By VANESSA WELCH

vanessa.welch@register-news.com

BLUFORD — Each year, Theresa Greene’s knowledge of gardening grows along with her flowers and vegetables. Last month Greene was named 2008 State Outstanding Master Gardener in Illinois for her experience and volunteer work in this area.

Greene’s passion for gardening and designing landscapes began under her grandmother’s direction when she was a young girl.

“My grandma was a big flower gardener,” Greene said. “She taught me since I was young. Now, I also grow flowers for butterflies, birds and other wildlife so it’s not only a pretty garden but it’s for animals as well.”

Greene said what began as a 10 foot-square area in her yard has turned into a garden overflowing with flowers, vegetables, trees, a pond, walking paths and decorations. After Greene’s husband Bob jokingly said “Before long I won’t have a lawn to mow,” Greene added “But you’ll have a lot of weeds to pull.”

Over the years, Greene said she wanted to use her expertise to become a master gardener and help others. These gardeners volunteer time to learn about horticulture and share their knowledge with area residents through the University of Illinois Extension offices.

However, to become a master gardener, trainees must take classes which are taught once a week for 11 weeks. Because of time conflicts with her work schedule, Greene said she was not able to enroll in classes.

That all changed when classes were offered online. Greene immediately signed up and was able to fulfill her dream of becoming a master gardener. Currently Greene said she volunteers at the local Illinois Extension office and strengthens the program’s mission: Helping Others Learn to Grow.

“I didn’t realize there was that big of a need, but there’s a demand for the advice,” Greene said. “People send us questions and we help the Extension office get information to them. People will tell us about a bug that’s eating their plants, and will ask us what it is and how to stop it. Sometimes they’ll ask what particular type of plant grows well in certain areas.”

Greene added she has also participated in activities with nursing homes and schools, and is currently teaching a group of Junior Master Gardeners ages 8 through 12.

Each fall, a few Master Gardener volunteers are recognized on a state level for their contributions to the program according to information from the Extension office.

“There were 39 Master Gardeners chosen throughout the state by a judge from the volunteer work they did,” Greene said. “I was excited and surprised. I did know the Extension office had sent my name in, but I didn’t expect to win.”

The award ceremony took place at the U of I Extension statewide Master Gardener conference which was held Sept. 11 through 13 in Lombard, and fewer than 2 percent of active master gardeners in the state received the State Outstanding Master Gardener award. Greene said classes were also held at the conference and addressed a wide range of topics.

“They had educational classes for gardeners of all types and I attended all of them,” Greene said. “It’s an exciting thing for gardeners.”

Greene said one memorable seminar given by Melinda Myers demonstrated how some city-dwellers have taken to growing gardens on the top of their roofs. After the roof is protected from water damage and other elements, Greene said dividers are placed to keep soil from sliding, and certain plants are grown which in turn help the environment.

On a smaller scale, Myers also explained how to build a green roof for birds. Greene’s husband built her a wooden birdhouse, and Greene has since planted various greenery on the top.

Greene said help from her grandchildren and support from her husband have encouraged her to pursue new ideas.

“Bob has made brick stands for my potted plants so dogs wouldn’t dig through them, and he dug a 7 foot by 14 foot pond,” Greene said. “He always adds to whatever ideas I come up with and makes them come to life. If it wasn’t for his help and support, I wouldn’t have won this award.”

To find out more about programs and resources offered through the U of I Extension office in Jefferson County, call 242-0780 or visit web.extension.uiuc.edu/jefferson/.