Home and Master Gardener Horticulture Programs
Home & Consumer Horticulture/Master Gardener
Susan Fox
Master Gardener
Home & Consumer Horticulture
Demand for home horticulture information continues to increase for Extension offices. The Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Program develops trained volunteers to assist county Extension staff in meeting this need for research-based information and public outreach.
The public utilizes EMG vounteers as reliable sources for home horticulture information.
EMG volunteers extend the educational outreach of Lyon County Extension by demonstrating sustainable, science-based horticultural practices through educational programs and in the demonstration garden, the farmers' market/vegetable gardens.
EMG maintain hours and educational requirements. Volunteers act as facilitators and presenters for classes, lectures or workshops. EMG volunteers practice effective skills when interacting with clientele. County residents look to extension and EMG volunteers as reliable sources for home horticulture information.
Volunteers continue to gain knowledge in many aspects of home horticulture.
Horticulture program participants become more aware of Extension’s role in addressing the needs of local residents
Participants become Certified EMG volunteers when they complete the 40 hours in volunteer service to the Lyon County Cooperative Extension Office.
Initial Outcome: Extension and EMG seen as information source
Indicator: Youth participation in 4-H Mother's Day Flower Pots. Individual comments and questions about the demonstration garden.
Method: Number of youth making combination flower pots and learning about plants and their care. Comment slips and informational signage in the demonstration garden.
Timeline: May 2019 for 4-H MDFP. Spring through winter for the demonstration garden.
Intermediate Outcome: Master Gardener volunteers working with the demonstration garden.
Indicator: EMG volunteer hours.
Method: Master Gardener hours reported and evaluations of programs. Practices demonstrated and trialed at the LCMGA demonstration garden.
Timeline: Growing Season 2019 - 2020
Intermediate Outcome: Master Gardener volunteers offering educational programs.
Indicator: EMG volunteer hours and educational programs offered. Participants in the programs offered.
Method: Christmas Wreath Event - participants learn about plants in the landscape.
Timeline: November, 2019 for wreath event.
Long-term Outcome: Use of research-based information by EMG and clientele.
Indicator: Practices adopted/implemented at home.
Method: Reports from discussions with EMG and clientele.
Timeline: 2019-2020
Audience: Clientele
Project or Activity: Native Plant Sale and Program
Content or Curriculum: UK publications, researched materials, native plant experts.
Inputs: UK materials, specialists, agent, Master Gardener hours, native plant sale.
Date: Spring 2020
Audience: Master Gardeners, Clientele
Project or Activity: LCMGA Demonstration Garden
Content or Curriculum: Plantings and signage, perennial garden, Monarch Way Station.
Inputs: LCMGA, agent, signage, news articles.
Date: 2019-2020
Audience: Clientele
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Mother's Day Flower Pots
Content or Curriculum: Annual flowers or herbs (alternating years)
Inputs: Plants, pots, educational PowerPoint, Master Gardeners
Date: May 2019, May 2020
Audience: 4-H Youth
Author: Susan Fox
Major Program: Bees/Beekeeping
Thirty-five people participated in one or both of a two-night beginning beekeeping class taught by Master Beekeeper Kent Williams. Seven participants indicated that they plan to buy hives and begin beekeeping. Others were beekeepers that needed to hone their skills. A few decided not to buy bees at this time.The West Kentucky Beekeepers group helped to sponsor the program.
Author: Susan Fox
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
In coping with the COVID-19 crisis home horticulture educational programs were moved to online formats. A fruit tree and blueberry pruning demonstration was presented using Facebook Live. Seven people watched the presentation live, two people stated that Daniel Becker presented excellent information. On Facebook 369 people were reached with 78 engagements and 172 views.A home strawberry production class also taught by Daniel Becker, was conducted using Zoom. Seven people watched online. Four var