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The first class of Master Gardeners in McCracken County, Kentucky graduated in 1998. Kathy Keeney, horticulturist, had been active in the program in her native state of Arkansas and initiated the program here in Western Kentucky. Because McCracken County was one of only three counties in the western part of the state with a horticulture agent, individuals from surrounding counties attended class here in Paducah.In January, 2006, Dava Hayden succeeded Kathy as horticulture agent for McCracken County. Dava resigned in 2009 to become a stay at home mother.In November 2009, Kathy Wimberly became the Horticultlure agent for McCracken Co. and the Advisor for PAMGA. Master Gardeners are volunteers trained in research-based horticulture. Master Gardeners assist horticulture extension agents in answering questions from the gardening public.The Purchase Area Master Gardener Association (PAMGA) enjoys 501(c) (3) status. Our major activities have included a combination lecture series and garden show each January called Garden Gurus. The series was launched in 1999. A few past speakers include P. Allen Smith, Jim Wilson, Paul James, Tracy diSabato-Aust, Michael Weishan, Holly Shimizu, Gordon Hayward and garden consultant Judy Glattstein.We sponsor a Standard Flower Show in June at the McCracken County Fair. The show includes both horticulture and design competition.We maintain a Demonstration and Trial Garden on Coleman Road here in Paducah. Each April we hold a plant sale at the garden of plants propagated in our greenhouse and/or donated by members from their own gardens and greenhouses. The garden is the centerpiece of education mission. We serve as a trial for annuals each year. Twice the National Garden Club has recognized PAMGA as the Best Garden Center in the nation.In 2004 we received a grant from the Garden Club of Kentucky, Inc. The money was used to develop the "Plant a Seed" curriculum for elementary and middle school students. The program has received state and national awards.
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Purchase Area Master Gardener Association, 2705 Olivet Church Road, Paducah, Ky 42001 270/554-9520 FAX 270/554-8283 www.pamga.org |
