Two programs of the Knox County Master Gardeners (KCMG) received top awards at the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener (TEMG) conference, held in Franklin, Tennessee, in October: The TN Smart Yards and Friends Festival and KCMG Organic Master Gardener course.
The TN Smart Yards and Friends Festival received the TEMG Search for Excellence Award for Workshop/Presentation. The KCMG Smart Yards Project, coordinated by Mohana Yethiraj and Tennessee Smart Yards, led by Andrea Ludwig, hold an annual festival to educate the public about incorporating sustainability in residential landscapes. More than a hundred Knox County homeowners have completed the Tennessee Smart Yard certification.
Marsha Lehman, who coordinates the KCMG Organic Master Gardener course, received the Search for Excellence Award for written or recorded educational content. The nine-session program for certified master gardeners teaches advanced organic vegetable gardening practices. Nearly 150 KCMG members have taken this course.
In addition, Lee Rumble, University of Tennessee Extension arborist, received the Search for Excellence Award as Outstanding Contributing Partner. He was nominated by KCMG and is an instructor in the organization’s annual training of future master gardeners, as well as a resource for tree-related issues.
Nancy Howell, is president of the Chapman Highway Garden Club and occasional spokesperson for Knox County Master Gardeners.
