Elaine Sedgman has gardened for nearly 50 years, and still loves learning about new ways to make it sustainable.

(ASHLEY LEGASSIC / iNFOnews.ca)

KAMLOOPS - If you consider yourself someone with a green thumb, you have the chance to take that even further. A group in Kamloops has formed to teach people about becoming a Master Gardener.

It takes traditional gardening to the next level, teaching people about sustainable gardening and planting for the planet.

Elaine Sedgman has gardened for the past 48 years, but only became a Master Gardener seven years ago. She says that doesn’t mean she knows everything there is to know about horticulture.

“I became a Master Gardener to be able to learn more about something I’m passionate about,” Sedgman says. “I feel like I’m saving the world one garden at a time.”

Back in 2007 when Sedgman was living in Salmon Arm, she became interested in the Master Gardeners Association of British Columbia.

She attended her first class, but the course was only being offered in Vancouver. So she decided to bring it closer in 2009, when the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardener Association was created.

Now the not for profit charity meets to not only teach others, but teach themselves about responsible gardening, like planting in the right place at the right time.

One of Sedgman’s favourite parts about being a Master Gardener is volunteering. She’s become close with people in her community, and they’ve gotten to know her quite well. Someone even brought a wounded bee to her house.

“It is so much fun trying to find a really good way to teach people… and being able to educate yourself and others,” she says.

Master Gardeners will be offering courses at Thompson Rivers University this fall, and an orientation session will be held Thursday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the TRU Horticulture Building.

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