The 2008 Search for Excellence competition was a chance for California's Master Gardener Programs to share their innovative projects with peers and tell how successful they were in bringing the University of California to the backyard gardener. Awards and presentations were given during the California Statewide Master Gardener Confernce, September 24 - 26, 2008. Seven categories included:

• Youth Programs
• Demonstration Gardens
• Workshop or Presentation or Hands-on Programs
• Community Service
• Innovative Projects
• Special Audiences, Senior/Disabled Audiences or Horticulture Therapy
• Other or General Master Gardener

AND THE WINNERS ARE . . . . View Press Release (pdf) ~ View Score Sheet by Project (pdf)

Out of 31 entries submitted, the six winners are:

• First Place – Pathways to Learning (Nevada County) This program’s focus on public education is accomplished in a 2½ acre demonstration garden, hotline, workshops and 2 hour weekly radio show.
• Second Place – Youth Gardening Committee (Fresno County) This outreach to youth includes a Kids Garden Day, advising teachers on school gardens, classroom instruction and a Resource Guide.
• Third Place – Firescaping: Landscaping with a Purpose (El Dorado County) Vital educational resources on fire safe landscape, and state guidelines are presented in local venues and online.
• Runner-up – Jail Industries Demonstration Garden (Sonoma County) All aspects of maintaining a stunning demonstration garden and nursery are part of the rehabilitation of low-risk prisoners.
• Runner-up – Mariposa Creek Parkway Native Planting (Mariposa County) A wild, weedy creek bank was transformed into a educational mecca by renovation and planting of true California natives.
• Runner-up – Smart Gardening Faire (Monterey County) Sustainable gardening practices are the focus of this free annual event featuring vendors, recognized experts, and Master Gardener workshops.