How to tell the difference between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter Cactus!
Skagit County Master Gardeners
Cultivating plants, people and communities in Skagit County since 1977
Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who work in partnership with WSU Extension to educate the public and enhance the quality of life in the community by promoting sound gardening practices. Join our mailing list for info on our events.
History
The Master Gardener Program was started here in Washington State in 1973. Records show that 120 Master Gardeners from King and Pierce County Extension were trained in the first class. They served more than 7,000 clients in their first year. Today there are more than 3,000 Master Gardeners serving in 28 of the 39 Washington Counties. We serve more than a quarter of a million clients each year. The Master Gardener program is now operating in 46 states and four Canadian provinces. Click here for more info on the statewide program.
The program in Skagit County was started in 1977, and has grown significantly since then. We now have approximately 150 active Master Gardener volunteers in the Skagit County program.
What we do
As trained and certified members of a volunteer program of Washington State University Extension, Master Gardeners assist Extension in providing information to home gardeners about sound and sustainable gardening practices. This includes integrated pest management, efficient watering technologies, recycling of garden wastes and cultural methods for preventing and treating plant disease.
We have
Over 150 certified Master Gardeners and up to 25 new interns each year.
Programs include:
- Discovery Garden to inspire and educate the public – watch this video!
- Weekly Plant Clinics in Anacortes and Burlington to diagnose plant problems
- Skagit Valley Herald newspaper articles
- Monthly Know & Grow gardening lectures
- Rain garden and community garden mentors
- DIG-IT! elementary school program
- Skagit Master Gardener Plant Fair, Saturday of “Mother’s Day Weekend”
- Speakers to talk at events and community groups
Community Contribution
In 2019, we contributed 20,617 hours:
- 8,702 hours in Program Support
- 6,363 hours at the Discovery Garden
- 1,462 hours in Other Educational Delivery
- 1,831 hours at the Plant Diagnostic Clinics
- 324 hours in Youth Outreach
Check out our printable resources guide to our program.
Visit the Discovery Garden
Open from dawn to dusk daily
WSU Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center
16650 State Route 536
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
–
Donations are always welcome!
Except for a part-time WSU Extension Master Gardener Program Coordinator position and the annual training program, all Skagit County Master Gardener programs, including the Discovery Garden, are funded through the efforts of Master Gardener volunteers.
Become a Master Gardener - Training Returns 2022!
Pest Alert - Giant Asian Hornet
State entomologists call for public help after possible spotted lanternfly detection
Karla Salp
Communications
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
WSDA is asking the public to keep a watch for spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a potentially destructive pest that may have been observed in the Omak region.
When reporting possible SLF sightings, include a photograph, date, and location of the sighting and most importantly – collect the specimens. Reports can be made using WISC’s online reporting form or mobile app or by emailing WSDA at pestprogram@agr.wa.gov or calling 1-800-443-6684. After reporting, suspect specimens and egg masses can be taken to WSU Extension offices. More information about spotted lanternfly can be found on WSDA’s website. Report tree-of-heaven locations to WISC.
Plant Clinics & Ask a Master Gardener Booths
Weeds of the West
Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington
Have a rain garden, or planning to build one?