Educational programs that strengthen self-reliance skills are a continued priority identified by the Oldham County Extension and Agriculture Councils.  In Oldham County, residential area makes up just over half the county’s land area, according to the last 2012 Census of Agriculture (48% farmland, 52% residential land).  Home garden and landscape skills are important for residents in terms of both growing their own food and maintaining property values.   Programs covering these topics have maintained popularity and high participation numbers over the last ten years.

To help meet the demand for these horticulture education programs, Master Gardener volunteers have led efforts to organize and teach horticulture classes for the public.   Their efforts extend the reach of Extension staff in the county to increase knowledge of clients.

A committee of Master Gardener volunteers meets annually to identify class topics, speakers, and organize classes.  Speakers include Master Gardener volunteers, Extension personnel, and other local experts.   The Oldham County Agriculture Agent and Horticulture Assistant helped in planning, taught some of the programs, and provided classroom facilities, promotion, and marketing.

Goals for these programs include:

• Targeting topics related to food production and increasing fresh food availability
• Targeting topics related to landscape care, helping participants improve property aesthetics and value
• Providing teaching experience for Master Gardener volunteers

Master Gardener volunteers organized and helped teach 17 horticulture programs since January 2018, reaching 303 participants.   Participants included residents of Oldham, Jefferson, and Shelby Counties.  All participants indicated learning a new skill to implement in their gardens and landscapes.

Master Gardener volunteers are those who have successfully completed Extension Master Gardener classes and certification.  Oldham County Extension will offer this volunteer training program again in fall 2019 to continue this productive volunteer relationship.