News

Kamryn Findlay, Program Manager

Each summer, a unique energy takes root in Truro, N.S., as Extended Learning, Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture, hosts the Master Gardener Field School. Field school is a five-day immersive experience designed to transform gardening curiosity into confident, hands-on expertise. For students of the Master Gardener Certificate Program and newcomers alike, Field School 2025 delivered not only technical skills and scientific grounding but a deep sense of community that left many attendees declaring, “I have found my people!”

A blossoming community of learners

Field School brings together a wonderfully diverse group—from beginners just planting their first seeds to professionals refining their craft. This blend is what makes the experience so rich, says instructor and AMGA President Heather Connors-Dunphy.

“The mix produces interesting questions, the answering of which often goes beyond the confines of the educational outcomes defined for the course,” she reflects. Whether participants are fulfilling certification requirements or simply exploring their green thumb, the environment fosters deep learning and connection.

Instructor Carol Goodwin, who has long cherished Field School as a highlight of her summer, noted the particular joys and quirks of this year’s session. The cooler season offered ideal weather for outdoor work but also presented a challenge: identifying and keying out plants without their mature growth. “I was grateful for everyone’s patience,” Carol said, adding, “I have a plan for next year!” Her takeaway? A reinvigorated sense of community, shared purpose, and a calendar already marked for next summer.

Craig Smith, a Truro resident and longtime gardener, joined Field School to solidify his knowledge in edible gardening and houseplant care. With a passion for growing food and sharing the bounty, Craig emphasized how the course helped bridge his love of gardening with healthy living and community generosity. For him, the standout moment came from instructor Sherry’s tool maintenance demonstration. “It felt like rediscovering a lost art,” Craig noted.

For David Norenberg, who made the trek from Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, the value of Field School was clear the moment he arrived. As an instructional designer focused on virtual learning, David’s appreciation for in-person education made his reflections especially poignant.

“The best education is—and will always be—in-person and hands-on,” he shared. One unforgettable example was learning to prune pine trees using the “candling” method. The subtleties of bud formation and timing were instantly clear when demonstrated in person—something no video or image could fully convey.

But more than technique, what stayed with David was the emotional connection among participants. “To be among people who are as excited about nature and gardening as I am... created a bond I was sad to leave,” he said. For him, gardening is a way to “curate a personal museum of delight”—and Field School became a gallery full of kindred spirits.

Lifelong learning

Beyond pruning, propagation, and pest management, Field School emphasizes the science that underpins great gardening. The Atlantic Master Gardeners Association (AMGA) supports this lifelong learning journey by certifying, mentoring, and celebrating Master Gardeners throughout the region. The Field School serves as both a foundational step for students and a meaningful checkpoint for seasoned gardeners looking to deepen their knowledge.

“We want students to understand the ‘whys’ behind various gardening practices,” said Heather Connors-Dunphy. With sessions on soil health, insects, and garden troubleshooting, the course empowers participants to not just follow instructions but to make informed decisions based on their growing conditions and goals.

As Carol Goodwin said in parting, “Try new things with newly found confidence.” That’s the true legacy of Field School. More than a checklist of techniques, it’s a place where curiosity is nurtured, knowledge blooms, and friendships grow. With shared laughter in the greenhouse and dirt under every fingernail, this week-long experience leaves its mark not just in notebooks, but in the hearts and gardens of all who attend.