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Gardening in St Louis

 

Since 1983, the Missouri Botanical Garden has partnered with the University of Missouri Extension to deliver a high-quality and impactful Master Gardener Program that provides horticultural education and outreach into the St. Louis Community through training volunteers to educate the gardening public. 

Master Gardeners volunteer in many areas at the Garden including the Horticultural Answer Service, as Plant Doctors and Receptionist Assistants in the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening, and in many areas outdoors on the grounds.

Over the years, the program has evolved to meet the changing needs of participants, while maintaining its solid foundation and commitment to excellence. 

 

Things You Need to Know About the St. Louis Master Gardener Program

 

  • University of Missouri Extension will continue to work in partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT) to deliver in person Master Gardener training and classes at the Garden each year. 

  • Both daytime and evening classes will be offered as part of the annual training program. Courses will be taught by Missouri Botanical Garden staff, MU Extension horticulturists, and industry experts.   

  • A statewide online Master Gardener course will remain available for individuals who prefer the flexibility of virtual learning. 

  • The Master Gardener training curriculum will remain robust, comprehensive, and fully aligned with state Master Gardener requirements and volunteer expectations. 

  • Additional Missouri Botanical Garden specific training opportunities will continue to be offered to ensure volunteers are prepared to meet local program and volunteer expectations. 

  • The University will continue to work collaboratively with Missouri Botanical Garden to support the St. Louis Master Gardener Program and to provide high-quality learning and volunteer opportunities. 

How do participants sign up for the online version of the program?  

  • Details regarding registration for the online option will be provided by the University of Missouri Extension.  

How do participants sign up for the online version of the program? 

  • Details regarding registration for the online option will be provided by the University of Missouri Extension. 

Who is the contact person for the program? 

  • Eliza Pessereau (eliza.pessereau@missouri.edu), St. Louis County Field Specialist in Horticulture and staff member of the UM Extension.  Eliza is a Field Specialist in Horticulture with St. Louis County and has been with MU Extension since February 2025. She brings a wealth of knowledge in pollinator conservation and sustainable agriculture to her position, along with experience in agriculture across the Midwest. Eliza’s responsibilities include coordinating the Missouri Master Naturalist training in the St. Louis area, creating programs for urban farmers, and answering soil test questions. She is excited to begin working with the St. Louis Master Gardener chapter to empower community members, increase native plant habitat, and increase food security. 

Will the next training start in January? 

  • Due to unexpected changes within the MU Extension, St. Louis Master Gardener training has been postponed until later this spring.  

  • Participants who have already registered should contact Eliza Pessereau at eliza.pessereau@missouri.edu for additional information.  

Will volunteer hours still be required? 

  • Yes. Participants will continue to be required to complete a designated number of volunteer hours to maintain their certification.  

One hallmark of the St. Louis Chapter has been instruction in Latin plant names. Will that continue? 

  • While Latin plant nomenclature is not part of the statewide curriculum, MU Extension will work in partnership with MBG to offer this as an optional component for participants and along with other topics not covered in the statewide curriculum. 

Who oversees participant registration? 

  • Registration will be managed by the University of Missouri Extension, including payment processing and participant communications  
 
For Current Volunteers:

  • Don’t forget to sign the Annual Code of Conduct by January 31, 2026. 

  • Save the date for the Annual Meeting on February 7th at Missouri Botanical Garden.

  • Look out for leadership opportunities to become more involved in the chapter in 2026. 

 
For Prospective Volunteers:


Please note that official St. Louis Master Gardener communication will come from Eliza Pessereau, Debi Kelly, Juan Cabrera-Garcia, Jody Squires, or the Missouri Botanical Garden.