The Blair County Penn State Master Gardeners answered more than 500 garden line calls in 2009.
Master Gardeners started answering gardening questions in early April and finished the year in October.
Many of the questions related to the late blight tomato disease and the cool and wet weather. Home gardeners received the most up-to-date information on what was "bugging" their garden and were instructed on how to recognize and dispose of diseased plants.
Article Photos
Courtesy photo
Some of the Master Gardeners who took calls on the garden line in 2009 include (from left): seated — Lynda Rodgers, Sam Freet, Teresa Futrick and Joanne Pepple; standing — Gail Murphy, Jackie Forsht and Missie Estep, PSU Extension Office. Absent from the photo are Aaron Keirn, Priscilla Beach, Mary Bolt, Lee Frank, Diane Brumbaugh, Karen Clayton, Bernice Cellini, Yvonne Freet, Christine Hammerle, Diana Hite, Al Imler, Mary Joyce Wustrow, Joyce Keoleian, Dave Heisler, Cathy Swartz, Bob Rhodes, Doug Soss and Janice Snowberger.
"We had a tremendous response to the garden line," said Bernice Cellini, Master Gardener. "The volunteers did an exceptional job of answering questions and kept current with the latest horticultural resources from Extension services."
The garden line will resume services to answer gardening questions in early April.
Master Gardeners receive intensive training and volunteer their time back to the community.
Interested home gardeners who have a strong interest in horticulture and a willingness to fulfill the volunteer commitment required can contact the Blair County Extension Office for more information on the Master Gardener Program at 940-5989.
