in feeding the homeless and hungry in your own community. Through various projects, gardeners will grow a little extra and donate the produce to local soup kitchens and food banks that serve the homeless and hungry. Other projects Master Gardeners might do include: - - teach school children about the environment and develop school gardening projects - - design and build barrier-free gardens for persons with disabilities - - develop demonstration gardens to test different plant varieties - - plan and conduct educational workshops Who Can Become A Master Gardener? Everyone who successfully completes the forty-plus hours of training, and volunteers forty hours towards community gardening programs and activities can become a Master Gardener. The participation fee is $60 which covers the cost of the two-volume reference manual and the training site expenses. Master Gardeners are Lifelong Learners Master Gardeners can help direct their own advanced training. Here are examples of how Maine Master Gardeners have helped each other learn more: In several Maine counties, Master Gardeners have created demonstration gardens, which are excellent places to teach other gardeners at field days, workshops and tours. They also provide places where Master Gardeners can experiment with new techniques, grow unusual crops, design theme gardens and hone their gardening skills. Master Gardeners in many Maine counties meet regularly to plan update activities such as guest lecturers, workshops, and tours of gardens or horticultural businesses. *********************************************************** ONTARIO: Volunteer Job Description Title: Master Gardener In Training or Master Gardener Working Schedule: In consultation with local coordinating committee. Description of Job To provide reliable and accurate information to the area public, via telephone, office or letter inquiries and by use of displays, classes and workshops on some of the following subject matters: home fruit and vegetable production, including planting, fertilizing, cultivation and pest management planting and care of trees, shrubs and lawns disease and small animal control as they affect home grounds and garden. The volunteer will record hours worked, questions asked and answers provided. Other duties may be assigned by Master Gardener Coordinating committee and/or the local Coordinator. Supervision: Immediate supervision will be by the Master Gardener Coordinating Committee and/or the coordinator of that area. Required Skills, Experience and Abilities The applicant must: have a good basic knowledge and interest in ornamental horticulture and general home gardening. successfully complete an eligibility test, the Independent Study Courses and attend training sessions and seminars. be willing to commit time to the Master Gardener activities (minimum 20 advice hours and 10 non-advice hours per year of participation) be able to work without constant supervision be able to work with the public and be eager to serve. Proper Representation: The title "Master Gardener" is to be used in all dealings with the public during periods of volunteer work authorized by the coordinating committee. However, if the volunteer is not on the job as a Master Gardener, then he/she should not use the term Master Gardener to signify authority. No responsibility will be taken for advice given during times unauthorized by the coordinating committee. All advice given by Master Gardener Volunteers when working under the authorization of the coordinating committee must be in accordance with present Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. guidelines and present OMAFRA publication ( eg. Publication 64). Recommendations are to be based on unbiased information. Implied endorsement of any product or place of business is improper. At no time should the Master Gardener volunteer try to reply to problems of a commercial producer. These questions should be referred to an OMAFRA specialist. Volunteer Commitment Volunteer Hours Each volunteer is required to contribute a minimum of thirty (30) hours of service each year. Twenty (20) of these hours are to be direct contact with the public: giving advice on a one to one basis, lecturing to a group, writing articles for publication or the production of new fact sheets, and filling specific requests made to the Master Gardener group. Ten (10) administrative hours must be contributed by: attending local group meetings, serving on Provincial Master Gardener Committees or attending Provincial Master Gardener meetings, administrative time and time spent preparing for lectures or clinics. Responsibilities.. Master Gardeners and Master Gardeners in Training have maintained high levels of knowledge and are known for reliable information. It is very important that the Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. maintain these high standards. Master Gardeners are required to give balanced, non judgmental advice that has been in compliance with the recommendations set out by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Master Gardeners will not imply the endorsement of any product or place of business in their recommendations. Acceptable Activities Advice for Volunteer Hours Master Gardener duties are determined by the volunteer and the local coordinating committee. Activities must be information- oriented rather than physical labour and should reflect the needs of the community. Some acceptable activities are: garden clinics/demonstrations provide horticultural information to hospitals, nursing homes,YMCA, therapy programs writing - newspaper, handouts etc. classes/workshops, distribution of a speaker list to organizations, schools , OMAFRA etc. ********************************************************** WEST VIRGINIA: The West Virginia Master Gardener Program started in 1993. Under the leadership of John Jett, WVU Extension Service horticulture specialist, Master Gardeners are now active in 35 of West Virginia's 55 counties. There are 1,048 active Master Gardeners in WV. These volunteers are trained in classes and activities provided by the West Virginia University Extension Service and Extension Agents in these counties. Master Gardeners receive a minimum of 30 hours of instruction. Along with an orientation, volunteers are given core training in plant science, plant propagation, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, communication skills, and integrated pest management. These subjects give the Master Gardener trainee the basic horticultural knowledge necessary to assist extension staff effectively. Specific gardening topics like pruning techniques, composting, house plants, vegetable culture, herbs, tree and small fruit culture, lawns and landscape design allow the Master Gardener to specialize in an area of particular personal interest. After successfully completing the Master Gardener training program, each volunteer receives a Master Gardener Intern certificate.To fulfill their volunteer commitment, West Virginia Master Gardener Interns: -- answer gardening questions -- assist county extension office staff -- conduct garden tours -- conduct school gardening programs -- coordinate Master Gardener programs -- create and maintain community and school landscapes -- conduct plant clinics -- garden with the elderly and disabled -- make home gardening visits -- photograph Master Gardener activities -- plan and complete community beautification projects -- present lectures or demonstrations to groups interested in horticulture -- staff county and state exhibits -- work on special events After an intern has satisfactorily completed the formal training and 30 hour of volunteer service, he or she then receives an official Master Gardener certificate and name badge.To maintain the title of Certified Master Gardener, a volunteer is required to attend a minimum of six hours of update (advanced) training per year and serve a minimum of six hours' volunteer time per year. The Master Gardener designation becomes void when an individual ceases active participation in an organized program. Many county programs have established local associations that provide leadership and sustain Master Gardener programs and activities. The West Virginia Master Gardener Association (WVMGA) was incorporated in 2000 and the board of directors is comprised by representatives from many of the county programs.The state board meets quarterly to address statewide program issues and is responsible for organizing the annual conference.The location of the annual conference varies from year to year with an effort to accommodate Master Gardeners around the state.The conferences are attended by 150 to 200 Master Gardeners who can participate in several advance training workshops and learn about successful county projects.Awards are presented to individuals and groups from throughout the state for their Master Gardener activities and recognition is given to several county Master Gardeners and a State Master Gardener of the Year. Following the awards banquet, there are both a live and a silent auction of items donated by individual Master Gardeners and county groups.Proceeds from the auctions are deposited in an endowed account with the WVU Foundation. The West Virginia Master Gardeners and WVU Extension Service presented their first $1,000 scholarship to a WVU horticulture student in the spring of 2003. In 2001, the West Virginia Master Gardeners received the Governor's Service Award and WVU Extension's Outstanding Partner Award. In 2002 the program trained approximately 450 clients and certified close to 250 Master Gardener volunteers. Master Gardeners across the state volunteered 20,000 hours to their communities and contacted 5,800 clients. The West Virginia Master Gardener Association celebrated their tenth year at the annual conference at Holiday Inn in Oak Hill April 4-6, 2003 with 175 participants. John Jett, state Master Gardener coordinator and the conference planning committee organized the conference with interesting sessions on rock and water gardening, photography, horticulture therapy, entomology, container gardening, pruning. At the Saturday evening banquet, Outstanding Master Gardeners from 15 counties were recognized.Volunteer Service awards were presented to Master Gardeners from 5 counties and the Vegetable Variety Trial participants were recognized. The silent and live auctions raised over $2500 for the scholarship fund.The Sunday featured speaker was Anita Stone, a Master Gardener from Kentucky who delivered an entertaining and sometimes emotional message on reminiscence and horticulture therapy for the elderly. ***********************************************************