Knox County Extension Master Gardener Awards
Knox County Extension Master Gardener Awards
Knox County Master Gardeners Receive Top Honors at TEMG Conference
Two programs of the Knox County Master Gardeners (KCMG) received top awards at the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener (TEMG) conference, held in Franklin, Tennessee, in October 2024.
TN Smart Yards and Friends Festival
The TN Smart Yards and Friends Festival received the TEMG Search for Excellence Award for Workshop/Presentation. The festival, coordinated by Mohana Yethiraj and Andrea Ludwig of Tennessee Smart Yards, educates the public about incorporating sustainability into residential landscapes. More than 100 Knox County homeowners have completed the Tennessee Smart Yard certification.
KCMG Organic Master Gardener Course
Marsha Lehman, coordinator of the KCMG Organic Master Gardener course, earned the Search for Excellence Award for written or recorded educational content. This nine-session program for certified master gardeners teaches advanced organic vegetable gardening practices. Nearly 150 KCMG members have completed the course.
Outstanding Contributing Partner
Lee Rumble, University of Tennessee Extension arborist, was honored with the Search for Excellence Award as Outstanding Contributing Partner. Nominated by KCMG, Rumble is a key instructor in the organization’s annual training of future master gardeners and serves as a resource for tree-related issues.
Posted by Nancy Howell, president of the Chapman Highway Garden Club and occasional spokesperson for Knox County Master Gardeners.
2023
International Search for Excellence Award, 1st place in Workshop/Presentation for the “Prune Like a Pro” video series – Marsha Lehman
International Search for Excellence Award, 3rd place in Community Service for “Gardening Tips Live!” – Amy Haun, Tobi Johnson, Brian Townsend, Rosanne Smith and Margeaux Emery
2022
Tennessee Search for Excellence Awards: Outstanding Individual Master Gardener Award, Large/Urban group: Knox County – Cathy Carpenter.
SFE Service Award, Workshop or Presentation: Knox County – “Gardening Tips Live!”
SFE Service Award,
Written/Recorded Educational Content: Knox County – “Prune Like a Pro”.
2021
International Search for Excellence Award, 2nd place for Community Service with our Community Garden partnership at Concord United Methodist Church.
2019
Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, Hardin Valley Elementary School Learning Garden, Written Education Category.
2017
Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, Barbara O’Neil, Outstanding Master Gardener of the Year (Eastern Region).
2016
International Search for Excellence Award, 2nd place for our Speaker’s Bureau.
2015
Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, 1st place for Community Service with our Community Garden partnership at Concord United Methodist Church.
Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, 1st Place for Workshop or Presentation with our Speaker’s Bureau.
Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, 1st Place for Demonstration Garden with our Charity Garden partnership at All Saints Catholic Church.
Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, Barbra Bunting and Marsha Lehman tied for Outstanding Master Gardener of the Year.
