About TCMGA
Origins of the "Master Gardener"
The term “Master Gardener” was first coined in 1973 to describe a new Extension program in Washington state created by Dr. David Gibby of the Washington State University Cooperative Extension. It addressed the high demand for gardening advice in urban areas. The program quickly spread across the US, with Texas launching its first class in 1979. The program is known for its extensive volunteer training and community outreach, disseminating research-based gardening information.
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The first Texas Master Gardener class was held in 1979 in Montgomery County and drew about 25 people. Two more counties, Galveston and El Paso, started programs in 1981, and by the end of the decade, five more counties had Master Gardener programs.
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In 1987, the Extension Service made an official commitment to the Texas Master Gardener program with a state coordinator and guidelines, including a minimum of 50 hours of formal training and 50 hours of volunteer service to become a certified Master Gardener.
Founding the Tarrant County Master Gardener Association
Tarrant County Master Gardener Association was chartered on May 5, 1988, with 51 members. This first group met three times a week for 8 hours each day, learning the latest gardening practices specifically for the North Central Texas area.
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After completion of the course, participants volunteered to work on horticultural projects in their communities. The Tarrant group was one of the first to participate in such an outreach program by the Extension Service. It also established a Speakers Bureau, averaging 10 talks a month.
Our Projects
Many cities have been landscaped through Master Gardener efforts. In Fort Worth, the county courthouse, county psychiatric hospital, Botanic Garden, Trial Gardens, many elementary schools, and historic homes were visited by teams of Master Gardener volunteers. In Grapevine, MGs designed and planted medians, parks, and historic sites.
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Over the years, the number of projects has increased (see the current list here). In 2024, TCMGA reached nearly 11,000 people through public classes and webinars, Speaker Bureau talks, and community events at venues all over Tarrant County.
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For more information on becoming a Master Gardener, click here.
