Several Rowan County Master Gardener Volunteers represented Rowan County at the N.C. State Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Conference in Greenville, N.C., June 6-8.   

Carole Massey was honored as Master Gardener of the year. Carole has over 20 years experience as a Master Gardener Volunteer. She has served in many leadership roles over the years and as Master Gardener Volunteer coordinator for several years with former Extension Director Darrell Blackwelder.  Carole always has a smile and a helping hand. Her award included her famous saying “It’s what we do.”

The Rowan Volunteers were also recognized for their work at the Extension Center demonstration gardens. The infamous “hell strip” curated by Lana Miller was awarded the Madeline Collier Landscape Design Award.  

In addition, the Rowan County Master Gardener Volunteers were awarded matching grants for the “Edible Curbside Demonstration” project and the “DIY Garden” series.

In 2017 Rowan County Master Gardeners donated more than 2,000 hours of volunteer time. Their hard work and dedication to helping gardeners grow has helped beautify many places in Rowan County and improved the lives of many of our residents.