Describe the Issue or Situation.

We often limit our understanding of gardening and food production to traditional agricultural methods that have been passed down to us over generations, however, there are many ways to grow and produce food. Learning alternative methods of food production can help make our community more resilient and self-sufficient.  Permaculture in particular is also very sustainable and requires less maintenance, pesticides and space than traditional gardening while producing an abundance of food.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Bullitt County Extension Horticulture Agent, Bullitt County Horticulture Program Assistant and Master Gardeners partnered to teach this program.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

23 people attended this program.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

This program focused on how to create a garden like a living ecosystem with layers and relationships between organisms that support growth, pest resilience, and soil building. This class taught participants how to create beneficial relationships in the garden, especially in ways that help regenerate and improve garden ecosystems to produce food more efficiently. Permaculture can also strengthen our community resilience, increases food security, and reduces a gardens carbon footprint. 

Participants in the program stated that they learned new concepts that they would apply at home. After attending the program some of the Master Gardeners discussed the possibilities of planting an edible hedge on property.  One class participant reported "This class was the most impactful for me because it challenges gardeners to think more holistically about their gardens. Permaculture challenges us to rethink tradition in the garden, and encourages gardening in ways that address environmental stewardship, sustainability, wildlife habitation, climate resilience, and more."