With Master Gardeners from her class of 2018, Maureen Burns designed, planted and maintained the garden at the Suffolk County Supreme Court in Riverhead. In addition, Maureen, and another Master Gardener, designed and planted the garden beds at the LIRR Station in Riverhead.

Master Gardener training introduced Maureen to new gardening practices. Her home garden has become less structured and more natural. Native plants, the reduction of lawn and organic amendments are part of her new approach. Maureen admits to a love affair with hydrangeas. She currently grows over 30 hydrangeas at her home.

Maureen, who resides in Shoreham, has served as a Teaching Assistant for the Master Gardener Training Classes of 2019 and 2020. She has also served at Spring Gardening School and has been a volunteer member of the MGV Advisory Board since 2018.

The retired Assistant Dean of the School of Dental Medicine at Stony Brook University has contributed much to Suffolk Master Gardeners. CCE Community Horticulture is most grateful.