Master Gardener Program

The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program is "Helping others learn to grow." As defined by the University of Illinois Extension Service, Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by University of Illinois Extension educators to provide a network of gardening programs and horticultural activities to educate the public and enhance life in their communities. The volunteer service they provide is vital to the Chicago Botanic Garden and to the community.

In 2024, the Garden will offer a path to Master Gardener certification, after an online Illinois Gardener training is completed through the University of Illinois Extension Service.  The training will cover the basics of horticulture, including classes on woody and herbaceous ornamental plant materials, fruit and vegetable crops, soils, organic gardening, entomology, and pathology.

Illinois Gardener training is a self-paced course through the University of Illinois Extension that begins on January 29, 2024 and ends on April 29, 2024.  Approximately halfway through the online classes, and after successful completion of the training and passing the final exam, participants will be offered an opportunity to interview for an Intern position at the Chicago Botanic Garden to complete certification as a Master Gardener.  

Applying to the program
There are no prerequisites other than some knowledge or experience in gardening or land management (expertise is not required) and a willingness to learn about horticulture, and to share that knowledge with others. Participants must also commit to fulfilling the volunteer component of the program if they choose to certify as Master Gardeners.  

You can learn more about the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program by visiting https://extension.illinois.edu/mg.

Please contact Kathie Hayden, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Master Gardener Coordinator at Click here to show mail address for more information and the registration link.

Applying to the program

There are no prerequisites other than some knowledge or experience in gardening or land management (expertise is not required) and a willingness to learn about horticulture, and to share that knowledge with others. Participants must also commit to fulfilling the volunteer component of the program. Applicants are asked for a preferred volunteer area. Interviews with staff representatives ensure a good match of qualifications and schedule to a volunteer area.

To learn more about Chicago Botanic Garden volunteer opportunities, click here.