At Bourbon Heights in Paris, Kentucky, a vibrant courtyard community garden has blossomed into a hub of activity, connection, and care. Developed and maintained by the Bourbon County Extension Master Gardener program, the garden has become a cherished part of life for residents and adult day care participants, with support and involvement from administrative staff.

Designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind, the garden features sensory elements and barrier-free design, enabling participation from individuals with varying physical abilities. Raised beds, fragrant herbs, colorful blooms, and textured foliage provide therapeutic and stimulating experiences for all.

Over the past several years, the garden has served as the backdrop for numerous community events and fundraising efforts, including seasonal plant sales that have been enthusiastically supported by both residents and staff. These events have helped raise funds to sustain the garden and have strengthened community ties between Bourbon Heights, Extension volunteers, and the broader public.

This year, newly certified Master Gardeners from the 2025 class have committed to joining long-standing volunteers in caring for and expanding the project. Their involvement ensures continuity and brings fresh energy and ideas to an already thriving initiative.

In the short term, the garden has sparked immediate engagement from residents, adult day care participants, and staff, who have embraced the space as their own. It has also offered meaningful volunteer opportunities for new Master Gardeners, allowing them to quickly connect their training to hands-on community service. These early successes have helped strengthen the partnership between Bourbon Heights and the Cooperative Extension Service.

Medium-term impacts include the growing use of the garden as a therapeutic and social space, offering sensory stimulation, emotional benefits, and opportunities for intergenerational interaction. Seasonal plant sales and community events have not only sustained the project financially but also brought the broader community into the conversation about health, horticulture, and inclusion. The garden’s visibility continues to raise awareness of the Extension program’s impact on community well-being.

Looking long term, the Bourbon Heights garden serves as a  model for accessible and inclusive horticulture in senior and adult care settings. Ongoing support from Master Gardeners—both seasoned and new—combined with the committed involvement of Bourbon Heights staff, positions this project for sustained success. The garden has become a lasting example of how Extension-led programs can grow more than just plants—they can grow relationships, resilience, and a sense of purpose across generations.