Brown Bag Series
Project Coordinator - Karren Coplen
The Brown Bag Gardening Series features short, information-packed sessions presented by Master Gardeners and are held at a public library or extension office.
Farmers’ Markets
Project Coordinators - Chris Svoboda (La Porte)
The La Porte Master Gardeners staffs a booth at the Farmers’ Market in La Porte during the summer season. Volunteers provide garden information, answer questions, discuss garden techniques and offer literature on upcoming programs.
Habitat for Humanity Project
Project Coordinator - Randa Magill
Master Gardeners partner with La Porte County Habitat for Humanity and help with landscaping new homes in La Porte and Michigan City. Volunteers work with the homeowners installing plants and instructing the homeowners on the proper care and maintenance of their lawn and landscape.
Pioneer Village Heritage Garden
Project Coordinator - Connie Shei
Located at the La Porte County Fairgrounds, this garden is designed as a “sampler” using heirloom varieties of vegetables and herbs of the mid-1800’s. During La Porte County Fair Week, volunteers dress in period costume and educate the public about pioneer gardens, the types of plants included in the garden, and uses for herbs. In addition, volunteers help with research on heirloom plants, start seeds indoors in spring and gather seeds in the fall to plant the following year. Produce is harvested in the fall and donated to the La Porte County Home for senior citizens.
Pioneer Heritage School Tours
Project Coordinator - Linda Hough
Volunteers dress like pioneers and give a simple informative talk about the significance of the garden to the pioneers. It’s a great opportunity to reach hundreds of young people and introduce them to gardening.
Spring Garden Show
Project Coordinators - Maureen Murphy and Wendy Shafer
A full-day event featuring garden experts whose presentations cover garden-related topics that appeal to a wide range of gardeners. Vendors are on hand selling garden-related items from plants to garden yard art. Master Gardeners receive educational and volunteer hours.
Sunflower Fair
Project Coordinator - Megan Countryman
The Sunflower Fair takes place in downtown La Porte in September. Master Gardeners are on hand to answer gardening questions and help educate the public on the numerous types of sunflowers, both perennial and annual. The fair boasts a wide variety of craft vendors, a rib cook off contest, rides for children and other entertainment.
Wabash Street Rain Gardens
Project Coordinator-Laura Henderson
This project works closely with the Michigan City forester, city staff, and other Master Gardeners to train about native plants and assist with correctly weeding the native plant rain gardens along the northern part of Wabash Street (4th St. to 10th St.).
Friendship Botanic Gardens
Project Coordinator - Rima Binder
The involvement of Master Gardens is much appreciated. Currently many are completing their intern hours. Work is designated as to the interns desire most frequently helping to plant in a designated area, help with work in a specific garden or even taking responsibility of a garden area. Interns and Master Gardeners work with me cooperating to enhance the Friendship Garden experience. Eventually, as we develop our tours, Master Gardeners would be great docents explaining the flora and fauna in the Gardens.
Garden Hotline
Extension Office
From mid-April through the end of September, Master Gardeners are on hand to help resolve garden issues from the general public. People can call in or stop in, during the designated Hotline hours, with questions.
Seed Savers
Project Coordinator - Mary Davis
Seed Saving-the promotion and education of open pollinated or heirloom variety of plants, and the sharing of seeds and family favorites.
