Former County Mayor Joe Ford is enjoying retirement and is looking forward to sharpening his gardening skills. He recently joined the Master Gardener Intern Program, sponsored by The University of Tennessee and administered by the Agriculture Extension Service.
Memphis is known for its lush landscapes and abundant gardens. These happen by design as former County Mayor Joe Ford knows so well. These days Ford is enjoying retirement from politics and refocusing his efforts on gardening. Admittedly a novice in the field, he is looking to the Master Gardener Intern Program, sponsored by The University of Tennessee and administered by the Agriculture Extension Service for direction. Attending an intense 15-week program, Ford will learn a new aspect of the gardening puzzle each week.
Ford hopes to use his new knowledge to improve his own yard and solve some personal landscaping issues. Proper plant selection and planting techniques are of special interest. Ford knows first-hand about plant fatalities and hopes to minimize these in the future by utilizing his new knowledge in practical application. Ford's affinity for Crepe myrtles also will be realized in his final landscape design.
Spring is a favorite season for Ford. Like so many of us gardeners, he is ready to hit the garden centers and find those rare gems that will make his garden sing. His first gardening project is going to involve some hardscape redesigns and beefing up his many flower beds. Wife Cheryl is also coming on board and plans to join her husband in the Master Gardener Intern Program next year. It's all about having fun and growing the community. What a great way to retire and still contribute in an important way.
Ann Zaner is a Shelby County Master Gardener.
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