Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by, supported through, and  work with the Marion County horticulture extension agent.

Master Gardeners enjoy gardening and strive to be more proficient at it. They commit to certain obligations related to horticultural education in exchange for their extraordinary training.

In a way, the Master Gardeners becomes an unpaid (in money terms) staff member of the extension office, helping to further the educational efforts of the Extension Service. The Master Gardener program is recognized as one of the leading programs in the country. Whether it is responding to citizens' requests for information, designing or maintaining demonstration gardens, working with 4-H and other youth or staffing diagnostic clinics, all of Florida benefits by supporting the educational mission of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.