Northeast Tennessee Master Gardener Association

The Northeast Tennessee Master Gardener Association (NETMA) is group of trained volunteers who assist the University of Tennessee Extension in the counties of Hawkins, Sullivan, Washington, Carter and Unicoi. They provide education in home horticulture for the community members. The volunteers also organize and maintain garden projects throughout the region. The Master Gardener volunteer program allows individuals to dedicate their time and talents to enhancing the quality of life for citizens in the region using the science and art of horticulture.

Members of NETMA have been volunteering at Exchange Place for several years. They are involved in a number of projects at the site including maintaining the Heirloom Rose Garden; the Field Crop Garden, where field and commercial crops of the 19^th century like corn, tobacco, and sorghum are grown; and the Demonstration Kitchen (Vegetable) Garden, where heirloom vegetables and modern hybrids are grown side-by-side to give visitors an opportunity to compare and contrast the two.    Additionally, several Master Gardeners are members of the Maintenance crew, who, among other things, mows the lawns, repairs fences and gates, and helps with parking and set-up/take-down at festivals.