Community engagement is widely recognized as a key driver in the effective preservation of local natural environments and historical sites. When communities are actively involved, management and preservation efforts are more sustainable, culturally relevant, and successful.

The Scott County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and Horticulture Program met the community's needs by providing a vibrant platform for people to connect with their local history, gardens, and natural environments, as well as with one another. Promoting Environmental Stewardship and sustainable gardening practices, the Ward Hall Garden Party attracted over 201 residents. Together in the scenic setting of Ward Hall, the Garden Party Day not only promoted environmental stewardship and sustainable gardening practices but also fostered civic pride and community engagement.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the Scott County Extension Master Gardeners hosted their annual Garden Party Day at the picturesque Ward Hall Historical Gardens—a celebration that beautifully blended history, horticulture, and hands-on education for the whole community.

 With the support of 14 dedicated Master Gardener volunteers, the event welcomed over 201 community members who explored the grounds through guided garden tours, participated in interactive educational stations, and gained a deeper understanding of sustainable gardening practices.

Attendees enjoyed a diverse range of learning experiences, including:

- Historical seed giveaways featuring varieties used during the antebellum period

- Herb demonstrations showcasing both historical and modern uses

- A tree identification walk across the historic property

- Pollinator and native plant education stations, highlighting the importance of sustainability and stewardship

- Children’s pollinator and gardening activities, along with fitness games

- Early 1900’s Baseball Game                                                                                                                                                      

This year’s Garden Party Day was made possible through strong community collaboration, with partners including the Scott County Extension Staff and Master Gardener Volunteers, the Ward Hall Board, Georgetown-Scott County Parks & Recreation, Georgetown Historical Society, and the Vintage Baseball Club, who brought a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing element to the day.

Outcomes

• Increased community awareness and visitation to the Ward Hall Historical Gardens
• New interest in the Master Gardener program, with several attendees inquiring about how to get involved
• Knowledge gains among attendees, who shared that they learned new things about pollinators, native plants, and general gardening practices

“This event brought together history, horticulture, and heart,” said one attendee. “We left feeling more connected to our community and more inspired to grow.”

The Garden Party Day 2025 successfully achieved its goal of horticultural education and outreach, making a lasting impact by planting both literal and metaphorical seeds. The ongoing growth of community knowledge and engagement highlights the effectiveness of Cooperative Extension programming. This event promoted lifelong learning, fostered volunteerism, and ignited new interest in gardening and historic preservation—all of which contribute to a healthier, more connected, and resilient community.