Harnessing the power of the sun to grow big, beautiful blooms is no easy task, even for the members of the NC State Extension Master Gardener program of Wake County. To help, they’ve received a $500 grant from the N.C. Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association (NCEMGVA) to buy a Solar Path Finder to aid in garden planning.

A Solar Path Finder enables a gardener to properly determine how much sun different areas of the garden receive, so they can optimize planting choices. The new tool will be available to Extension Master Gardener students and Master Gardener Volunteers, as they work on community and other local gardens.

“Gardeners are optimists and often believe their gardens get more sun than they actually do,” said Louise Romanow, master gardener volunteer with the Wake County program. “We see this as a great learning tool for students and others, whether planning a garden or ascertaining why plants are not performing optimally.”

The Master Gardener volunteers of Wake County are excited about the opportunity to use this device and thank the NCEMGVA for the award.

Formed in 1991, the NCEMGVA inspires, connects and empowers its members as Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. They offer grants to county programs, continuing education and opportunities to network. They also publish a quarterly newsletter, featuring upcoming events, features and other items of interest, with the goal of letting volunteers know about events taking place across the state.

The NC State Extension Master Gardener program of Wake County is part of the NC Cooperative Extension – Wake County Center. This center works to improve the lives, land and economy of all people in Wake County.