Bill Power has enjoyed gardening since childhood so it’s not surprising that in retirement he volunteers for the Greene County Master Gardeners.

The Fairborn resident donated over 2,000 hours to the program in the last 10 years and recently was named Ohio’s Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteer during the 2012 Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Awards ceremony.

“Although I participate in numerous volunteer projects in support of city projects, my primary focus this year has been with the Wright Patterson Medical Center Clinic Garden and the (Fairborn) Community Garden,” said the retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

What he does as a volunteer: “Once I was certified as a (master gardener) in 2002, I assumed the role of guiding the Fairborn Community Garden to support the residents of Fairborn,” he said, noting that it started out with 10 garden plots and now has 26 plots available for use by residents.

“I publicize the garden, assign plots, and instruct gardeners on the proper care of plants,” he said.

In 2005 he was instrumental in developing a section of parking lot into the Mercer Smith 18 Century Garden, a historical garden at the Mercer-Smith log cabin in Fairborn.

”I researched seed varieties and planted items commonly found at the turn of the 19th century,” he said.

“My most current project is the Wright Patterson Medical Center Diabetic Clinic Garden in which we provide gardening classes to each new class of diabetics,” he said.

The most satisfying thing about volunteering: “My satisfaction comes from helping others and seeing them become committed to gardening and the soil.

Qualifications for becoming a Master Gardener: “Master Gardeners have an interest in learning, particularly about gardening. Master Gardeners use their talents, knowledge and experience in various ways. Some may choose to do this in a classroom, maybe garden design, community gardening, organizing seminars and list goes on,” said Greene County Master Gardener president Sue Donahue.

How to get started: Applications are currently being accepted for the next class, which will meet from about 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays from Feb. 7 to April 11, at the Xenia Community Center. The cost is $150, with $50 due with the application, which is available online at www.greene.osu.edu under “Master Gardener Volunteer Program.” For more information, contact Barb Mills at 937-372-9971 or email mills.35@cfaes.osu.edu.