Master Gardener of the Year winners

Three University of Nevada Cooperative Extension volunteers from Washoe, Douglas and Storey counties were awarded the 2011 Master Gardener of the Year Award June 18.

Master Gardener Program Coordinator Wendy Hanson Mazet recognized Barbara Bardecker, Sue Jones and Beverly Depew for their contribution to their respective communities.

Barbara Bardecker works as a volunteer in Carson City. Sue Jones runs Cooperative Extension's soil-testing program, which helps people grow healthier gardens and training other Master Gardeners to be able to do the same.

Depew has been the anchor of the Western Area/Washoe County office, answering phone calls and emails, and helping walk-in clients with their horticulture questions.

"I don't give the award solely to Master Gardeners with large numbers of volunteer hours," Mazet said. "In addition to hours worked, I look at the depth and breadth of service as well as the flexibility of the volunteer. The Master Gardeners who receive this award are truly the 'go-to' people of the program."

The Master Gardener program teaches sustainable high desert gardening practices, including proper plant selection and care, disease and pest management, and water-efficient gardening. To become a Master Gardener, an individual must complete 60 hours of horticultural instruction and volunteer 30 to 50 hours on community projects each year.

For more information about the Master Gardener program, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension or to schedule an interview with Wendy Hanson Mazet, Beverly Depew, Barbara Bardecker or Sue Jones, please contact Ashley Andrews at 775-336-0231 or email andrewsa@unce.unr.edu.