Residential/suburban areas make up over half of Oldham County.   With a population of 68,685 comes a big demand for home garden and landscape information.  Extension Master Gardener volunteers help address this demand by volunteering in a variety of roles and sites in Oldham County.  Their work helps support Extension’s mission of teaching self-reliance skills as well as supporting tourist destinations in the county through their volunteer service.

Master Gardeners complete the Extension Master Gardener program in order to begin volunteering. This program consists of 11 classes based on Extension curriculum, with participants completing homework assignments and a final comprehensive exam. The Master Gardener program is a partnership of Oldham County Extension agent and staff, UK Extension Specialists, and local plant experts, plus the participants themselves who agree to learn and contribute volunteer hours.

 Despite the COVID pandemic slowing activity for part of the year, thirty-one Master Gardeners contributed 1,892 volunteer hours in the community in 2021-2022.  This work is valued at just under $47,000 based on the Independent Sector's value of volunteer time in Kentucky. 

Highlights of their service include the following activities:

- Many Master Gardeners volunteer at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve and Yew Dell Gardens, two tourist destinations in the county. Their work enhances the beauty and success of these sites and supports tourism dollars spent in Oldham County. Their activities at these sites include native plant and cultivated ornamental care; greenhouse and nursery production, and leading tours.

- Master Gardeners take care of gardens and plant new areas at local churches, schools, and neighborhood common areas.  They also help their families, friends, and neighbors to become better gardeners.  This provides self-reliance skills in growing food and taking care of landscapes.

Master Gardener volunteer activities are ongoing.  The Oldham County Extension Agriculture Agent and Horticulture Assistant, plus the Master Gardener Association develop and provide continuing education and volunteer opportunities to inspire continued learning, leadership, and service.