By Don Hall
News-Leader staff
Nestled between the farmer’s market and the county health unit is a gem for those who have, or who want to have, a green thumb: the Howard County Master Gardeners and the Nashville Community Gardens.
“Master Gardeners is a state volunteer program that works out of the Extension Offices,” according to Michael Myers, past president of the local chapter.
Statewide, Master Gardeners are involved in educational seminars and workshops, youth gardening programs, plant therapy work with hospitals and nursing homes, and community beautification programs.
“In 2015 a group of Master Gardeners from Miller County decided that they wanted to help put together a farmers’ market in Nashville,” Myers said. Local companies donated money, material and man-hours. Weyerhaeuser gave $12,000 for the original greenhouse, and the Howard County Master Gardeners was born.
Most projects done by Master Gardeners across the state are funded by different organizations, with the Gardeners providing the labor. In Howard County, the funding comes largely from the Nashville Community Gardens.
Formed as a non-profit in 2024, the Nashville Community Gardens works hand-in-hand with the Howard County Master Gardeners.
“They basically oversee the greenhouse, the Kidz Klub, the Nashville Demonstration Organic Garden, and the butterfly garden,” said Myers. They also raise money for the different projects the Gardeners are involved in.
“One of our future plans is to have a prairie garden and a walkway,” Myers shared. “Smith Ready Mix is donating $6,300 of concrete for the walkway,” which is expected to be used by locals as an exercise path that goes around the property.
Kidz Klub is an especially popular program at the gardens. Each Wednesday morning they host junior high special needs students for several hours. “We have a 3-pronged program where they do exercise, gardening and crafts,” Myers said.
Howard County Master Gardeners is always looking for new members, according to Myers. For information on joining and the training necessary to become a Master Gardener, contact the Howard County Extension Office or current Master Gardeners president Denise Graves.
“We’re needing sponsors, businesses and groups that want to help fund the activities here,” added Myers. “All of the funding goes to Kidz Klub or one of the gardens.”
What’s the benefit of becoming a Master Gardener?
“With the cost of living going up, eventually people are going to understand the importance of growing their own food,” said Myers. “When they don’t know exactly what they’re buying at the grocery store, they know exactly what they’re getting when they grow it themselves.”
Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, there will be a plant sale fundraiser with all proceeds going to Nashville Community Gardens programs.
Hours include 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. April 11 and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. April 12.
Stop by at 112 South Washington Street, next to the Health Unit, and support your local Master Gardeners.
