Purdue Extension Master Gardener volunteers contribute significantly to the lives of Indiana residents and local communities each year.
In 2025, the Putnam County Master Gardeners volunteered more than 1,900 hours in Putnam County by hosting horticulture-related events, working at the Putnam County Fair and raising funds for future horticulture/agricultural scholarships. During the December Putnam County Master Gardener Association meeting, several local residents received a new Master Gardener certification.
To earn Purdue Master Gardener certifications, volunteers must complete horticultural training conducted by Purdue Extension county offices and engage in volunteer service that has been approved by Master Gardener county coordinators and performed in Indiana communities.
During the 2025 December Putnam County Master Gardener Association meeting, Kimberley Brown earned her Master Gardener certification (40 cumulative volunteer hours and 40 cumulative education hours).
Anita Johnson received her Advanced Extension Master Gardener Bronze certification (200 cumulative volunteer hours and 60 cumulative education hours).
Judi Bundza and Nathan Edwards received their Advanced Extension Master Gardener Silver certification. To earn their Advanced Extension Master Gardener Silver certification, they had to accumulate 500 volunteer hours and 75 education hours.
That evening, Purdue Extension was honored to recognize two members who received their certification. Beth Connell received for Advanced Extension Master Gardener Gold 1,000 certificate for accumulating 1,000 volunteer hours and 100 education hours. Jane Jackson received her Advanced Extension Master Gardener Gold 2,000 certificate for accumulating 2,000 volunteer hours and 150 education hours.
Please join Purdue Extension in congratulating all the Purdue Extension Master Gardeners who received a new certification.
If you are interested in participating in a virtual Purdue Extension Master Gardener Course, there are 13 counties throughout the state of Indiana offering this during the winter months. The course is on Tuesday evenings, Feb. 3 to May 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., with an additional county connection each week (date/time varies by county). The cost is $185 for an individual. To find out more, go to https://purdue.ag/2026MGVirtual. Individuals will need to register by Jan. 14.
Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Purdue Extension Office at 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.
Upcoming Events:
Dec. 16 – December PARP, 9-11:30 a.m., Endeavor Communications, register at tinyurl.com/2hht4cvv
Dec. 23 – Extension Office closes at noon for the holidays until Jan. 5
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