According to Kentucky Health Facts in Mason County 80% of adults are overweight and only 8%  eat the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables. At the Buffalo Trace Health Department, a community herb garden was planted by the Mason County Master Gardener Association. Debra Wallingford is a Master Gardener who worked with the health department and other Master Gardeners to ensure this project's success. Wallingford partnered with Bridget Lykins (BTHD Dietitian) to create a plan where the health department would use the herbs for classes. This encourages people to use herbs instead of salt or unhealthy foods, creating healthier eating habits. The City of Maysville replaced the clay soil, and then the Master Gardeners started planting the herbs. Herbs planted include basil, cilantro, chives, dill, lavender, lemongrass mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme.

The community garden is also open for individuals to allow them to enjoy the garden while adding an extra touch of flavor to their meals. The garden provides food for the health department and community and is therapeutic as clients and staff will now be able to enjoy seeing and harvesting the herbs. The herb garden will be used for years to come, and the Master Gardeners are planning to add signs to the garden that includes facts about each herb and the nutritional content.  This project was a collaboration with the Mason County Master Gardener Association, Mason County Cooperative Extension Service, Buffalo Trace Health Department, and the City of Maysville.