The mission of the Lexington County Master Gardener Volunteers is to provide gardening support to its members and to the community through inspiration, education and leadership.

Our History

Lexington County Master Gardener Volunteers first began with classes in 1983-84. In 1987 the class of six eager members decided, with the help of Sam Cheatham, to gather for monthly “Update” meetings. Sam brought topics of interest such as various plants and how to reorganize and care of them. He also taught the ladies about numerous diseases and how to best eradicate. The small but dedicated group of ladies known as “The Sweet Peas” birthed a two-page newsletter in 1994 known as The Green Sheet. Today The Green Sheet provides information about plants – both heritage and newly cultivated, plant diseases and treatment, beautiful gardens – all in large part by members of the association.

On December 7, 2004 Lexington County Master Gardener Volunteers incorporated as a non-profit organization under the laws of South Carolina. As of June 30, 2012, there as 213 active and inactive members including several honorary members. The organization continues to grow with Clemson conferring certification to graduates of the program.

Community Project

December 13, 2013, the Community Projects Committee of the Lexington County Master Gardener Volunteers assisted the town of Lexington with the planting of a dogwood tree in honor of Arbor Day in South Carolina at the Palmetto Collegiate building, formerly known as Roof House.  The Lexington County Master Gardener Volunteers have long supported the town’s effort to beautify this facility since its inception.

Present for the tree planting were many town council members and Lexington County Master Gardener Volunteers Frankie Harbuck, Sudella Rhoten, Carolyn Rightsell, Lois Williamson, Joan Binns, and Helen Rivers.

The Lexington County Master Gardener Volunteers association consists of certified Master Gardeners who have completed the course offered by Clemson University and 40 hours of volunteer service.  It is our goal to offer research-based information to the general public through the Community Projects Team,  Our Team seeks various public facilities, meets with staff members to determine their needs, and selects shrubs or trees to help beautify their location.  Personnel are trained in caring for the new plantings to encourage successful growth.  The Lexington County Master Gardener Volunteers association accomplishes our goal by providing materials as well as educational instructions at no cost to the facilities.