Collin County Emergency Management

At the Collin County Master Gardeners Association, we are dedicated to promoting and enhancing the knowledge and practice of gardening and horticulture in our community. We are a group of trained volunteers who provide educational services and activities for local residents, schools, and other organizations. Our goal is to inspire and empower individuals to create beautiful, sustainable, and thriving gardens that bring joy and benefit to both people and the environment.

Our Services

We offer a wide range of services designed to help gardeners of all skill levels improve their knowledge and skills. These include:

• Ask the Master Gardener: This is a free service where you can ask our experienced gardeners for advice on various gardening topics. Whether you're dealing with pests, diseases, or simply looking for tips on how to improve your garden's appearance, we're here to help.

• Speakers Bureau: Our Master Gardeners are available to give presentations on a variety of gardening topics. We can provide educational and engaging talks for your community group, school, or other organization.

• Horticulture Therapy: This program uses gardening as a therapeutic tool to help individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities. Our trained volunteers work with participants to help them develop new skills, build confidence, and enjoy the many benefits of gardening.

• Youth Education: We believe that gardening is an excellent way for children to learn about nature, science, and the environment. Our youth education programs aim to inspire the next generation of gardeners and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to create their own beautiful gardens.

• Academic Scholarships: Each year, we award scholarships to students pursuing higher education in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field. We believe in supporting the next generation of professionals who will help shape the future of gardening and horticulture.

• Adopt A Road Hugs Greenhouse: This program allows individuals or groups to adopt a section of road and help maintain it by picking up litter and keeping the area clean. In return, the adopters receive recognition on our website and a special "Hugs Greenhouse" sign along the adopted road.

• Our Gardens: We help maintain several public gardens throughout Collin County, including the Myers Park Gardens, Perennial Research Garden, Allen Heritage Village, Allen Public Library, Caldwell Elementary School, Plano Heritage Farmstead, and Prosper Gardens. These gardens serve as demonstration sites where visitors can see various plants and gardening techniques in action.

• Events: We host a variety of events throughout the year, including The Garden Show, Spring Plant Sale, Fall Plant Sale, Edible Gardening 101, A Walk in the Park, and Summer Speaker Series. These events provide opportunities for gardeners to learn new skills, connect with other garden enthusiasts, and purchase high-quality plants and gardening supplies.

• Resources: Our website offers a wealth of information on various gardening topics, including articles, monthly garden checklists, and FAQs. We also provide resources on Earth-Kind gardening, which emphasizes the use of sustainable practices and native plants to create low-maintenance, environmentally friendly gardens.

About Us

The Collin County Master Gardeners Association is part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, a statewide educational agency that provides information and programs to improve the lives of Texans. Our Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who have completed an intensive course in horticulture and continue to update their knowledge through ongoing education and training.

We believe that gardening is not just a hobby, but a way to connect with nature, improve our communities, and enhance our quality of life. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, we invite you to join us and discover the joy and benefits of gardening.