The Colorado Master Gardener volunteers are a dedicated group of individuals that are knowledgeable and passionate about sharing gardening, landscape, and horticulture education. This month, we are highlighting Paula Szilard who has been a Master Gardener for nearly 20 years!

1.  When did you join the Colorado Master Gardener program?

“I became a Master Gardener in 2000, a few years after we moved back to Colorado from Hawaii.”

2.  Why did you join the program?

“I quickly realized that if I was going to succeed at gardening here, I needed to learn all I could about gardening in this challenging environment.”

3.  What is your favorite activity?

“Although I was a reluctant speaker at first, my favorite Master Gardener activity has been teaching and giving talks, particularly on subjects I feel passionate about. Occasionally, I have also enjoyed giving tours of my landscaping. I live in the family home in Littleton with plenty of space for gardening, or so I thought. When I did run out, I replaced my front lawn with an edible landscape full of small fruits and fruit trees and I’ve never once looked back! In the back I created an Asian garden and a vegetable garden with 14 raised beds, planted a raspberry patch and more fruit trees. Over the years, I have become more interested in growing vegetables, searching out the best tasting varieties. Coming from a family of vegetable eaters helps gives you plenty of reinforcement!”

4. What is your favorite part of the program?

“Looking back, the lasting friendships formed with people who were equally passionate about gardening and the diverse opportunities for continuing education offered each year have been some of the most  enjoyable features of the program.”