Last month the newest master gardener class finished attending the 16-week master gardening training course. This year it was hosted by Kenton County and 22 participants attended the class weekly from December 2022 to March 2023. Speakers comprised UKY extension specialists, horticulture agents, and technicians who presented on a variety of horticultural topics to deliver a high-quality educational experience. Participants experienced hands-on demonstrations including a grafting demonstration as well as proper pruning and planting techniques. What was unique about this master gardener class was that an option was given to participate in the class via online zoom attendance, in person, via recordings, or a combination of the three in a hybrid format. During the Covid era, the master gardener program was restructured, and participants mainly attended remotely via zoom. With it being safe to return in person, our decision intended to be as inclusive as possible of the people of our region to better accommodate working adults and those with schedules that would make it difficult to attend a class held in person from 10-2 pm on Wednesdays. The decision came from feedback that we heard from previous master gardeners and comments made to us by those who were interested in attending if there was a hybrid option for attending and so we decided to try a hybrid approach. Of our 22 participants, approximately 25% chose to participate remotely each week. While online attendance or participating in the course by watching recordings may not be as engaging as attending in person, we believe that having the option of the hybrid format to offer the people in the northern Kentucky counties of Boone, Campbell, and Kenton will be something that all three counties will be united in continuing to offer in the future.

According to surveys filled out by the class participants, of the 17 that responded, 15 stated they had made use of the hybrid class format either by attending online via zoom, or by watching recordings and all 17 stated they appreciated having the option for attendance. One participant summed up the sentiment of what many had mentioned about the hybrid format. “The hybrid format allowed me to deal with a busy life and health issues while still being able to be involved and keep up and fill in or review on my own.”