Success StoryThe Value of Master Gardeners
The Value of Master Gardeners
Author: Kelly Jackson
Planning Unit: Christian County CES
Major Program: Master Gardener
Plan of Work: Cultivating community leadership, engagement and pride through educational and experiential learning.
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Master Gardeners is a program run by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service to train citizens in many areas of horticulture. Upon completing the Master Gardener education program, participants return 40 hours of community volunteer service through organized projects within one year to earn the title of Master Gardener and 15 hours annually to maintain their volunteer status. During the 2023 program year, Master Gardeners volunteered:
- 681 hours of service in planting and maintaining demonstration gardens at the Extension office, Jeffers Bend Botanical Center and Arboretum, and community gardens.
- 143 hours teaching groups and individuals on gardening topics.
- 702 hours of service to host a regional garden exposition show.
A total of 2,183 hours of volunteer service has been reported from 46 volunteers. At the Independent Sector’s value of hourly volunteer time in Kentucky ($28.53), the value of Master Gardener volunteer service equates to $62,280.99 in value to Christian County Extension and the county. Additionally, these volunteers attained over 3,130 public contacts.
Stories by Kelly Jackson
State-wide Hort News
Since 2015, a team of Kentucky Horticulture Extension Agents have produced a 4 to 6-page newsletter ... Read More
State Variety Trials
Each year, several counties across the state participate in the bedding plant trials. These trials c... Read More
Stories by Christian County CES

A Win for Families and Farms
A Win for Families and FarmsCovid-19 will be a phrase that is remembered for many years to come. Muc... Read More
Foreign Dignitaries Tour
Foreign Dignitaries TourEvery year agriculture becomes more and more a global market.As these market... Read More
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment