If you have a passion for gardening, the Extension Master Gardener Program can help you improve your horticultural knowledge, hone your gardening skills, and join a team of 70 trainied volunteers who are excited about lifelong learning and educating Cleveland County citizens about research-based gardening practices. The 2026 course will be offered on Tuesdays fron 4 to 6 p.m. beginning August 25 and ending November 17 at the Cleveland County Extension Center located at 130 S. Post Road in Shelby, NC. The registration fee is $125, which includes a copy of the Extension Master Gardener Handbook. Act quickly because registration is required by August 15. For more details or to request an application, contact Greg Traywick at 704-482-4365 or gbtraywi@ncsu.edu.