Cooperative Extension recognizes Master Gardeners in New Castle County

2:20 p.m., April 16, 2015--The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners in New Castle County celebrated service to the community during an awards ceremony in early April, which also is National Volunteer Recognition Month.

The Master Gardener of the Year Award went to Lila Muir of New Castle for her work as the timekeeper and as assistant to the Home Gardener Workshops, and for her tireless dedication to the demonstration garden at the Extension office.

Honors Stories

National Medal of Science

President Barack Obama recently presented the National Medal of Science to University of Delaware alumnus Rakesh Jain.

Warren Award

Rosalind Johnson, assistant dean for student success in the NUCLEUS Program in UD's College of Arts and Sciences, was presented the John Warren Excellence in Leadership and Service Award during a May 26 ceremony.

• Warren Award
• Athletic training accolades
• Outstanding student teachers
• Library recognition

The Career Service Award went to Bob Deming of Wilmington and Dick Pelly of Newark, each with more than 10 years of unparalleled dedication and service to Delaware Master Gardeners. 

Additionally, more than 30 Master Gardeners were presented the “100 or more hours of service” award for 2014, and more than 20 individual and team awards were presented to the group.

Delaware Master Gardeners play a key role in distributing information about environmentally friendly practices for the home gardener. Services offered include:

• The Home Landscape Visitation Program – A Master Gardener will visit New Castle County residences and give personalized feedback on specific needs for the garden and landscape. 
• The Garden Line – This hotline at 302-831-8862 is available to get answers to plant, lawn, pest and garden questions. For those who prefer to seek answers online, an “Ask an Expert” link is also available. 
• Home Gardener Workshops – These workshops are offered year-round to provide the best gardening techniques for growing a garden, everything from tomatoes to raspberries, backyard composting, hot new plants and more.
• The Master Gardener Training Program – Applications are being accepted for those interested in joining this rewarding volunteer program. For details, see this website.

Meeting the educational needs of thousands of citizens requires the dedication, creativity, and hard work of many volunteers. To learn more about the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and the Delaware Master Gardener program, contact Carrie Murphy, extension educator for horticulture, at 302-831-COOP or via email at cjmurphy@udel.edu.