The Boyle Co. Horticulture and Family and Consumer Science Agents have been working with the University of Kentucky Horticulture and Human and Environmental Sciences departments to teach seniors (55+) attending the Boyle Co. Senior Center how to grow thornless, erect blackberry bushes and consume fresh blackberries using healthy recipes. A blackberry-growing program was designed that engages seniors in every step of the process, from planting to harvesting and consuming. This intergenerational, community-focused project will be accompanied by a series of extension lessons on how to plant and tend to the brambles and healthy ways to consume the fruits. This program takes a whole-health approach by encouraging community engagement and gardening as a form of low-impact physical activity with mental health benefits, along with the consumption of a variety of fresh or preserved fruits and vegetables.
The main roll of the Boyle Co. horticulture agent is the growth and health of the blackberry planting, and educating the seniors about the plant’s maintenance. Local Master Gardeners also aid in making sure the plants are checked on weekly for insect and disease issues, as well picking berries with and for the seniors.