Three decades of volunteer-driven horticultural education and outreach across Shelby County

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In 2025, the Memphis Area Master Gardeners (MAMG) celebrate a major milestone: 30 years of committed service, community gardens and knowledge-sharing across Shelby County. Since the first class in 1995, MAMG has evolved into a leading force in local horticulture education and volunteerism.

The program’s strong foundation was laid by Booker T. Leigh, former Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent with UT Extension in Shelby County. His early vision and support oriented MAMG toward impactful outreach and horticultural education.

From its beginnings with a handful of dedicated volunteers, the program now reaches across neighborhoods, fostering sustainable gardens, mentoring new gardeners and strengthening community ties. In 2024 alone, MAMG volunteers contributed 26,819 hours, translating to more than $754,000 in community value. They delivered nearly 5,000 hours of continuing education, hosted 128 educational programs and grew and donated 3,465 pounds of fresh produce from their Collierville Victory Garden.

“When I joined the first class of Memphis Area Master Gardeners, I could not have imagined how deeply this program would take root,” said Mary Wade, an original member and MAMG’s longest-serving volunteer, formerly a UT Horticulture Program Assistant. “Over the past 30 years, I have watched friendships, gardens and knowledge flourish. I continue to value the research-based information we receive. It empowers us, as volunteers, to share credible, science-based guidance in our community.”

Chris Cooper, Ph.D., Shelby County UT-TSU Extension Director and MAMG Coordinator, added: “The roots of this program lie in community and education. The dedication of our volunteers, educators and leaders has transformed neighborhoods while fostering sustainable practices countywide.”

The Memphis chapter continues to thrive under strong leadership. Terry [Last Name], current President of the Memphis Area Master Gardeners, reflected on the milestone: “For three decades, our volunteers have been the heart of this program. Their dedication, generosity and passion for sharing knowledge have strengthened communities across Shelby County and inspired countless people to discover the joy of gardening. This anniversary is not only about looking back. It is about carrying the legacy forward.”

2024 By the Numbers

• 26,819 volunteer service hours

• $754,150 estimated community impact

• 4,881 continuing education hours earned

• 128 public programs reaching 1,774 participants

• 3,465 pounds of produce donated

• $12,000 awarded in scholarships to emerging horticulture leaders

Growing Through Community
MAMG supports and maintains signature sites throughout Shelby County, including the PAR Collierville Victory Garden, Oaklawn Garden Arboretum, Davies Manor Plantation, Lichterman Nature Center, Memphis Botanic Garden, Dixon Gallery and Gardens and the Memphis Zoo.

The organization also leads multiple public programs:

• Spring Fling: Plant sale and free educational workshops

• Ask a Master Gardener: Volunteers answer gardening questions at community events

• Speakers Bureau: Garden-focused presentations to clubs and civic groups

• Master Gardeners Present: Regional guest speakers

• Through Our Garden Gates (TOGG): Public home garden tours

• Junior Master Gardener Plant Camp: Youth education in gardening and the food cycle

MAMG further supports local 4-H programs by providing financial contributions and mentorship to cultivate the next generation’s interest in horticulture.

About Memphis Area Master Gardeners
For thirty years, the Memphis Area Master Gardeners (MAMG) have cultivated more than gardens. They have nurtured community, science-based learning and stewardship. Operating under the UT-TSU Extension umbrella, MAMG trains volunteers in horticulture and empowers them to create demonstration gardens, educate the public and inspire sustainable practices across Shelby County.

Visit www.memphisareamastergardeners.org or find us on Facebook: facebook.com/memphisareamastergardeners