The Denton County Master Gardener Association invites potential new members to the annual “Round Up” social event from 10 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at the Joseph A. Carroll Building, 401 W. Hickory St., Room 115, in Denton. The event welcomes interested Denton County residents to ask questions and learn more about the volunteer organization that promotes horticulture countywide.  

Applications for the 2018 class of Master Gardener interns will be accepted through Oct. 20, 2017.  An interview with each applicant will be scheduled in the following weeks, and selected interns will be notified no later than Dec. 5. Each one will be required to attend a minimum of 70 hours of specialized training, which is held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. each Tuesday from Jan. 30 through May 1, 2018. Training includes instruction in Earth-Kind garden management, integrated pest management, soil management, water conservation, lawn care, ornamental trees and shrubs, plant nutrition and more. Classes are held at the Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. Stemmons Frwy. in Corinth. The $250 tuition for training includes the manual, class t-shirt, badge, field trips, instructor fees and graduation dinner. 

During their first year, Master Gardener interns are required to volunteer a minimum of 70 hours for projects provided and supervised by DCMGA. Projects range from working with area schools, assisting in gardens at senior centers, staffing the Master Gardener Help Line, sharing gardening knowledge or participating in any of several major community events. Interns become certified Texas Master Gardeners after completing the required training and volunteer commitment. Members of DCMGA maintain their certification by attending 12 hours of advanced training and completing 12 hours of volunteer service each year after their initial training year. To apply for the 2018 DCMGA intern class, complete and submit the online application found at www.dcmga.com.

 The DCMGA is an educational initiative affiliated with the Texas Master Gardener Association and Texas AgriLife Extension Service within Texas A&M University. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides equal opportunities in its programs and employment to all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.