Success StoryMaster Gardeners provide education and assistance at Louisville Free Public Library’s 2019 How to Fest



Master Gardeners provide education and assistance at Louisville Free Public Library’s 2019 How to Fest

Author: Stephen Lewis

Planning Unit: Jefferson County CES

Major Program: Master Gardener

Plan of Work: Promoting Sustainable Agriculture, Natural Resources and Urban Forestry

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The How to festival is an event put on by the Louisville Free Public library where the community can come out and learn 50 different topics in 5 hours. Presenters and experts from various local organizations and businesses share their expertise freely with the public in 45-minute workshops. Master Gardener volunteers had a significant presence at this event.  The Jefferson County Master Gardener Association is a volunteer group that works closely with extension to provide agricultural education to a wider range of people than county agents can reach personally. Master Gardeners are a valuable asset to the city as they are seen as a reliable source for education, technical assistance, and volunteerism. Traditionally, many How to Festival topics have focused on gardening and urban agriculture and as a result, several Master Gardener volunteers were contacted to help facilitate the event. Master gardener Lavona Casson distributed flyers and information to patrons during the event, while Cindy George worked at extension’s community garden booth giving away free seeds. They also passed out gardening publications and answered questions from other gardeners. Master Gardeners were seen in attendance of various workshops, earning continuing education hours, while several others earned client education hours by giving presentations to large groups of visitors. Judy Buckler gave a presentation on raising backyard chickens and everyone loved looking at the baby chicks that she brought along with her. Master Gardener Terry Gibson, a well-known vegetable gardener, and former nursery grower gave a presentation on growing tomatoes. Trilba Smith presented the topic “Incorporating edible plants in the ornamental landscape” and Phillis Fitzgerald gave a presentation on native plants. With the assistance of master gardeners, 100s of people learned about Jefferson County Extension and the resources we provide the community.






Stories by Stephen Lewis


Bates Community Development Corp Grows Fresh Food for the Community

Bates Community Development Corp Grows Fresh Food for the Community

about 5 years ago by Stephen Lewis

Bates Community Development Corp (BCDC) is a nonprofit that provides social services to the communit... Read More


Urban Garden volunteers see economic potential in their education and experience

Urban Garden volunteers see economic potential in their education and experience

about 5 years ago by Stephen Lewis

Having volunteers are a critical component to the effectiveness of county agents. They significantly... Read More


Stories by Jefferson County CES


Preserving Produce and Health in Jefferson County

Preserving Produce and Health in Jefferson County

about 5 years ago by Caroline Durr

A 2018 report from the Community Foundation of Louisville and the Lift a Life Foundation, found that... Read More


Americana Blossoms!

Americana Blossoms!

about 5 years ago by Patrice Thompson

Americana Blossoms! Last year, while working with an environmental science club: “the green team”. ... Read More


Stories by Master Gardener


Master Gardeners Make a Difference

Master Gardeners Make a Difference

about 5 years ago by Erika Wood

The Master Gardener program is a volunteer organization dedicated to teaching and training people ab... Read More


Plant Swap Enhances People’s Knowledge of Plants

Plant Swap Enhances People’s Knowledge of Plants

about 5 years ago by Erika Wood

In the past three years, the Pennyroyal Master Gardener Association has held a spring and fall plant... Read More