If you’re one of those people who’s always wanted to be a better gardener, Carolyn McDowell, our County Extension Agent, has a deal for you.Carolyn and the San Saba Garden Club are teaming up to offer a Master Gardener’s Program in San Saba. It’s been more than five years since the program has been offered in our county. The Master Gardener Program includes 50 hours of instruction covering topics such as integrating edible plants in your flower garden, using raised beds for high-production vegetable gardening, developing organic gardening systems, choosing the right plants for our soil and climate, installing rainwater catchment systems, and more. In fact, early registrants for the program will have the opportunity to meet with Carolyn and Garden Club members to help design the curriculum. Classes will be taught by AgriLife Extension specialists and other local and regional experts. In addition to the classroom instruction, students are encouraged to volunteer to help with community gardening projects. One of the most interesting projects is the new community garden at the senior citizens center which recently received a $24,700 grant from LCRA. This project will need volunteers to help choose plants, construct and plant raised beds and instruct others in effective gardening practices. You will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience while you work along side the knowledgeable and creative professionals who will be creating this garden. Once you complete the classroom instruction and the hands-on component of the master gardening program, your daunting home gardening challenges may seem like child’s play!The class includes 12, three-hour sessions. Classes will meet on Mondays from 3:30 pm-6:30 pm starting January 23, at the Garden Club Building at Mill Pond Park. The cost is $75.If you’ve always wanted to have fun while learning to be a better gardener, here’s your chance. For more information, call Carolyn at 372.5416 or email her at cl-mcdowell@tamu.edu.