Other Editions

In the early 1970s, things were tough in Washington State. Following significant growth in the Seattle area, the Boeing Corporation was laying off more than 60 thousand workers. The economic ripples were felt throughout the state. Those who didn't leave for jobs in other states hunkered down and tried to pay their mortgages, feed their families and find other work.

Having more time than money, many urbanites turned to raising their own food to help get by. And, they turned to WSU Extension offices for help.

It wouldn't be a Master Gardeners' event without some 'show and tell.' Retired WSU extension horticulturist Dr. Ray Maleike, a long-time Master Gardener instructor, leads one of three garden tours that were part of the day's festivities.

In the King and Pierce counties area, agents David Gibby and Bill Scheer were swamped with requests for plant information. They tried using the media to get more information to people, only to find that it made more people aware of what extension had to offer.

As they brainstormed how to meet the demand, they struck on the concept of recruiting and training volunteers to serve the urban audience.

That was the seed that grew into the original Master Gardeners program, which has since been replicated in other states and nations.

In early 1973, the first trainings were held in King and Pierce counties, and later another class was trained in Spokane.