King County residents interested in becoming a Master Gardener can learn more about the program at any of three orientation meetings scheduled for the first week of August: 7 p.m., Aug. 4 at the Master Gardener Program Office, 200 Mill Ave. S., Suite 100, Renton; 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at the King County Library, 848 S. 320th St., Federal Way; and 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St., Seattle.

The meetings will outline the different activities Master Gardeners can participate in, the program requirements, and the training available. The application process and what the Program Coordinator looks for in applicants will be reviewed. Attending an orientation meeting is not necessary in order to apply, but knowing more about the program can help applicants complete the application.

Master Gardeners are community volunteers trained by WSU Extension to provide free research-based horticultural information to the public. The 2010 Master Gardener training classes will be held on Saturdays from Jan. 9, 2010 through March 27.

Applications for the 2010 Master Gardener class will be available online on Aug. 1 at www.king.wsu.edu/gardening/BecomeaMG. They can also be obtained at the orientation meetings or by sending a stamped, self-addressed business-size envelope to 2010 Master Gardener Application, 200 Mill Avenue S., Suite 100, Renton 98057. Applications must be postmarked no later than Oct. 2, 2009, in order to be considered.

For meeting directions or more information, contact Joyce Harms, Master Gardener Foundation Membership Chair, at joyceharms@comcast.net or 253-838-4713.