Oldham County's population is just over 65,000.  Residential areas make up about one-half of the county, and information about food and landscape production is in high demand. Extension Master Gardener volunteers help address this need through a variety of service work in Oldham County.  Their work helps foster self-reliance skills, a goal identified by Oldham County Extension Council for the county plan of work.

 Master Gardeners complete the Extension Master Gardener program in order to begin volunteering. This program consists of 11 classes, each based on Extension curriculum, homework assignments, and a final comprehensive exam. The Master Gardener program is a partnership among the Oldham County Agriculture Agent and Horticulture Assistant, UK Extension Specialists, and local plant experts who teach, plus the participants themselves who agree to learn and contribute volunteer hours.

Oldham County Master Gardeners had another record-breaking volunteer year in 2017-2018. Forty-one Master Gardeners contributed 2,156 volunteer hours in the community.  This represents a 17% increase in service hours since last year. This work is valued at over $45,000 based on the Independent Sector's value of volunteer time in Kentucky. 

Highlights of their service include the following activities:

- Many Master Gardeners volunteer at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve and Yew Dell Gardens, two tourist destinations in the county. Their work enhances the beauty and success of these sites and supports tourism dollars spent in Oldham County. Their activities at these sites include gardening; evaluating All-America Selection plant variety trials; greenhouse work; leading tours; and assisting with plant sales and special events.

- Master Gardeners provide activities and gardening areas at Friendship Health & Rehabilitation, a facility that offers short-term rehabilitation and long term care of residents.

- Seven Master Gardeners taught programs or helped lead activities to educate adults and youth.

- Master Gardeners take care of gardens and plant new ones at local churches.  They also help their families, friends, and neighbors to become better gardeners.  This provides self-reliance skills in growing food and taking care of landscapes.

- Master Gardeners provide service at numerous other locations in Oldham County, including Brownsboro Alliance Trails, used by both hikers and horseback riders. 

- Master Gardeners maintain the Demonstration Rain Garden, located at the Extension Office. This garden helps demonstrate how a planned rain garden can reduce stormwater runoff.

Master Gardener volunteer activities are ongoing.  The Oldham County Extension Agriculture Agent and Horticulture Assistant, plus the Master Gardener Association develop and provide continuing education and volunteer opportunities to inspire continued learning, leadership, and service.