Our Opinion: Gardening and digging in to volunteerism

A riddle: Name a growing organization that digs volunteering, produces scholarships and blossoms at the opportunity to share know-how?

If you identified the Central Missouri Master Gardeners, you are correct.

The group's 160 active members have elevated digging in the dirt to an art form.

And from 7 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds, the group will host its annual plant sale - one of its premier events.

If past history is any indication, we advise being among the early birds. More than 1,200 customers turned out last year to gather plants and produce from the members own patches or pots plucked from the group's greenhouse in North Jefferson City.

The event has become more than a simple sale. It also is an opportunity for gardeners - from master to green-thumb challenged - to discuss the wonders and woes of gardening. In addition, a demonstration on making tomato baskets for patio gardens will be held.

The Master Gardeners also deserve a laurel for their service to the community. Following initial training, each member must complete 30 hours of volunteer work on approved projects.

People may enjoy the sights and scents of Master Gardener plantings outside a number of community not-for-profit entities, including the Missouri River Regional Library, Rape and Abuse Crisis Center and Cole County Residential Services.

In addition, to grow and perpetuate their ranks, the group offers three scholarship for students who intend to study horticulture, agriculture, conservation and forestry.

The perennial production, instruction and volunteerism of the Central Missouri Master Gardeners helps our community flourish.