Credit to Sally Garrison (1988-2003) , Vicky Kessel (1988-2011), Jane Gulley (2011 – 2018), Andrew Kessel (2018 -??) for compiling.
The Master Gardener program began in 1988 when Janet Carson, County Extension Agent, began searching for 40 citizens to help solve gardening problems in Pulaski County.
Following five training sessions the 40 would have responsibilities that would include assisting with the telephone, answering citizen’s calls on horticulture, planting and maintaining a demonstration vegetable garden at the Little Rock Zoo, maintaining the Old State house flower beds, and other
horticulture projects.
Kathleen Ragsdale designed the Master Gardener logo using the tree “that grows strong branching out to many areas of Pulaski County.”
There was not a slate of officers for the group, but Sally Garrison took notes. The second Master Gardener class had 40 members including 11 of the original 19 from the 1988 class who were recertified.
There was not a slate of officers, but Sally Garrison took notes. Garden Projects worked in 1989 and 1990 were; The Zoo Vegetable Garden (89), The Old State House (90), Trapnall Hall (1990), Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden at Pinnacle Mt. Visitor Center (1990), Project Learning Tree (1990), Master Minutes (1990), Arbor Day, and a Zoo Aviary (1990). The first PCMG family picnic and the Christmas party were held in 1990.
There was not a slate of officers for the group, but Sally Garrison took notes. During 1990 and 1991, Master Gardener meetings were held bi-monthly at the County Extension Offices.
In addition to the projects mentioned previously, five new projects were initiated; North Little Rock Old Mill (1991), Contemplation Garden (1991), State Hospital Greenhouse (1991), School for the Deaf (1991) and E.O. Manes House (1991).
A Master Gardener picnic and a Christmas Party were held in 1991.
The Master Gardener training in 1991 was held at Highland Valley Methodist Church.
The PCMG hosted an event at the Old Mill in Jim Wilson’s honor, The Victory Garden TV host.
The PCMG elected their first slate of officers in the fall of 1992 with Sally Garrison becoming the first PCMG President.
New garden projects in 1992 included: Baptist Rehabilitation Institute and Arkansas Fish and Game building (A brief project).
The first annual Arkansas Flower and Garden Show was in February 1992 at Robinson Center Many PCMG assisted with the show.
In 1992, Regular Master Gardener meetings were held bi-monthly at the Arkla Building, Blue
Flame Room.
In 1992-1993 Sally Garrison served as PCMG president. In 1993 Beth Phelps became the new Pulaski County Extension Agent and began working with the PCMG program. In l 993 the MG meetings became monthly instead of bi-monthly.
War Memorial Bus Stop Garden became the only new project of 1993.
The 1993 social events included a fall family picnic held at Burns Park and a Christmas Party.
In 1993 the PCMG Association became a non-profit corporation registered with the state of Arkansas. For the first time, members were assessed a $10.00 annual fee.
In 1993-1994 Cecilia Buck served as PCMG President.
In 1994 the Governor’s Mansion Vegetable Garden was added to the existing projects.
Along with numerous activities, including a picnic and a variety of trips, a Christmas party rounded out an exciting year.
For 1994-95 Jay Hill served as PCMG President. Again, the meetings were held monthly in the ARKLA Blue Flame Room in Little Rock.
There were no new projects initiated in 1994-95 MG year.
Five-year service certificates were awarded to 35 PCMG. In 1995 the PCMG held their annual spring picnic and Christmas party. Also, the membership voted to purchase good reference books annually for the MG Library at the Extension Office.
A Sunshine Committee was initiated.
For 1995-96 Jane Gulley served as PCMG President.
In April of 1995 a new project, The Victorian Cottage, located in downtown North Little Rock,
was added.
Activities in 1996 included several trips. Some of the trips were out of state travel. The annual Spring Picnic and the Christmas party were well attended.
A few of the important events in 1996 included honoring Carl Hunter for his many contributions to the MG program. He was presented with the title Honorary Master Gardener. Also, on September 10, 1996 the PCMG began meeting in the new AR Cooperative Extension Building
auditorium on University Ave.
In 1996-97 served as David Dodson as President.
The PCMG added the River Market to its list of MG projects. As in years past there were many horticulture activities available for MG participation.
28 PC Master Gardeners received their five (5) year pins.
In 1997-1998 Bettye Jane Daugherty served as PCMG President.
A new project for 1997-98 was the Cammack Village UALR Fruit Garden.
In 1998-99 Connie Ruth Smith served as President of the PCMG. The total slate of officers consisted of: President, 1″1 Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Past
President. Committee Chairmen were selected for the following activities: Newsletter, Social, Speakers Bureau, Sunshine, and Travel.
Park Hill Water Works, in the Park Hill area of North Little Rock became a new PCMG project.
The statewide Master Gardener conference, held in April, identified several Pulaski County people and projects for special awards: Included in these awards were Jack Singleton for his “Funny Bone” award-winning story and the Master Minutes received the Outstanding Newsletter Award. Ten MG received ten year service pins and twenty-one MG received five-year service pins.
As in years past, many activities and/or trips dotted the calendar through out the calendar year including the annual PCMG tour of gardens as well as the annual picnic and Christmas party.
The Arkansas Times highlighted MG Rita Hopkins Johnson, Nancy and Duncan Porter and Jane Gulley as well as the Old Mill. Also, a feature photo of the Contemplation Garden in MacArthur Park was published by the Arkansas Democrat.
An 18-member committee was formed to do a self-evaluation and develop future plans for the PCMG. Membership consisted of past presidents, current executive board and several at-large members.
In 1Q 99, 7,291 hours were put into our projects and 5,016 hours were spent learning more about gardening. 1,140 hours were spent on the telephone at the Cooperative Extension Office and we spent 2,054 hours in community outreach. All in all, we totaled 15,501 volunteer hours as PCMG members of the PCMG.
In 1999-2000 Martha Jones served as PCMG President.
A special project was chosen in June by the MGs. It was identified as ‘The Green Team’ and was located at the Immaculate Conception School in NLR. Its purpose was to involve youth in the discovery of the good earth; selecting plants, developing gardens, and promoting self-esteem.
Beth Phelps announced two new committees in 2000: Habitat for Humanity Project and Youth
Garden Resource Committee.
The home of Virginia Johnson, a PCMG, was highlighted on HGTV hosted by Bob Vila.
Several PCMG, Jan King, and Nancy and Duncan Porter were featured in Southern Living magazine during 2000.
Fourteen PCMG received ten-year service pins.
Mentors were used for the first time to assist the MG trainees.
In 2000 an Arkansas MG-only web site was initiated.
In 2000-2001 Suellen Roberts served as PCMG President.
Fifteen MG received ten year pins.
Several PCMG volunteered to assist with the annual Little Rock Council of Garden Clubs Garden Tour serving as garden experts.
The first Friend of the Master Gardener Award was presented in 200 I to Marilyn Mason, Bryan Day, and Joe Scerbo with the LR Parks and Recreation Department Horticultural Division. Also, the Green Team, an Oakbrooke Elementary School horticulture project was featured in the
August issue of Active Years, a monthly magazine.
Dues were increased to $15.00 in October of 2001 (New Master Gardeners did not pay dues the first year).
An anonymous friend paid the fee to use the State Extension Office auditorium for the 2002
meetings.
In 2001-2002 Jane Druff served as PCMG President.
Curran Hall, a new PCMG project, opened May 18, 2002. Other new projects approved by the PCMG were Historic Arkansas Museum (formerly Arkansas Territorial Restoration), and Oak Forest Community Garden.
Two new committees were formed in 2002; the ‘3P’s’ (Publicity, Public Relations, and Promotion
Committee), and the “Stuff’ committee. The “Stuff’ committee will merchandise items like caps, t-shirts, etc.
2002 became the year that the PCMG Board voted to provide each project with $100.00. Jane Druff was elected chairperson of the State Master Gardener Advisory Board. Carolyn Newbern chaired a Project Evaluation committee that considered new project requests.
A new Retention Committee, chaired by Jane Gulley, was selected. Its purpose was to investigate
why people leave the PCMG program.
In 2002-2003 Carolyn Newbern served as PCMG President, and for the first time two At-large
members were selected to serve on the board.
Three new projects were approved at the September general meeting: Patrick Henry Hayes Senior
Center, Asian Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts, and the Amy Sanders Library.
Some of the activities included the annual picnic and Christmas party, a trip to St. Louis to see the
Missouri Botanical Gardens, and a visit to Ridgecrest Nursery in Wynne. A color brochure outlining Master Gardener projects was produced.
In January of 2003 there were 321 certified PCMG.
The Pinnacle Mountain project received 3rd place for the Arkansas MG Project of the Year award.
Sustainer Status was established and a MG was eligible to apply who had been a member in good
standing for a minimum of seven years.
Mrs. Ethelyn McKinney, long time Secretary at the Pulaski County Extension Service, who assisted with the Master Gardener program retired.
Friend of Master Gardeners’ was awarded to the PC prisoners who helped at the greenhouse.
Twenty-four PCMG received five-year pins, eight received ten-year pins, and two received
fifteen-year pins.
A 15-year Lifetime Membership policy was established by the State Advisory Board.
At the April MG meeting a new Volunteer Manual was introduced.
In 2003-2004 Nancy Kirsch served as President of PCMG.
Beginning in January of 2004 the PCMG began having their monthly meeting on the third Tuesday of the month at St James United Methodist Church at 11 :30 until 1:00 p.m.
Carolyn Newbern was selected to the State Advisory Board. Curran Hall was selected as PCMG
and State Project of the year. The award was dedicated to the City of Little Rock. Chris Olsen
was selected to receive the Pulaski County ‘Friend of MG’ and the state MG ‘Friend of MG’ award.
The Pulaski County Master Gardener membership totaled 315 members. Beth Phelps, Pulaski County Extension Agent, was recognized as the Arkansas Flower and Garden Show Volw1teer of the Year.
Activities for the year were numerous. Several of these activities included an ‘Heirloom Gardening Seminar’ with 164 MG members in attendance, a clinic at the River Market, an infomiation meeting and a light meal was provided to the Quorum Court members, and the annual Spring Picnic and Christmas Party.
Leave of Absence Reinstatement Requirements were adopted by the board. New membership cards were provided to the membership, and a new brochure identifying MG projects was distributed to the membership.
The membership decided that 2 workdays a year would be given to St. James in appreciation of
our use of the church facilities.
Special recognition was given to six members for completing 15 years of service and fourteen
members were honored for 10 years of service. In 2004, there were 10,450.5 volunteer project
work hours, 7,930.5 education hours, and 2,040 community outreach hours.
In 2004-2005 Dick Blankenbaker served as PCMG President.
In the 2004-2005 MG year we had 321 active members and 44 trainees. The Baptist Rehabilitation Project was recognized as the PCMG Project of the Year. Barry Travis (LR Convention Center) was also selected as the “Friend of MG’. Eleven members received recognition for 10 years of service and nine members received pins for 15 years of service. The
new trainees totaled 53.
Activities for the year included a PCMG Heritage Gardening Day ‘AR Gardens: The Roots of our
Heritage’; a Continuing Ed. Program ‘Tropical Paradise’; a display was erected at the AR State
Fair in the Arts and Crafts building; The Extension Service hosted the Quorwn Court members; the Spring Picnic and Christmas Party.
Ann Ward, secretary for Beth Phelps at the Extension Office retires and Carl Hunter, distinguished MG, lecturer and author on Wild Flowers of Arkansas passed away.
Special recognitions include an article on Curran Hall in the Arkansas Gardener; a profile of the MG Program and President Dick Blankenbaker in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
A new Master Gardener organization State Advisory Group “County 76” was introduced. Two new projects began: the Maumelle Community Center and the Scholars Garden at the Clinton School for Public Service. The Oak Forest Garden was discontinued as a Master Gardener project.
In 2005-2006 Sandy Harrison served as PCMG President.
Mt. Holly was selected as the PCMG Project of the year; Maurice Dillon, who helped at the Gov.
Mansion, was selected as the PCMG ‘Friend of MG’
A long range planning committee was selected to research the possibility of building a new
greenhouse and to survey the membership about a new meeting place. After meeting with the
authorities at St. James concerning the need for more space, a solution was quickly reached and the PCMG meetings remained at St. James United Methodist Church.
A new project, The Jacksonville Pathfinders’ Greenhouse, was initiated in the fall of 2006. The
State Hospital PCMG Project became inactive.
The PCMG contributed $1,000.00 to help sponsor the 2007 International MG Conference.
Activities for the year again were numerous with a special occasion when the Board, led by Jim
Dyer, provided Bananas Foster to the attending membership. The amrnal Spring Picnic and
Christmas party were also very successful.
Eight members received ‘Lifetime’ pins, eleven received ten-year pins and the new MG class
totaled 35.
Volunteer time on projects totaled 10,422 hours, while phone hours, 1,169. Continuing Ed.
recorded 10,356 hours and Community Outreach equaled l,471 hours for a total of 23,418 hours.
In 2006-2007 Merilyn Tilley served as PCMG President.
The Pictorial Directory was distributed to the membership, A policy amendment to increase
education hours by providing up to 5 points earned for reading, watching TV, and listening to
radio garden programs was approved.
Jacksonville City Hall was the Pulaski County Master Gardeners selection for Project of the Year
and at the state meeting received 2nd place overall. The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to George Collins from Arkansas Garden Center.
The International Master Gardener Conference was held, May 2-5, at the LR Convention Center.
PCM Gardeners and Master Gardeners throughout the state insured a successful conference by
acting as greeters, announcers, or whatever the need demanded.
Twenty-five members received Lifetime certification and we had thirty-four new Master
Gardeners.
Special emphasis went to Pinnacle Mountain Project for being nominated for 2007 Take Pride in America Award given by the U.S. Dept. of lnterior and to the Pulaski County Master Gardener booth at the Watershed Appreciation, which was held at War Memorial Stadium.
In 2007-2008 Jim Dyer served as PCMG President. Jim passed away in early 2008 and Don Davis, first Vice President served as president for the remained of the term.
The Old Mill became the Arkansas Project of the Year and Pulaski County Judge, Buddy Villines, presented a proclamation recognizing the Old Mill for its accomplishment.
Bert Tumer was Arkansas Friend of PCMG for 2007.
In 2008 we experienced our first MG membership meeting in the New Worship Center at St.
James. The monthly fee is $50.00 for each meeting with the exception of November and that will
be $75.00.
We had a successful New Chair and Co-Chair meeting, The Spring Picnic, the ice cream social held at Chris Olsen’s, and the Christmas Party were well attended, The Quapaw Quarter Association awarded the PCMG with the “Peg Smith Service Award” for their work enhancing and promoting the historic places of Little Rock and Pulaski County.
Two new projects proposals were approved; The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center and the Pulaski County Courthouse. The printing of the Master Minutes was changed from the State Cooperative Extension building to the County Ext. Office to save on expenses.
Six members received 15-year pins and twenty members received 10-year pins. In 2008 the Master Gardener program in Arkansas celebrated its 20th anniversary.
In 2008-2009 Don Davis served as PCMG President.
Eighty-five members attended a well-organized advanced training course on Edible Landscaping.
23 thousand hours of volunteer service were dedicated to answering gardening questions on the
telephone, working on projects, continuing education, and community outreach.
The PCMG Project of the Year, the Governor’s Mansion Vegetable Garden, was recognized as the State runner up and the Friend of Master Gardener nomination went to Ed Garretson from the Old State House.
A new greenhouse committee was formed, the MG Project brochure was updated, the State Hospital Project was reinstated, and the 3P’s Committee was disbanded.
The Little Rock Park’s Commission recognized PCMG for their work in beautifying the Little Rock Parks and the City.
Fifty-two people graduated from the Master Gardener training.
Tom Mertens retired from his position as Horticulture Program Assistant with the Pulaski County Extension Service.
Martha Basinger served as PCMG president this year.
There were 53 graduates of the Fall 2009
entering class; nine recipients of the Lifetime Membership award (15 years); 14 recipients of Ten
Year Membership award, and 18 recipients of Five Year Membership award.
The Continuing Education Committee presented a Landscape Design seminar in April, the Spring
Picnic was held at Wildwood in May, and PCMG volunteers helped Janet Carson guide a group
of Tennessee Master Gardeners on a Little Rock garden tour in June.
In September, Janet Carson’s book In the Garden was launched, with book sale proceeds earmarked to benefit the PCMG program. Also in September, a new photo calendar, the 2011 “Twelve Months of Gardening in Arkansas,” was introduced, with proceeds to benefit County 76, which produced it, and the PCMG program.
A Fund Raising Committee was created this year, with the goal of generating funds to build a
new greenhouse and to support PCMG projects. The committee began planning events where more copies of the book and the calendar could be sold.
The New Greenhouse committee
continued seeking bids for the project, working in conjunction with the State Hospital.
Jett Cuffman served as PCMG president this year.
To make it easier for the new Master Gardeners to become familiar with all the PCMG projects
before they make their choices, an additional opportunity to visit projects was introduced in the
fall. MG project visits were scheduled for Thursdays during the weeks when the Wednesday training classes were held. Trainees were free to choose which projects they wanted to visit Project members were on site to meet and greet and “show and tell,” without a formal tour.
The board determined at its annual August review meeting not to take on any new projects in
2011, so that existing project committees could be strengthened.
Announcement was made that Arkansas Master Gardeners would participate in the Community
Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network of the National Weather Reporting Service.
In the 2010-2011 year, work progressed on the renovation and expansion of the Little Rock
greenhouse, and it was ultimately generously funded. In June, the Fundraising Committee
announced that general fundraising for the greenhouse had reached $19,645 and that the Stella
Boyle Smith Trust had made a $10,000 gift Then Mike Mayton of the Stella Boyle Smith Trust
said the trust would like to make an additional $10,000 donation in honor of Mackie Hamilton’s
birthday. The new greenhouse was named the Stella Boyle Smith Greenhouse.
The PCMG organization learned that it must remit sales tax on plant sale proceeds because there
are now more than three sales a year. The board decided to incorporate the expense of the tax into
the price of the plants, rather than calculate the tax on each sale.
Many PCMGs qualified for Length of Service Awards; there were sixteen 5-year awards, sixteen
ten-year awards, ten 15-year (Lifetime) awards, and seven 20~year (Lifetime Plus) awards.
The Pulaski County Master Gardeners (PCMGs) completed the renovation of the Little Rock greenhouse, a project that began with fundraising and construction in 2011. The project culminated in a grand opening ceremony on April 24, 2012, at 2:00 PM.
In April, the group hosted 30-35 Master Gardeners from Sedgwick, Kansas, who requested tours of The Old Mill, Governor’s Mansion, and Witt Stephens Nature Center. The organization also initiated an orientation program for PCMG project chairs. While all existing PCMG projects continued through 2013, the Board decided against adding new projects due to manpower concerns.
Several committees were active in 2012. The Stuff Committee, which handled merchandise, established bi-annual ordering in November and April to meet vendor quantity requirements. The Horticulture Hotline Committee and PCMG Speaker’s Bureau also maintained their operations. Educational activities included a continuing education class about hydrangeas and a Garden Tours and Social event on July 17, which began and ended at the Amy Sanders Library and featured tours of PCMG members’ gardens.
To support member engagement, new pictorial directories were created, and a PCMG Volunteer Manual was compiled to help new Master Gardeners understand the program’s operations. A significant administrative change came with the complete overhaul of the Master Gardener hourly reporting system. In preparation for the statewide implementation in 2013, Beth’s assistant, Katie Reddick, and four PCMG Board members attended a December training session in Faulkner County.
Finally, PCMG Treasurer Bren Coop informed the Board that due to changes in tax law, the organization would need to remit sales tax monthly instead of quarterly.
A new Project Incentive Plan called “Busy Bees” was introduced to recognize members who contributed over 40 hours to their primary project. Recipients were awarded a small bee replica that could be attached to their Pulaski County Master Gardener (PCMG) membership badge. In its first year, 47 PCMGs qualified for this recognition.
The organization also launched “Bring a Friend to Your Project” as a recruitment initiative. New, larger metal PCMG signs featuring an updated Master Gardener logo were purchased for each project site to ensure uniform size and appearance. The board allocated $200 to each project for expenses.
David Werling proposed creating a PCMG Facebook page, which was approved after extensive coordination with the University of Arkansas Extension Office. Additionally, the organization contributed $500 to the Arkansas Master Gardeners’ 25th Birthday Party celebration, which was being coordinated by Janet Carson.
2014 was a significant year of change. Beth Phelps, our leader, was promoted to State Director of the Ouachita District at the State office. Randy Forst then joined Pulaski County as the County Extension Agent (CEA) Staff Chair and became the new shepherd of the Pulaski County Master Gardeners (PCMGs).
During this year, a continuing education class called “Your Urban Garden” drew 115 registrants, and Janet Carson presented a Saturday Master Gardener Class. To help integrate the Saturday group into established PCMG projects, the organization implemented a mentoring program to welcome new PCMGs.
The PCMG Board was expanded and transformed into a more active working board with individual responsibilities. A Training Committee was also formed to manage new member training programs, which had previously been primarily planned by Beth Phelps. That same year, Beth Phelps was recognized as Agent of the Year at the State Master Gardener Meeting.
Randy Forst made a major change in the focus of the PCMG by rescinding the mandatory Hotline Phone Duty requirement. Due to changing times, fewer people were calling the Extension Office for gardening information. As a result, the Horticulture Hotline project was scaled back and became voluntary. The Hotline was then reorganized to manage the orientation of new Master Gardeners regarding phone duty information and to help coordinate volunteers.
During this time, planning also began for the 2017 State Master Gardeners Meeting, which was to be hosted by PCMG.
An ice cream social was held in downtown Little Rock, featuring tours of several projects: The Scholar’s Garden, Old State House, Heifer Project, Curran Hall, Witt Stephens, and HAMS. Ice cream was served at the Choctaw Building.
2015 brought three significant changes to the organization. First, the Pulaski County Master Gardeners (PCMG) Board adjusted membership dues, increasing annual dues from $15.00 to $20.00 and late dues from $20.00 to $30.00. Second, the Board terms were restructured to run from January 1 to December 31, rather than October 1 to October 31. This change required then-President Marylea Gazette to serve two additional months (November and December). Third, the bylaws were revised to redistribute the PCMG treasurer’s duties to better manage bookkeeping responsibilities.
Also in 2015, three new projects received PCMG sanctioning: the Heifer Project, the Family Home Serenity Garden, and the Arkansas State Fairgrounds.
Following a revision to the Pulaski County Master Gardeners (PCMG) bylaws, officers’ terms now followed the calendar year, running from January 1 to December 31. Randy reminded the PCMG Board that all Master Gardeners who wished to continue in the program needed to sign a Volunteer Agreement. By May 2016, a few Master Gardeners had not yet completed this requirement.
That same year, the PCMG Board approved the expansion of the Fairgrounds Project and added the Pulaski County Rose Garden as a sanctioned project.
2017 was highlighted by the State Master Gardener Conference, “A Capitol Idea,” which drew 615 registrants.
That year, the Project Evaluation and Support Team (PEST) Committee was formed to evaluate the 34 Pulaski County Master Gardeners (PCMG) sanctioned projects. The committee’s role was to verify current Host Agreements and assess project operations. The evaluation process was structured to review 10 projects in 2017 and 10 more each subsequent year until completion. After initial evaluations, each project would undergo reassessment every three years.
Two new projects were launched in 2017: the DIG Project, in conjunction with the Hillary Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center, and a PCMG Demonstration Garden at the C.A. Vines 4-H Center. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Demonstration Garden took place on November 16 at 2:30 PM.
The year also saw the launch of a new website, ARMGS.ORG, under the auspices of Paul Nolte. Additionally, it was announced that the State Flower and Garden Show would relocate to Barton Coliseum in 2018.
Board Members: Joellen Beard, President; Suzanne Potts, First VP; Sharon Priest, 2nd VP; Kathy Ratcliffe, Past President; Carol Young, Secretary; Pam Gadberry, Treasurer; Sharon Gragg, Asst. Treasurer. Board-at-large: Carol Mendel, Allen White, Paul Nolte, Kathleen Reynolds
The Pulaski County Master Gardeners Board had a productive year, focusing on several key initiatives:
New Projects and Changes: The Amy Sanders Library Project was relocated, and the Argenta Project was expanded. The board also took over beds at the State Extension Office.
Demonstration Garden: Significant progress was made, including funding, construction, and planning for future phases. The garden became a central project for the group.
PEST Committee: Evaluated numerous projects, ensuring compliance and addressing needs. Over 20 projects were reviewed in 2017-2018, with more planned for 2019.
Social and Travel Activities: Celebrated the 30th Anniversary with events like garden tours and dinners. Monthly travel opportunities were organized for members.
Janet Carson Endowment: The board committed $5,000 to the fund and encouraged member contributions.
Membership and Training: Online training was introduced, and efforts were made to recruit and retain members. Membership directories were updated and sold.
Board Members: Suzanne Potts, President; Sharon Priest, 1st VP; Cindy Strauss, 2nd VP; Joellen Beard, Past President; Carol Young, Secretary; Pam Gadberry, Treasurer; Sharon Gragg, Asst Treasurer. Board-At-Large: Ann Schweitzer, Michele Wasson, Carol Mendel, Allen White
The Pulaski County Master Gardeners (PCMG) Board meetings in 2019 focused on financial approvals, project updates, and planning for events, training, and recruitment. Key recurring topics included the Little Rock Greenhouse repairs, CARTI project developments, and the success of social and travel committee events. Recruitment efforts were consistent, with participation in local events like Gardenfest and Bemis Bee Day. Advanced training sessions were well-received, and mentoring programs showed positive feedback. The board also addressed member needs, granting medical leaves of absence and approving scholarships for training programs. Social events, including the New Member Reception and Holiday Luncheon, were highlights of the year.
Board Members: Sharon Priest, President; Cindy Strauss, 1st VP; Carol Mendel, 2nd VP; Suzanne Potts, Past President; Sara Jordan, Secretary; Pam Gadberry, Treasurer; Susan Stewart, Asst. Treasurer. Board-At-Large: Deeana Montgomery, Jodie Mahony, Ann Schweitzer, Michele Wasson
The Pulaski County Master Gardener Board faced numerous challenges in 2020, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meetings transitioned to Zoom, and work hour requirements were adjusted to accommodate restrictions. Dues collection was slow, leading to discussions on increasing dues in the future. Projects faced difficulties with funding, access, and member participation, but efforts were made to maintain operations. The History Committee was reactivated, and plans for future seminars and public education programs were tabled. Leave of absence requests were handled with understanding, and a Lifetime Membership was awarded to a retiring member. Despite the challenges, the Board continued to support its members and projects, ensuring the program’s sustainability. Sharon Priest was president during 2020.
Board Members: Sharon Priest, President; Cindy Strauss, 1st VP; Carol Mendel, 2nd VP; Suzanne Potts, Past President; Sara Jordan, Secretary; Pam Gadberry, Treasurer; Susan Stewart, Asst. Treasurer. Board-At-Large: Deeana Montgomery, Jodie Mahony, Ann Schweitzer, Michele Wasson
Throughout 2021, the Pulaski County Master Gardeners Executive Board adapted to the challenges posed by COVID-19. Meetings were held via Zoom, and hybrid meeting options were explored for 2022. The board reinstated the Busy Bee awards, approved new projects, and adjusted project work hour requirements. Social events like the Meet and Greet and holiday party were planned to foster community engagement. The PEST committee conducted project visits, and the board approved various leave of absence requests. Overall, the board successfully navigated the year with a focus on maintaining operations and planning for the future.
Board Members: Cindy Strauss, President; Carol Mendel, 1st VP; Sara Jordan, 2nd VP; Sharon Priest, Past President; Deeana Montgomery, Secretary; Pam Gadberry, Treasurer; Susan Stewart, Asst. Treasurer. Board-At-Large: Pam Abrams, Nancy Archer, Jan Brandenburg, Blanca Hernandez
The Pulaski County Master Gardeners (PCMG) Executive Board had a productive year, focusing on organizational improvements, project management, and member engagement. Leadership transitions were smooth, with Cindy Strauss taking over as President and emphasizing financial accountability and member participation. The organization maintained strong finances, with discussions on using excess funds for scholarships, retreats, and increased project allowances.Key initiatives included the launch of an online reporting system for volunteer hours, the introduction of a new plant labeling process, and the reinstatement of printed directories. The board also approved several project expansions, including Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Master Naturalist Garden at St. Joseph Center, while terminating the CARTI project due to inactivity.
Member engagement was prioritized through events like the June appreciation picnic and the spring social. Committees faced challenges with leadership transitions but successfully planned educational seminars, project reviews, and speaker programs. The PEST Committee reviewed numerous projects, and the Busy Bee Award process was streamlined.
Looking ahead, the board approved recording general meetings for 2023 and introduced a scholarship program for horticulture students. Overall, 2022 was marked by growth, innovation, and a commitment to supporting members and projects.
Board Members: Carol F. Mendel, President; Sara Jordan, 1st VP; Pam Abrams, 2nd VP; Cindy Strauss, Past President; Deeana Montgomery, Secretary; Pam Gadberry, Treasurer; Arlene Sevilla-White, Asst. Treasurer. Board-At-Large: Nancy Archer, Jan Brandenburg, Susan Rose, Blanca Hernandez
Organizationally, PCMG formed a new IT committee led by Paul Nolte, raised project funding to $400, welcomed county coordinator Derek Reed in February, refreshed the Magnolia Chronicle under editor Laura Anne Warren, and improved membership records and volunteer-hour tracking. Education efforts featured a fall training class with personalized outreach, multiple workshops and talks (including hydroponics), and robust PEST committee support. Members maintained 32 county projects—such as St. James, Mount Holly, Curran Hall, and the Courthouse Rose Garden—and planted a memorial tree at the Historic Arkansas Museum for Marianne Ligon. Social engagement included the Gardener’s Gather luncheon, a successful annual holiday event, the program’s 35th-anniversary celebration, creative travel opportunities, strong greenhouse sales, and distribution of 300+ free t‑shirts to on-time dues payers.
The year also brought challenges: March tornadoes impacted members, and leadership recruitment—especially for the Busy Bee program and Magnolia Chronicle—remained a need despite system improvements. Key milestones included the October 13th 35th‑anniversary celebration in Little Rock, service awards with a December 15th hours deadline, and the December 5th Christmas Social. Overall, PCMG demonstrated resilience, collaboration, and steady growth, reinforcing its educational mission and community impact in Pulaski County.
Sara Johnson, President; Pam Abrams, 1st VP; Michele Wasson, 2nd VP; Carol Mendel, Past President; Deeana Montgomery, Secretary; Andrew Kessel, Treasurer; Arlene Sevilla-White, Asst. Treasurer; Board-At-Large: Susan Rose, Melody Parsley, Ann Griffin, Elizabeth Devlin
The Master Gardener program stayed active and growing despite summer heat and weather disruptions. Education remained strong with continuing education seminars (e.g., turning yards into native habitats), expert-led general meetings on bulbs, pollinators, Japanese maples, ponds and koi, and Monet’s garden, plus an onsite “Growing with Aquaponics” program set for September 26 at Green Thumb Garden Center. Social events included a Spring Luncheon at Bemis Tree Farm and a fun October Luncheon planned at the 4-H Vines Center.
Travel and site visits featured the Memphis Master Gardener Spring Fling and Izzy’s Native Pollinator Garden, while a lavender farm trip was weather-canceled. The PEST team evaluated and supported multiple gardens, including St. Joseph’s Pollinator Garden, the Old Mill, Maumelle Community Center, the Governor’s Vegetable Garden, and Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Community contributions included successful plant sales by Pathfinders and the Little Rock Greenhouses, and a well-attended St. James Spring Clean-Up with kudos to organizers Denise Devlin and Patti Womble. Leadership focused on interviewing applicants for the fall class and preparing training for new members, with appreciation expressed for the organization’s strong teamwork. Looking ahead, Lt. John Trent of LRPD will present on safety at the September meeting, and the October Luncheon is expected to be a fall highlight. Overall, 2024 has been marked by robust education, member engagement, and community service.