What is the CT Master Gardener Association (CMGA)?

Updated

The Connecticut Master Gardener Association (CMGA) is the alumni association for graduates of any Master Gardener program, based in Connecticut. It exists to keep Master Gardeners connected, share gardening knowledge with the public, and support the state's Master Gardener program and its educational outreach. If you have completed a Master Gardener program and want to stay involved through events, volunteer projects, or community education, CMGA is the organization to look at.

Who CMGA serves

CMGA describes itself as the alumni association for Certified Master Gardeners residing in Connecticut, and its membership is open to graduates of any Master Gardener program — not only the Connecticut program. The common thread is completion of a Master Gardener program and an interest in continuing to use that training.

What the association does

According to the organization, CMGA pursues three connected activities:

  • Keeping members connected — providing opportunities for Master Gardeners to stay in touch with each other after their training ends.
  • Sharing gardening knowledge — sponsoring events and leading volunteer projects across the state, with members helping to educate and beautify their communities.
  • Financial support — providing funding to the CT Master Gardener Program and to Master Gardener educational outreach programs.

In short, CMGA is both a social and professional community for trained gardeners and a funding and volunteer partner to the broader Master Gardener program in Connecticut.

Membership and events

Membership registration for 2026 is currently open on the site. CMGA also runs a calendar of member and public activities; event registration opens one month before each event. Examples listed on the site include:

Date Event
October 21 Biophilic Decorating: Bringing the Garden Indoors — a virtual presentation
November 14 Annual Meeting — information and registration
December 12 Mark Twain House Christmas Tour
January 21 (2027) Virtual presentation — Attracting Birds by Season

The site also points readers to its Events page for full details on upcoming activities and to the Laurel newsletter (the 2026 summer issue is available to read).

How to get involved

  1. Check your eligibility — confirm you have graduated from a Master Gardener program; CMGA welcomes graduates of any program.
  2. Register for membership — use the 2026 membership registration link on the homepage.
  3. Pick an event — browse the Events page and register when the window opens (one month before the event date).
  4. Follow along — CMGA shares updates on Instagram at @ctmastergardener and through its newsletter.

If your goal is to volunteer, keep up with other trained gardeners, or support Master Gardener education in Connecticut, CMGA is the entry point. Start with the membership registration and events pages on ctmga.org.