Carolyn Therriault, left, Lee County Master Gardener, was recognized at the 2015 IL Master Gardener Conference on Friday, September 18, 2015, in O’Fallon, IL, for Outstanding Master Gardener. She is shown with State Master Gardener Coordinator Monica David.
Therriault’s love of gardening has made her a huge asset to the program. She has played an important role in the annual plant sale, doing everything from seed starting and planting, to setting prices, organizing displays, and answering customer questions. She is a frequent expert on the Amboy Hotline. Therriault lives in Amboy, IL, with her husband Michael. They maintain a large yard with many different gardens.
Morrison, IL, Whiteside County Master Gardeners Wolfgang Schmidt, left, Diane Garcia, center, received a Teamwork Award from Coordinator David, at the Master Gardener State Conference for the Self Help Garden Club Project. This ongoing project began in the spring of 2013, with the establishment of raised bed gardens. Self Help Garden Club members were led by Master Gardeners in the processes of
- amending the soil
- planting seeds and plants
- weed control
- watering practices
- harvesting.
In an effort to address healthy eating habits and trying new foods, a care and cooking component was incorporated during the second year. Expansion of the garden to include cool season produce in traditional row gardening, as well as the care and cooking component, all contributed to the continued success of the Self Help Garden Club program. Participants learned how to expand an existing garden; were introduced to a wider variety of produce; were taught how to incorporate them into daily meals.
The success of the Self Help Garden Club is due to the hard work and dedication of the Whiteside County Master Gardeners and the participants from Self Help Enterprises.
