Gardening has many proven health and well-being benefits to humans including reducing stress, increasing physical activity and strength, and providing a sense of well-being. Only 6.3% of adults meet the daily vegetable intake recommendations and only 8% meet the daily fruit recommendations (CDC). Children and adults alike are more likely to eat the vegetables that they grow or help harvest themselves. 

According to the 2024 State of the Industry Report from Garden Center Magazine, the average customer visit at a retail garden center spends more than $45 (52% spend over $75). The same analysis found that 82% of garden centers intend to raise prices.  In addition, in May 2024, the National Gardening Association and National Wildlife Federation reported gardening trends to plant more native plants that promote pollinators and wildlife. 17% of gardeners are prioritizing native plants and 28% of gardeners want to purchase plants that are beneficial to native bees, butterflies, and birds.

The Pulaski County Horticulture Agent and the Lake Cumberland Master Gardeners organized and executed a beautiful event that was called the Native & Heirloom Plant Fest. The Fest featured local heirloom seed and plant vendors and native plant vendors as well as educational tables featuring invasive plants, citizen science opportunities, NRCS programs, and free heirloom seed packets.  Rising seed and plant prices and consumers’ desire for native plants to attract pollinators made the Fest relevant and popular.

Around 300 adults and youth attended the event. 2025 was the second year for the event, but a new, larger Extension facility enabled the event to grow threefold from 2024. Two food trucks kept participants from leaving to get food which kept people at the event longer. Forty-five people participated in the speaker sessions. 

The Fest was a huge success and many commented that they are looking forward to next year's event.