Success StoryKnowledge Eases Transition



Knowledge Eases Transition

Author: Jamie Dockery

Planning Unit: Fayette County CES

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Plan of Work: Making healthy Lifestyle Choices and Citizen Education

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Fayette County is one of Kentucky's most populus cities. The demand for accurate, reliable gardening information is great. The Fayette County Extension horticulture program is well known, and we strive to provide relevant information in a variety of ways. One of our most popular offerings is a series of informal gardening classes called Gardener's Toolbox. We discovered that teaching classes helped circumvent countless phone discussions. Horticlture staff often source new or improved varities of seeds and plants that provide superior outcomes. Many of these varieties are unknown or unavailable locally. This combination has led the program to be one of our most successful endeavors, educating thousands of residents each year. Topics span a wide range of horticultural topics. One loyal Toolbox enthusiast shared the following about our classes. 

"I moved from Washington state to the Bluegrass and I immediately realized I knew nothing about the plant life, growing cycles/zones, parasites- what was a bagworm...?, native species of most plants, what to grow/sow, and what was invasive~ I thought honeysuckle was pretty-yep pretty bad, and dozens of other situations in my new environment. I turned to Fayette County extension agency and got the help and answers I needed to grow and prosper in my new home! 

The horticulture classes have been invaluable. The atmosphere is cordial, informative, fun and interactive. The horticulture agent is a relaxed educator who encourages questions and interaction. His classes are always full of information. So much that the handouts are very helpful for notes and follow up. I can't emphasize enough the help the Fayette County extension office has been in assiting me in adapting to my new home here in Kentucky. It's a real asset, resource and a confidence booster. Sincerely, Hyla N." 






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