The Master Gardeners of Chester County have accepted one of its youngest students for 2017, Jourdan Cole.

This year 40 people applied for the Master Gardener program conducted by Penn State University faculty and Extension and 25 were accepted into the two year program. Adopted in 1982, the Penn State Master Gardener program has more than 3,400 volunteers in 62 of Pennsylvania’s counties.

After completing her training, Cole will help educate the local community about the best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship. She’ll answer questions from the general public, speak to groups, write garden articles, work with youth, garden in the demonstration gardens, and participate in the Penn State pollinator research program.

Cole, 27, has several years of horticulture experience. As an account manager at Garden Media Group, the Kennett Square based top lawn and garden public relations firm, Cole researches, writes and answers consumer questions about gardening on a daily basis.

Cole said getting her Master Gardener training will enable her to give back the community and help her better serve her clients in the horticulture industry, including The Espoma Company, The Davey Tree Expert Company and Costa Farms.

“When Jourdan first told me she wanted to be a Master Gardener I was pleasantly surprised,” said Katie Dubow, creative director at Garden Media. “But, when she explained how impressed she’s been by the Master Gardeners she’s met through her work with Garden Media, I knew she was serious. Jourdan always goes above and beyond in everything she does and I know this endeavor will be no different.”

“A Penn State Master Gardener learns research-based and sustainable horticultural practices and develops life-long friendships with others who have similar gardening interests,” said Elizabeth Alakszay, Chester County Master Gardener Coordinator. “What unites them is their love of horticulture and a desire to share their passion with the community. We are thrilled to have Jourdan’s passion for marketing plants in our 2017 program.”

Garden Media ignites buzz for clients, offers innovative PR campaigns and secures top media placements and partnerships. The boutique PR and marketing firm is known as the best in the home, garden, horticulture, outdoor living, and lawn and landscape industries. The annual Garden Trends Report is one of the most published garden studies in trade and consumer news. Visit www.gardenmediagroup.com for more information.