What is the Speakers' Bureau?  It is a group of Massachusetts Master Gardeners who are available to speak to garden clubs, civic organizations, schools and other groups on a wide variety of topics from the world of gardening, horticulture, landscaping and the environment.  Speakers choose the topics in which they feel proficient and offer slide or PowerPoint programs to illustrate their talk.  The Speakers' Bureau also offers a limited number of demonstrations and hands-on workshops. 

Who will be my speaker?  All members of the Speakers' Bureau are Certified Master Gardeners with advanced knowledge and interest in the subjects in which they speak.  When you choose your topic, we will find a speaker who is available on that date.  Once you have a contract with the Speakers' Bureau we will provide a brief bio of your speaker, sufficiently in advance for use in publicity.

What subjects do you speak on?  Below is a list of titles and areas in which we have speakers.  But don't hesitate to ask us about topics not included that are of special interest to your club.  Many times we will have someone who can meet your needs.  

Gardening

        Organic Gardening 101

Composting - Building Your Garden from the Ground Up

Preparing the Soil for Planting the Garden

Plant Propagation

Horticulture

        Clematis

Daylilies

Camellias

Growing Hardy Succulents in New England

Invasive Plants and Native Alternatives

Native Trees and Shrubs

Indoor Gardening

Houseplants

        Home Greenhouses

Tropical Plants

Landscaping

        Developing a Bulb Garden

Healthy Lawns and the Alternatives

Perennial Gardens

Rain Gardens

Renovating the Older Landscape

Shade Gardening

Xeriscaping - water-smart gardening

Master Gardeners

        You can be a Master Gardener!

Plant Pests and Diseases

IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

The (Plant) Doctor Is In:  What's Wrong with Your Plant?

 Reference

        Basic Botany for the Gardener

 Vegetables & Herbs

       Planning, Preparing and Planting the Vegetable Garden

       Establishing a Home Herb Garden

Demonstrations/Workshops

Forcing Bulbs

Plant Propagation

Pruning

How much do you charge?  Our fee is $125 for the Master Gardener Speakers' Bureau plus $50 for the speaker to cover travel and other expenses.   The check for the Speakers' Bureau should be made out to the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association (MMGA) and given to the speaker or mailed to the address listed on the contract. The speaker fee should be given to the speaker at the conclusion of  his/her presentation. There are additional fees for demonstrations and workshops to cover the actual cost of materials used.  These fees will be determined in advance and mutually agreed upon before the contract is signed.

How do I contact you?  Call Joe Rajunas at 508-429-6331 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Help!  My speaker just got sick!  Because we have a number of presenters available, we've been able to help clubs with last-minute substitutes for other speakers who become unavailable.  When we receive such a request, we canvass our speakers and get back to you with topics available based on the specialties of the individuals.  There is no premium for making a last-minute request, but program subjects may be limited.