The Madison County Horticulture Agent and the Family and Consumer Science Agent partnered on several programs throughout the year. The goal of their series of classes was to provide a fun way for participants to learn about nutrition and gardening.

In October the agents held an event called “Pumpkin Bash”. It consisted of an educational lesson focused on growing pumpkins, a recipe demonstration and samples as well as several autumn related crafts. The crafts focused on recycling household materials to create Halloween and Fall decorations. 

The program was well received with over 95% of attendees stating they learned something new about gardening. 100% of the group said that they enjoyed the recipes and planned to go home and try them for themselves. 100% of the group enjoyed being able to come out, meet new people and socialize with those they might not have seen in a while.

In November, the agents offered a class called “Turkey Crafternoon”.  During this class, the Horticulture Agent taught about growing and storing herbs. The Family and Consumer Science Agent presented a recipe that focused on using leftovers one might have from a Thanksgiving dinner. Participants made a reversible no-sew table runner that could be used during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays as well as centerpieces using canning jars and natural materials such as pine cones. 

Nearly 85% of the participants said they would plant at least one herb in their garden in spring. 50% liked the recipe and said they would be likely to try it at home. 100% of the participants noted that they enjoyed the crafts made during the program and several sent the Agents pictures of their finished crafts being used in their home. 75% of the participants did not have previous sewing experience and noted that the activity enhanced their skill set.

In December, the class offered was called “Sprinkles and Sparkles”. This session focused on crafts and projects from recycled materials around the home, as well as a recipe from the Plan Eat Move website called Sorghum Gingerbread Pear Muffins.

Participants were able to taste the difference between molasses and sorghum and discuss the difference in the two. 90% of the participants noted that they enjoyed the recipe and planned to make it at home. Some of the projects the participants created were sock snowmen, yarn gnome ornaments, pinecone bird feeders, canning jar snow globes and paper snowflakes. 100% of the participants reported that classes like this one helped them to see materials already around their home in a new light and inspired them to use those objects in new ways.

The Agents plan on offering similar classes in the Fall of 2023.