Will a rhododendron thrive in that bare corner of your lawn? What is eating the roses? Does the soil need anything done to it to grow prize winning tomatoes? The answers are as varied as the selections in the spring seed catalog, but there is a readily available source that has all the answers plus even more resources to keep your flower beds happy, your lawns green and the myriad of pests in the emerald city at bay.

The Master Gardener Program

Based out of Washington State University extension office, the King County Master Gardeners are part of a nationwide network of trained gardening and horticulture volunteers available to help the community with everything plant related. Master Gardeners volunteer their time and expertise to answer your gardening questions. Even if you can't stop by the extension office, you can send photographs in for pest or disease identification or to ID that flower growing in your border beds. Many services are free of charge, which makes this an even better resource.

Ongoing Education

The King County chapter provides community outreach in the way of classes and training. The Bellevue demonstration garden is just one example of this outreach. Learn to compost, grow the perfect clematis vine or how to utilize drip irrigation in your vegetable bed. The gardens are available to tour or you can take one of the many year-round classes offered.

A Family Affair

The Master Gardener volunteers may have a full schedule of classes and services aimed at adults, but children and families can also benefit. MG teaching kits are available for teaching environmental sciences in schools or for your children's community group, free of charge. These cover worm composting, insects, and seeds and flowers – with 12 separate kits available in all. The program also runs events and classes especially for children throughout the year.