Millstoners certified as Master Gardeners

Twenty-eight Monmouth County residents became certified Master Gardeners at a graduation ceremony held Nov. 14 at Hominy Hill Golf Center, Colts Neck.

The Master Gardeners became experts by completing a course of classroom and handson training in plant biology, propagation, soil science and disease and pest control. The trainees then began sharing their knowledge with others by conducting garden lectures, demonstrations, school and community gardening projects and answering calls on the horticulture helpline.

The 2008 local graduates are: Ray Chiste, Allentown, and Peggy Ann Beck, Kim Casamassima, Mary Collins and Susan Lowe Kayes, all from Millstone.

The program is accepting applications for 2009. There is a $250 fee to cover material and program costs. Applications can be downloaded from www.visitmonmouth.com and are also available from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service, 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold or by calling 732-431-7260. The application deadline is Jan. 1.