Marianne Rowse graduated last month from the Master Gardener Certification class, sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension.

Marianne was one of 35 people who were taking the gardening class this spring. We asked her to sit down for a virtual interview, an e-mail Q&A.

What’s the difference between a Master Gardener and someone who just knows a lot about his backyard and the plants in the neighborhood?

Eight weeks of training and 45 hours of volunteer work gets you certified as a MG (first year). After the first year we are required to put in 20 hours of volunteer work, and 6 hours of continuing education each year to maintain our certification.

How can we most effectively foster a spirit of inquiry and a loving and understanding attitude toward life?

What effort are we making to become better acquainted with the Bible, the teachings of Jesus, our Judeo-Christian heritage, the history and principles of Friends, and the contributions of other religions and philosophies to our spiritual heritage?

In what ways can we encourage an educational process that is consistent with the values that Friends cherish? How do gender based expectations affect the goals we set and the way we learn? Do we take an active and supportive role in schools, libraries and other education al resources in our communities and elsewhere?

How do we prepare ourselves and our children to play active roles in a changing world?