Extension Master Gardeners have been some of my most favorite people — what’s not to love about people who are excited to learn and share about plants?!? You are the foundation for much of my professional life. I have coordinated statewide programs in two states and I have been an Extension agent with a Master Gardener Extension volunteer program that responded to community needs for consumer horticulture education. Even now, as I transition to a new professional role, I still see Master Gardeners as essential partners in sharing horticulture with others.
In August 2025, I began a new role at the University of Georgia. I became an Assistant Professor in Sociohorticulture and Horticultural Therapy. I will be building a horticultural therapy program for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. I look forward to new challenges building and expanding the HT profession here in Georgia and across the country, as well as opportunities to contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding sociohorticulture. Those of you who know me well are probably drawing connections to many sociohorticulture-related projects I have worked on through the years — adding a state initiative for Health and Wellbeing; collaborating with other authors to create the publication series, Benefits of Consumer Horticulture; Project GROW; Advanced Training and workshops on therapeutic horticulture; and adding the “Connecting People and Plants” chapter to the 8th edition of the Georgia Master Gardener Handbook. Ever since I was introduced to community gardens way back in my undergraduate days, I have been fascinated with the “magic” that happens when people and plants get together. I am over-the-moon excited to continue my Extension career with a focus on this area of horticulture!
With my new role, I am still housed in the Department of Horticulture, but I now have a joint appointment with the State Botanical Garden (in fact, my new office is there at the SBG). This combination positions me well to serve the people of Georgia as well as the profession of Horticultural Therapy. Funnily enough, I was in New Orleans at the American Society for Horticultural Science annual conference when my job change became official. On July 31, my last official day as State Program Coordinator, I gave an oral presentation on Master Gardeners and technology use, and on August 1, my first day as an Assistant Professor, I gave an oral presentation on research findings related to sociohorticulture. This new role necessitates a physical relocation from Griffin to Athens. As I move residences and offices, I am SO thankful for being able to connect and teach virtually! This has enabled me to keep up with new, ongoing, and former responsibilities.
In the State Program Office, it is business as usual, as Sarah Sawyer says! I continue to serve the program in an interim capacity until a new state coordinator can be hired. We have continued with our regularly scheduled events and activities — Thoughtful Thursdays, training events (we had a GREAT workshop at the GMGA Conference in October), the Award of Excellence and People’s Choice poster awards at the GMGA Conference, Program Update Day for agents and coordinators, and Advanced Training (we wrapped up JMG training in October). We continue to work on projects already underway, like finishing touches on the Project GROW curriculum and revamping our virtual classroom used to support MGEV training. Many of these same activities are planned for 2026, continuing the excellent support and opportunities usually offered by the SPO.
I still have the same respect and love for Georgia Master Gardeners today as I did in 2012 when I moved to Georgia to coordinate the statewide program. I am so thankful for each and every one of you and your enthusiasm for plants and gardening! That enthusiasm is contagious! I see it spread through your communities with every person you assist and teach. It is hard for me to step aside from the day-to-day activities of the program, but know that I continue to support the program in any way that I can. I find volunteers, such as yourself, integral to the new work that I will do for University of Georgia.
I have spent the last few months cleaning out the Griffin office. As I come across pictures, letters, and notes about all the things we’ve done since 2012, I smile! (I included a few images below for grins and giggles!) We’ve had so much fun, even when things got a little interesting! Do you remember launching MGLOG? Reinstituting Advanced Trainings? Celebrating MGEVs during Volunteer Appreciation Week? I have no doubt at all that more great opportunities are just ahead for the Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program! Thank you, Master Gardeners, for 13 enjoyable years as State Coordinator!
