Master Gardener Society of Oakland County

at Bowers Farm

Master Gardener Program is a horticulture education and volunteer leader training program through MSU Extension. Volunteers are committed to improving the quality of life in Michigan through horticulture-based volunteerism and beautifying communities throughout the state.

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is invaluable to Bowers Farm. Master Gardener volunteers offer their time and talents to create beautiful, curated gardens & educational support at Bowers Farm.

The financial impact of the Master Gardener Volunteer program to Bowers School Farm is significant. At an hourly rate value as assigned by Michigan State University Extension, in 2024, 36 Master Gardener volunteers devoted 1164 hours, for an annual value of $38, 982. Total value to the farm over the past five years is well over $100,000.

Thank you to all who participate!

Bowers Farm Horticultural Gardens

Some of the details for our group of Master Gardener volunteers:

Curate over 21 unique gardens
Assist with sales and provide information on native plants during the spring Michigan Native Plant sale
Dedicate Wednesday and Saturday mornings to volunteer working in the gardens

Recent highlights:

Added a Fern Hellebore garden.
Extended the cottage garden.
Implemented a 5-year plan to reclaim the hill between the gazebo and the Barton Farmhouse.
Ongoing to add additional signage to the garden.
Partnership with Piechnik’s Greenhouse along with Rocks ‘n’ Roots Landscape Supplies for the Arbor Garden near the cottage