What is a Master? A Master is a person who rules others or has control, authority, or power over something.  That's some-what of a description of a Master Gardener.
Around the late sixties, the Extension/Agent Farm Advisors realized they could not handle calls from the “Urban” farmers in the area. A core group of interested gardeners was recruted and trained by the local land grant university cooperative extension office to meet the need. This was the beginning of the Master Gardener program.
Master Gardeners receive many hours of training in botany, soil science, plant propagation, pest management, vegetable and ornamental plant gardening. Master Gardeners donate back to local communities by answering questions,  researching specific problems, providing public speakers, and much more.
Don't hesitate to call your local extension office for help with your gardening problems.

Question: I have a beautiful Helleborus orientalis which is blooming now. The leaves seem to be freeze-burned. How can I avoid that in the future.
Answer: There are many varieties of  Helleborus, most are hardy to zone4. Even those sited to zone 6 should do well here. One factor may have caused the freeze damage. When  a shade loving plant is exposed to morning sun after a night of freezing temperatures, the sudden warmth from the sun is a shock to the cold conditioned plant. When a freezing night is predicted, cover the plant lightly, a few handfuls of leaves will do . Late in the spring, consider moving the plant to a  location that is not  exposed to the morning sun.
Note: Helleborusis is considered  a poisionous plant if it is ingested. Deer also know about its toxiticy and will not eat it.

Question: Is there any use for ashes from my fireplace?
Answer: Ashes are alkaline and will raise the pH of the soil if applied to certain plants. Plants that may benefit from a sprinkling of ashes are lilac, peaches and crape myrtle.