New Castle County Master Gardeners hold awards ceremony

2:16 p.m., April 17, 2014--The University of Delaware Cooperative Extension New Castle County Master Gardeners celebrated their awards ceremony in early April, which also happens to be National Volunteer Recognition Month.

The Master Gardener of the Year Award went to Shirley Duffy of Newark, Del., for her participation in the Master Gardeners’ Ag Day and Teaching and Demonstration Gardens’ Committees, as well as her behind-the-scenes volunteer work to insure successful home gardener outreach programs.  

Honors Stories

National Medal of Science

President Barack Obama recently presented the National Medal of Science to University of Delaware alumnus Rakesh Jain.

Warren Award

Rosalind Johnson, assistant dean for student success in the NUCLEUS Program in UD's College of Arts and Sciences, was presented the John Warren Excellence in Leadership and Service Award during a May 26 ceremony.

• Warren Award
• Athletic training accolades
• Outstanding student teachers
• Library recognition

The Career Service Award was awarded to Nancy Balogh, of Landenberg, Pa., for eight or more years of service to Delaware Master Gardeners. Balogh was president of the Master Gardeners in 2013, and her efforts over her many years of service have helped to cultivate new program personnel and expand outreach program initiatives.

Additionally, more than 20 Master Gardeners were presented the “100 or more hours of service” award for the year 2013, and more than 20 individual and team awards were presented to the group.

Delaware Master Gardeners play a key role in distributing information about environmentally friendly practices for the home gardener. Services offered include:

• The Home Landscape Visitation Program -- A Master Gardener will visit your New Castle County residence and give personalized feedback on specific needs for your garden and landscape. 
• The Garden Line -- A hotline to call to get answers to plant, lawn, pest and garden questions. For those who prefer to seek answers on the Internet, an “Ask an Expert” link is also available. 
• Home Gardener Workshops -- Offered year-round to provide the best gardening techniques for growing your garden, everything from tomatoes to raspberries, backyard composting, hot new plants and more.

Meeting the educational needs of thousands of citizens requires the dedication, creativity, and hard work of many volunteers. To learn more about the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and the Delaware Master Gardener program, contact Carrie Murphy, extension educator, horticulture, at 302-831-COOP, email cjmurphy@udel.edu or visit the website.

Photos by Danielle Quigley