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Serving Elkhart and Surrounding Counties
Elko Edition REaching ElkhaRt, kosciusko, noblE and lagRangE countiEs
March 2026
Vol. 39, No. 1
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
GARDEN WALK — Kosciusko County Master Gardeners lead a hands-on lesson in the Gardens of Central Park in Warsaw, demonstrating planting techniques and sharing seasonal growing tips with community members. Photo provided by Kosciusko County Master Gardeners.
Master Gardeners cultivate more than plants in Elkhart, Kosciusko
By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer
From tomato seedlings in the hands of fourth graders to answering late-season lawn questions, Purdue Extension Master Gardeners in Elkhart and Kosciusko counties are tending to more than backyard plots. They are cultivating community knowledge, one question at a time. Kosciusko County’s program includes 43 active members, with at least 10 new participants completing training each year, according to information provided by Purdue Extension Educator Emily Kresca. Volunteers complete a 16week course covering plant science, soil health, vegetable and ornamental gardening and more, followed by an open-book exam and supervised volunteer work. To remain active, members log annual volunteer and continuing education hours. For many, the journey begins
with a simple love of growing things. Sally Hoy, who joined the Kosciusko County program in 2018, said gardening has been part of her life since childhood on an Ohio farm. “We were always involved with gardening with my family,” she said. “We shared with neighbors and friends and church people.” Hoy said the training deepened her understanding of gardening and shifted her approach. She now focuses more on natural processes and reducing chemical use, as well as avoiding invasive species that can crowd out native plants. In Elkhart County, Master Gardeners support local efforts through education, one-of-a-kind Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail, a community garden at the Elkhart Municipal Airport and public events such as the annual Garden Expo and Garden Tour. The airport garden, started in 2001, has donated more than 15,000 pounds of food since its inception. The Michiana Master Gar-
deners Association’s seventh annual Garden Expo, themed “Think Spring,” is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Faith United Church in Elkhart. The event features speakers, workshops and vendors and is open to
the public. Master Gardener Steve Koontz, who has volunteered for about a decade, said community education is one of his favorite parts of the program. Continued on page 2
TAKING ROOT — Kathleen Cripe assists students from Mary Daly Elementary as they use egg cartons to start seeds for their garden. Photo provided by Michiana Master Gardeners.
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