Certification
Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.

Volunteer Commitment

In exchange for training, participants are obligated to volunteer time to their County AgriLife Extension program. At least 50 hours of volunteer service within one year following the training is required to earn the title of “Texas Master Gardener”.

The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs, and the abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Current Travis County Master Gardener Community Outreach projects include:

• Phone support at the Extension Office
• Plant clinics at nurseries and Zilker Botanical Garden
• Speaker’s Bureau
• Docent Program at Zilker Botanical Garden
• School Garden Projects
• Web site with information for local gardeners: www.tcmastergardener.org
• Publication of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity
• Construction of Trail of Passages at Zilker Botanical Garden
• Greenhouse projects including growing plants for Zilker Botanical Garden, Herb Fest, Zilker Fest and School Gardens
• Design, install & maintain Demonstration Garden at the Extension Office

Master Gardeners are representatives of the Texas AgriLife Extension. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of the Texas AgriLife Extension. The title “Texas Master Gardener” can be used by volunteers only when engaged in AgriLife Extension-sponsored activities.

For additional information about the training programs and activities of the Travis County Master Gardeners, contact Skip Richter, Travis County Horticulturist at the Extension Office.