Funny story about that, Deborah!

I began studying through Guelph University in 1984 to become a Horticulturist. I was a distance student, and working at a "day job" so it took longer than usual. I graduated in 1994. I had been working part time in gardening from 1974. In 2003 I decided that, in addition to my qualification as a horticulturist, it might be nice to also become a master Gardener.

I joined the local group.

At the first meeting, they were doing a round the table question and answer thing. Another new member asked a question about the appropriate time to prune flowering shrubs.

People were invited to respond. I responded that in my experience, normally, flowering shrubs are best pruned shortly after they flower.

One of the "old and experienced" members came back and told me that my answer was inappropriate seeing as how this was my first night there.

I found this rather rude, but said nothing. Over the next two months I attended further meetings and events. I became more irritated with the "old members know best" attitude. And here is the reason why:

In order to become a Master Gardener (in Canada), you must have taken the 2 year preliminary courses (that are required to go on to become a Horticulturist, or any of the garden specialty courses at guelph).

So, taking that 2 year intro course qualifies them to hold forth as experts in the field, even though they have had zip expeirience in the field. I had a problem with this. As a professional gardener who had gone well beyond the intro course, I did not feel like being bullied by some ratty old bat. they disliked me probably as much as I disliked them and we parted ways.

So No, I am not a "Master Gardener": but I have close to 50 years experience and graduated in Horticulture with honours.