The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is recognizing two Middlesex County Master Gardeners who were recipients of this year’s Awards for Excellence at the 2014 Rutgers Master Gardener Fall Conference, which recognizes volunteers in each New Jersey county.
Linda Larson of Edison was recognized for her efforts in the Evergreen Garden of Memories.
She graduated with the Class of 2010 and has since logged more than 280 hours of volunteer service. Most of those hours have been spent establishing the series of gardens representing the phases of life in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. Susan Herzig of Old Bridge was recognized for her efforts in the Breast Cancer Awareness Garden. She graduated with the Class of 2007 and has more than 350 hours of volunteer service. Her pursuits include working in the Butterfly House in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park.
“The Masters Gardeners work hard to make Middlesex County a more green and beautiful place,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, chair of the county’s Business Development and Education Committee. “These women went above and beyond with their work on these two beautiful tribute gardens.” Master Gardeners are community volunteers trained in earth-friendly gardening and environmental principles. In Middlesex County, the training portion of the Master Gardener program lasts for one year. In the county, there are almost 300 active Master Gardeners who assist with the dissemination of research-based information at community events, conduct workshops, answer garden inquiries on the “Helpline” and manage various demonstration gardens.
For more information on the Master Gardeners program, call 732-398-5262.