Missco Master Gardener Wins Arkansas Rookie of the Year Award

Susie Langston was recently named the 2010 Arkansas Master Gardener Rookie of the Year. This award is presented to the Master Gardener who is in their first year as a member and who have made a significant contribution to the local program. The Mississippi County Master Gardeners are honored that Susie was recognized with the award at the annual State Master Gardener Convention held in Harrison June 2nd-4th.

Susie Langston was recently named the 2010 Arkansas Master Gardener Rookie of the Year. She won the award for leadership she provided in the Mississippi County program, including project work, fund raising, program publicity, and social functions. Susie is presented her "Rookie" award from Paul Shipley, her fellow 2010 Master Gardener classmate. (photo provided)

Susie Langston was in the second class of graduates for the Mississippi County Master Gardener (MG) program. Early on during training it was evident she had a wealth of knowledge in gardening. She quickly became the unofficial leader for our class, keeping each of us motivated with her friendship and expertise. Following graduation, Susie's leadership and vast horticultural knowledge made monthly MG meetings quite enjoyable.

Susie was deeply involved with our largest project of the year, the Blytheville Main Street planters. She researched and selected most of the plants used, attended every work session, and demonstrated proper bed preparation and planting methods. The knowledge she shares on plant care is almost encyclopedic! She also demonstrates a keen ability to plan projects and evaluate their success.

She was one of the hardest working and most dedicated gardeners in the county program. When projects were approved by committee she would ask when and where, then show up until the work was compete. She worked tirelessly pulling water hoses up and down the street for days until plants became established for the Main Street Planters. The plants in her assigned blocked thrived.

Susie also served as chair for the public relations committee in the county MG program. Through her efforts regular press releases kept the public up to date about projects, meetings, trips, awards and other efforts of the group. She submitted about a dozen releases to the media which generally included a nice picture she had snapped of a member, project, or meeting.

For our main social event in 2010 Susie opened up her home and garden as one of three planned stops. She made a terrific hostess and also gave members a tour of her beautiful garden.

Susie has been a tremendous asset to the Mississippi County MG group. We look forward to her leadership and involvement with the group for many years to come.