About Us
History
The Waterloo Region Master Gardeners (previously Kitchener Master Gardeners) are a group of volunteers dedicated to sharing their knowledge of horticulture within the local community. WRMG is a member of a larger organization called the Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc which comprises of many other local Master Gardener groups within Ontario. More information can be found here.
Formed in 1987, our members come from a variety of fields that include the horticultural business, entomology, anesthesiology, engineering and manufacturing, actuarial mathematics, translation, teaching, healthcare field and librarianship. Several have advanced degrees (Ph.D., MD etc.) and diplomas in their respective areas of study and all have dedicated a number of years to the study of horticulture.
What We Do
On average, Waterloo Region Master Gardeners volunteer 1500 hours annually. We raise funds for educational purposes by offering a series of annual public lectures at nominal cost and from donations received for help from various community and group events.
Master Gardeners offer their expertise to Communities in Bloom, Horticultural Societies, Neighborhood Associations, Church groups and special interest groups such as the Head Injury Association. They join in local community activities including Seedy Saturday, Earth Day, the Dandelion Festival, Herb Festivals and Home and Garden Shows (such as Canada Blooms).
A horticultural therapy program, developed and implemented at Rosemount School for developmentally-challenged adults is designed to build confidence and to give the young people marketable horticultural and craft skills. Vegetable and flower gardens were planned, planted and maintained by students and staff members and garden produce and other material was used in the preparation of crafts for sale. The same program, adapted for use by recreational therapists, operates at Freeport Hospital and at a Cambridge senior citizens home. Several Master Gardeners work on a weekly basis with the staff and residents of these homes.
Participation in community events is important to Master Gardeners as it provides the opportunity to interact with gardeners at all levels and to share and exchange gardening information.
For more information about the Master Gardeners or their programs, email message to Master Gardeners and someone will get back to you.