Welcome to the Garfield Park Master Gardener Association (GPMGA) site.
The goals of the GPMGA are to share knowledge about gardening with our members and others and offer volunteer opportunities.
GPMGA's Next Meeting: September 13
GPMGA members will learn about Maui’s history, microclimates and agriculture at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13, when Program Chair Debra Boyer presents Tea & Chocolate.
Debra traveled to Maui in December and toured the Maui Tea Farm and Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Farm, both of which will be featured in the program along with the impact of the recent wildfires.
Most of us think of Hawaii as a tropical paradise with endless beaches but what we see today has been developed for the tourist industry beginning in the 1970s.
Maui has surprisingly diverse microclimates, though, which lend themselves to a variety of experiences. Its many beaches feature different types of sand depending on where you are on the island.
Debra will provide background about Maui’s history of development and its diverse ecosystems as well as explore the two farms she visited that are part of a new generation of agriculture there.
Although she has a BA in Biological Sciences from Indiana University, Debra took no botany courses and developed her love of plants after college. As a research assistant to an IU professor, she learned to hand-pollinate and harvest corn for genetic studies. Over the years, Debra has pursued gardening of houseplants, vegetables, herbs, perennials and native plants. She was the personal gardener for a residential and commercial client for 11 years and managed her own community garden in Fountain Square.
Debra completed her Master Gardener training in 1999, has been a member of GPMGA since 2004, and has served as Program Chair for 15 years. She looks forward to “officially” attaining Gold Level status.
GPMGA Meetings and Locations
At present, the meetings occur on the 2nd Wednesday of the month February through December and feature both a program and a business meeting. We meet either virtually or at the Garfield Park Conservatory(accessible through the entrance by the Children’s Garden). Exceptions include off-site field trips (typically in April and September) and our annual picnic (typically held in July at the shelter near the Arts Center in Garfield Park). 
If you require an accommodation or special assistance to attend these meetings due to a disability, please contact us at 317-275-9286. Some accommodations may require a 2-week notice.