Continuing Education
South Carolina Master Gardeners are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education annually (July 1 – June 30) to stay current with the latest gardening topics and research.
The following are pre-approved for continuing education credit. Please consult your local Master Gardener Coordinator regarding approval of other activities.
Master Gardener Mondays (1 hour)
Master Gardener Mondays are offered the first Monday of each month at 2:00 PM via Zoom. Each live session is approximately 1 hour in length and includes time for Q&A. Registration for each session can be found on the Clemson Calendar of Events and will be distributed through the Master Gardener E-News.
Plant Use and Identification Course (10 hours)
Participants will navigate their way through 16 modules to learn to identify over 100 commonly cultivated plant species. Learning can be assessed through self-check plant identification quizzes. The course is self-paced but must be completed within 60 days. The cost is $40 and Master Gardeners receive a $15 discount with a promotional code. More information can be found in the Clemson Online course catalog.
Master Rain Gardener (10 hours)
This multi-week hybrid course provides the knowledge and skill set needed to design, install, and maintain rain garden and rainwater harvesting systems. Rain gardens and rainwater harvesting systems can make great additions to the home landscape. Master Rain Gardener is typically offered once a year. An announcement will be shared in the Master Gardener E-News along with the promotional code that provides a discount on registration.
State Conference (5 hours)
The South Carolina Master Gardener Conference is held annually on the third Thursday of October. It’s a great learning opportunity and a chance to network with Master Gardeners from across the state.
Awards
In 2021, three awards were established to recognize South Carolina Master Gardeners at the state level in the following categories: Beautification and Community Service, Communications, and Educational Exhibit, Display, or Materials. Award applications are now being accepted for the period of July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024. All applications must be received by 11:59 PM on August 15.
It is a self-application process. Please be sure to sure to obtain the signature of your local Master Gardener Coordinator. When no local Master Gardener Coordinator is assigned, the local Association President may sign.
Applications will be reviewed by an external panel of judges. One award winner will be chosen for each category. Conference registration is refunded for award winners, and each will be presented with a $100 gift card to Lowe's to be given at the Statewide Conference on Thursday, October 17. Award winners must be present at the conference.
2024 Beautification and Community Service Award Application (PDF)
2024 Communications Award Application (PDF)
2024 Educational Exhibit, Display, or Materials Award Application (PDF)
