Master Gardeners

The St. Louis Master Gardener Program was established in 1983 by the Missouri Botanical Garden in partnership with University of Missouri Extension. The purpose of this partnership has been to provide horticultural education and outreach into the St. Louis Community through training volunteers to educate the gardening public. The world renowned Missouri Botanical Garden plays home to the St. Louis Master Gardener Program. Master Gardeners volunteer in many areas at the Garden including the Horticultural Answer Service, as Plant Doctors and Receptionist Assistants in the Kemper Center for Home Gardening, and in many areas outdoors on the grounds.

Learn more about the St. Louis Master Gardener program and their broad range of community involvement.

Hundreds of gardeners from throughout the Greater Saint Louis area have taken the Master Gardener training. The 18-week program provides in-depth education and coursework that not only sharpens the participants’ knowledge, but also creates an amazing cadre of volunteers who work in gardens and programs across all Saint Louis communities.

The program was established in 1983 by the world-renowned Missouri Botanical Garden in partnership with University of Missouri Extension. This partnership has provided horticultural education and outreach into the Saint Louis community by training volunteers to educate and participate in public /civic gardening. The Garden is home to the Saint Louis Master Gardener program and provides many of the instructors for the training.  Along with hundreds of gardens and facilities, the Garden is a key volunteer site for the Master Gardeners where they volunteer in a variety of ways including working with children in the education department, answering questions at the Kemper Center Plant Doctor desk and Horticulture Answer Service, and working side-by-side with the Garden’s horticulture staff. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Saint Louis Master Gardener Training program, let us know! The annual program begins in January, with afternoon and evening classes held at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Kemper Center. Courses are taught by gardening professionals and include Missouri Botanical Garden staff, MU Extension horticulturists, and community specialists. Classes include plant identification, pruning, Missouri natives, perennials and annuals, landscape design and ‘what not to plant.’  Additional training includes tree ID walks, tours and other educational opportunities. Once certified, Master Gardeners volunteer 40 hours a year in gardens and facilities throughout our communities. 

Contact St. Louis Master Gardener coordinator, Holly Records at recordsh@missouri.edu if you have any questions. 

There is no other Master Gardener Training like the Saint Louis Master Gardener Training. Get Trained, Have Fun, Volunteer, and Get Certified!