Success StoryMaster Gardeners at work



Master Gardeners at work

Author: Robert Smith

Planning Unit: Nelson County CES

Major Program: Master Gardener

Plan of Work: Horticulture Problem Solving, Food Systems Development and the Environment

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The Kentucky Master Gardener Program is a leadership-rearing organization designed to foster a spirit of community involvement through horticulture projects and endeavors. The program consists of 14 classes of intense training in various areas of interest to a horticulture enthusiast. After the classroom training is complete a minimum of 30 hours of volunteerism is required to be given back to the community through extension-related programming. Completion of both legs of the program is required to become a Master Gardener.

Trained Master gardeners have helped in many local projects and programs.  Members participated in or helped fund:

  • developed a display for the county-wide Bale Trail, 
  • funded and helped with the POP program at the farmers market, 
  • organized a very successful Master Gardener Plant Sale, 
  • Organized the Blooming Bardstown Garden Tour, 
  • purchased gardening books for the library, 
  • and provided two $1,000 scholarships to students going to college. 

Thus far the Kentucky Home Master Gardeners have been involved in many different local projects, with 10 different organizations, and all the while contributing a running total of around 3000 volunteer hours.






Stories by Robert Smith


Water Quality

about 2 years ago by Robert Smith

The City of Bardstown is growing and the growing pains come in many forms. The city has recently bee... Read More


Weed resistance study

about 2 years ago by Robert Smith

During the past couple of years, concern has grown that a population of herbicide-resistant Johnsong... Read More


Stories by Nelson County CES


Education to Action- 4-H Water Quality Service Learning Projects

Education to Action- 4-H Water Quality Service Learning Projects

about 2 years ago by Marsha Hagler

Nelson County, Kentucky is county that has very diverse ecosystems. Driving through the county you s... Read More


Bale Trail 2021-Adding value to a program piloted in 2020

Bale Trail 2021-Adding value to a program piloted in 2020

about 2 years ago by Marsha Hagler

In 2020, Nelson County Cooperative Extension piloted a community based program intended to increase ... Read More