SITUATION:

Demand for home horticulture information continues to increase for Kentucky county Extension offices. The Kentucky Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Program develops trained volunteers to assist county Extension staff in meeting this need for research-based information and public outreach.

STATEMENT: 

Paducah Parks hosts an annual Holiday Market of the Farmers Market program. Each year the Horticulture Agent is asked to provide an educational booth at this Holiday Market. In keeping with the season and teaching skill, the Hort Agent asks members of the McCracken County Extension Master Gardeners (MCEMG) to help with this event. The focus is teaching how to make corsages and boutonnieres from fresh flowers and greenery and the tools used to create these. It is free to the public while supplies last. 

Residents of the area stop by to learn and also wear the creation as they depart. Horticulture Agent helps with homeowners’ questions and needs during the event. In attendance this year were 230 guests and 9 MCEMG. All participants appeared delighted at having these fresh flowers in December when the growing season had ended. This partnership with UK Cooperative Extension Service and Paducah Parks builds a positive environment for those attending the market.

This event at Farmers Market allows for SNAP incentives to be passed out. this year McCracken County Extension offered reusable garden calendar/journals and jar openers.  Two groups of people told how they liked the cutting boards given out in the past at Farmers Market and appreciated the SNAP incentives.  

 LONG-TERM OUTCOMES:

The public has a positive perception of EMG volunteers as reliable sources for home horticulture information.

EMG Volunteers extend the educational outreach of the Cooperative Extension Service in areas such as community gardens, youth gardening, environmentally sustaining lawn and garden practices, and other topics.