ESCANABA — Amid the sunshine and beautifully growing vegetable and flower gardens, Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener State Coordinator, Mary Wilson, was recently welcomed to the Upper Peninsula by some of Delta County’s own Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) and Consumer Horticulture Staff. Meeting with EMGs and visiting the different volunteer projects coordinated by Extension Master Gardeners was the overall goal of her trip. Highlights in Delta County included: the Escanaba Community Garden and its participation in the Growing Together Program, the Serenity Garden at the OSF St. Francis Hospital and Medical Group, Smart Gardening outreach, and the downtown beautification efforts.

Extension Advanced Master Gardener Rosemary Charles helps coordinate the Escanaba Community Garden where over 35 people grow their own produce. Charles volunteers her time throughout the week at the garden offering garden assistance and advice. Her volunteer efforts at the community garden also include being part of the pilot MSU Extension Growing Together Program, a collaboration between Extension Master Gardeners and MSUE nutrition staff. She helps raise fresh produce for the local St. Vincent de Paul’s food pantry. Then MSUE nutrition staff provide nutritious recipes and safe food preparation education. Upon our visit, Charles receives support from other Extension Master Gardeners, such as Matt Hansen, who secured a garden shed, tools, and other supplies to ensure Escanaba residents can produce safe and affordable food at the community garden.

The Serenity Garden at OSF St. Francis Hospital and Medical Group. is a respite for anyone seeking a garden’s beauty, solace, and soothing sound of water. Created in 2002 by Extension Advanced Master Gardener Sue Wanic, it is a real eye-catcher. Extension Advanced Master Gardener Karen Moore designed the garden. Additional EMGs assisting with this project include Sue Shepich and Greta Arntzen. Many continue to support and sustain this addition. They provide public education via plant signs, plant sales, and hosting a garden walk with Smart Gardening outreach educational materials.

Another ongoing Extension Master Gardener project involves Delta County Extension Master Gardeners dedicating their time hosting the annual Bay de Noc Gardening Conference. Held in April, with at least 20 educational sessions and over 100 participants, conference goers enjoy a wide range of gardening topics. Revenue earned supports downtown Escanaba beautification efforts, which include hanging baskets, roundabout plantings, and lakeshore beds.

Mary Wilson enjoyed her tour. “The Extension Master Gardeners I visited with are an amazing group of passionate people. They are passionate about making a difference in their communities and in the lives of individuals…all through the medium of plants. Whether they are working with children, helping increase food access, providing a calming, beautiful pace of respite, improving community through beautification, or helping gardeners be better stewards of our environment, they are making a difference. They are an outstanding group of MSU volunteers,” she said.

The Extension Master Gardener program is open to anyone ages 18 and older who like to garden. Available only through Aug. 18, register now for the Extension Master Gardener Training Course to be held in Escanaba. Go to: https://events.anr.msu.edu/mgvpdelta19f/ to register. Partial scholarships are still available. For more information on the Michigan Extension Master Gardener program, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/master_gardener_volunteer_program/ or contact Rebecca Krans at kransr@msu.edu or 906-875-0606.