Master Gardener of the Year 2009 goes to three women

Three Oregon garden and greenhouse growers have been awarded the title of 2009 Benton Country Master Gardener of the Year.

According to the Gazette Times, Kathi Tucker, Kathy Butler and Kathleen Coleman – dubbed the Tri-Kats by a colleague – were given the award after demonstrating a passion for horticulture and giving back to their communities.

The three are members of the Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardeners initiative and help locals by providing information and advice on gardening and greenhouse issues.

Participants in the programme devote themselves to continuing their learning, while sharing their knowledge with others.

Ms Butler told the news provider: "People ask questions about what theyre growing, whats wrong with it and just general questions about gardening."

The article explained the master gardeners are able to help by tapping into the knowledge they have amassed over the time they have spent studying the subject.

Meanwhile, the Green Bay Press Gazette recently suggested garden and greenhouse enthusiasts could save resources through the use of rain barrels.