The Master Gardener program began in the 1970's in response to the many gardening questions that resulted from the rapidly increasing level of interest in home gardening. The idea was to train knowledgeable gardener volunteers to help University Extension staff deliver home gardening information to the public.

Our local Master Gardeners are able to build on their interests and acquire greater expertise through the resources available through the Extension Service and the University of Missouri.

University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participants in extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Hickory County Master Gardeners recommend contacting your local Extension Service for more complete plant and growing information and how to become a Master Gardener.

Meetings are reserved for Master Gardener members, but community programs hosted by the Master Gardeners are public events and will be announced in the local newspaper.

As of 12/31/2014, this blog will no longer post new articles. It will remain active as an archive. Please use the tools available in the right column to search for information and source links provided in previous articles.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://extension.missouri.edu/ and http://mg.missouri.edu/.


Settlers Village Service Project


Settlers Village at Harvest Festival Time



Hickory County Master Gardeners Parade Float

The first weekend after Labor Day is the time for the annual Harvest Festival in Wheatland, Missouri. It takes place on the town square where a collection of authentic log buildings were reassembled from Hickory County and surroundings areas.  Settlers Village began to take shape between 1992 and 1995 with a collection of 13 buildings.  A group of volunteers and the Hickory County Economic Development Council, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, made this vision come to life as a reconstructed 1800's village.  It now stands as a proud representative of our local and national heritage. We can see the spirit of our rural ancestors in the workmanship and appreciate the challenge of using simple tools to create these buildings.

Today, Settlers Village stands as a place where we can reflect on the indomitable spirit of those who came here before us in a simpler time.  Hopefully, we can be inspired to have the same spirit to face challenges in a modern world.

The spirit of working together continues as the Hickory County Master Gardeners include the landscaping of the Settlers Village as one of their Service Projects.  By creating a supportive environment of beauty and simple natural elements of plant life, the Hickory County Master Gardener volunteers are responsible for keeping the Settlers Village alive during growing season.

Most of the plants are chosen for a late summer and fall bloom time so as to greet the largest number of public viewers during the Harvest Festival.







The Herb Garden!


The Herb Garden.


Blanket Flowers.


Hibiscus are in bloom along with Butterfly Bush. 


The dinner-plate size Hibiscus are in their prime time!


Knock-Out Roses bring striking color most of the growing season.


Sedum is beginning to change color attracting butterflies.



Construction of new cedar split rail rose fences (before).


Construction of new cedar split rail rose fences (after). 

The visitor to Settlers Village has the opportunity to experience a bygone era in rural living and hopefully come away with an appreciation of how far we have come.  The hope and renewal of lovely gardens and landscape show that we can be uplifted with the seasonal changes - something we will always share with those who came before us.  At Settlers Village, Hickory County Master Gardeners hope to keep alive the balance of old with new.

Posted 9/16/2013


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