Feature: MSU Pioneers Virtual Gardening

MSU debuts a new online course for master gardeners, and has created a virtual community for master gardeners and all gardening enthusiasts.

          The sun is shining.  The birds are singing.  The warm summer breezes are blowing, and all over the nation gardeners are rushing to…their computers!

          The age of virtual gardening has arrived with Michigan State University leading the way.  Drawing upon the world-renowned strengths of MSU’s Dept.of Horticulture, MSU Gardens and MSU Extension’s Master Gardener Program, MSU has launched the online Horticulture Gardening Institute, which can be found at www.gardeninginstitute.com.

EVENT-CENTERED, ONLINE SUPPORTED COMMUNITY FOR GARDENERS

          “The Gardening Institute was an idea that expanded rapidly from a plan to provide online courses for master gardeners into the creation of a virtual community for master gardeners and all gardening enthusiasts,” says Christine Geith, co-executive director of the Horticulture Gardening Institute and director of MSU Global Institute.

          “In the process, we created a unique event-centered, online-supported learning model and delivery infrastructure that allows gardeners to experience learning events, then build upon what they identify as their personal interests through online courses, projects and information resources provided through the Gardening Institute virtual community Web site.”

          The first event held on October 5, 2002 focused on Fall, Winter and Virtual Container Gardening and provided tips on putting gardens “to bed” for the winter. Off-season gardening activities were also offered, including both online instruction and opportunities to participate in plant trials conducted by Gardening Institute’s first sponsor Proven Winners, an international cooperative of some of the world’s best propagators.

            The second event, held on May 10, 2003, launched the current outdoor gardening season with Container Recipes: From Apples to Zinnia as part of a year-round online Container Gardening Program underwritten by Proven Winners. The next event, scheduled for October 25, 2003, will feature PBS Victory Gardens founding host and noted gardening author Jim Wilson and focus on The Art, Science and Future of Container Gardens.

            “Through the combination of participating in the virtual Container Gardening Program and attending the live events, master gardeners in Michigan can earn 15 educational hours, which is a requirement of the program,” says Mary McLellan, co-executive director of the Horticulture Gardening Institute and Michigan State Master Gardener Coordinator.  “But even more exciting, the Gardening Institute provides additional opportunities for Master Gardeners to share their expertise among peers and other gardening enthusiasts and earn credits by participating in plant trials and reviewing and providing advice on garden plans submitted by gardeners who join the online institute.

            “Increasingly master gardener programs in other states are becoming interested in our program, and we are looking for ways to partner with them to spread the word—and the fun—across the nation.”

PARTNERSHIPS AID FAST GROWTH AND NEW PROGRAMS

          The gardening lifestyle is one of the fastest growing trends in the country.  According to the National Gardening Association, eight out of ten U.S. households—a total of 85 million households—participated in one or more types of do-it-yourself indoor and outdoor lawn and garden activities in 2002.

            In May 2003, the Gardening Institute announced a new partnership with the American Horticultural Society (AHS) to co-develop an innovative series of lifelong learning programs that will enable master gardeners, gardening enthusiasts and gardening groups throughout the country to experience the world of event-centered, online supported gardening.

            The first program offered by this partnership will be The Art and Science of Container Gardening—an expansion of the current Container Gardening Program funded by founding sponsor Proven Winners.  The program can be previewed at www.gardeninginstitute.com. Together AHS and the Gardening Institute are planning to co-develop several additional lifelong learning programs supported by regional events, and they are also seeking additional “Event Partners” to join the effort and offer face-to-face container gardening events to expand the program even more rapidly.

            “This is the first time AHS is offering online education and certificates that expand our abundant gardening resources, which include The American Gardener magazine, a new heat zone map and extensive gardening reference books published by DK Publishing,” says Katy Moss Warner, president of AHS.

TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION

            The Art and Science of Container Gardeningis a 12-week program that presents nine Inspiring Container Gardening Projects and online learning activities.  Participants receive a certificate of completion co-branded by AHS and the Gardening Institute.  Central to delivery of the program is the Gardening Institute technology, especially “Garden Radio,” Web-streamed audio interviews with well-known gardening experts who provide step-by-step guidance for creating project plans.  These interviews are recorded in easy-to-download RealOne format, and they are accompanied by a digital slide show, full-text transcripts and a directory of Web and print resources.

            Some of the Inspiring Container Gardening Projects currently available on Garden Radio include:

            Color Bowls, presented by Dr. H. Marc Cathey, president emeritus of AHS and renowned horticulturist who has received numerous awards throughout his career

            Bulbs in Containers, presented by Brent and Becky Heath, owners of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, a wholesale/retail flower bulb catalogue and Web site business.  Together they have authored award-winning books and won a number of national awards.

            Containers for Your Health, presented by Carole Ottesene, writer, photographer and designer whose work has appeared in national magazines.  She has authored several well-respected gardening books and is currently associate editor of The American Gardener magazine.

            Hanging Baskets and Floating Gardens, presented by Heather Will-Browne, bedding plant specialist with more than 30 years experience in gardening.

            Other features to be found at www.gardeninginstitute.com include a monthly e-mail newsletter from Mary McLellan, photos and information on MSU’s many splendid gardens, a calendar of forthcoming gardening events at MSU, membership information and online registration for the Gardening Institute.

A COMMUNITY AT WORK

            With all these resources at their fingertips, Master Gardeners and gardening enthusiasts are finding that the computer is a logical gardening tool, as useful for serving their passion for plants as their shovels, rakes and hoses.

            “This is proving to be an excellent way to get volunteer hours in,” says Kim Laird, a master gardener since 2000.  “Like most people, I’m quite busy both at work and at home, and being able to log in to the online class at the best time for me is wonderful.  I can take my time and thoroughly learn the coursework, can easily reach the teachers and the special presenters, all without neglecting my family.

            “The online community is a good one to be part of…and best of all, you can take that community with you, even if you move to another city or state.” 

            Jill Sherman is a communications professional and freelance writer based in St. Louis, MO.