Programming this year has been challenging locally, state, nationally, and internationally as we as nation and communities strategize creative ways to continue to be a resource for families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extension more so than ever, has stepped up forces to continue to provide to communities and families. As more people are staying home, horticulture has increased contact with individuals interested in improving their home landscape, growing their own vegetables, and searching for activities for the whole family including youth since they are home. This pandemic, has brought many challenges, but lots of positive along the way. Campbell County horticulture volunteers has stepped up to make sure that the educational gardens, continue to be cared for and planted during these difficult times. The gardens have been a place for many, including new Extension users, an oasis. A place to relax while connecting with nature.  

As we continued to learn more about the virus, we also continued to grow opportunities for individuals and families to utilize Extension resources and programs. Campbell County Master Gardeners began the spring season a little differently than usually meeting virtually. To my surprise, all of our dedicated volunteers quickly engaged with each other using Zoom. Our Friday’s in the Garden Master Gardners met each Friday morning virtually to connect as a family to keep in touch. Our volunteers are more of a family unit. Their love and passion for Extension and each other is magically. They knew that they were needed more than ever to give back to their communities to help keep communities mentally, spiritually, and physically healthy during these challenging times for us all.  

As new phases for implemented with direction from UK Administration, CDC, and Kentucky Governor, we were finally to meet in small less than 10 in the gardens to begin planting, weeding, and planning. Volunteers quickly signed up on a rotational calendar to meet the requirements.  

With over 1,000 annuals to be planted, our volunteers did not hesitate. Wearing their masks and practicing social distancing, volunteers showed up with their gardening tools and smiling faces to work in the educational gardens. In addition, volunteers and Extension Horticulture staff, gathered lettuce, cut flowers, sun flowers, cooking recipes, and other UK resources as a grab and go program. Each Friday, different grab and go bags were planned and advertised on our social media outlets to invite individuals to our gardens to pick up horticulture activities. More than 10% of the users were new to Extension and 100% of them were very appreciative of our resources. One lady said she’s home from work, and for the first time in her adult life, she will be planting herself a flower garden, which brings her joy. She further explained that she is grateful of the garden space as it’s been a safe place for her to walk during this pandemic. We have had youth share their success with growing their own lettuce and harvesting after 50 days and making a salad. Our volunteers are always thinking of others and how to spread their love to others especially those who are sick. Instead of growing  mulitiple raised beds of vegetables, the volunteer advisory committee had the brilliant idea of growing more cut flowers to harvest and send to rehab and nursing home facilities. We imperiality starting planning the flowers and ordered seeds. One of our volunteers is a nurse at Highland Springs of Fort Thomas, so we got approval with her nursing director to send weekly vases to the residents. Because of the guidelines, we are not able to be in direct contact with the patients, but the volunteer coordinator says that all of the patients are very appreciative and that the bright colored flowers puts a smile on their faces. For many she said, they haven’t had any contact with anyone outside for many months and the flowers really have given them spirit again.  

Collaboration with our local media station, Campbell Media continues to be a partner with filming our programs. During this pandemic, with their help, we have started a new TV Series “Friday’s in the Garden”. We film right from our educational gardens and I’ve highlighted growing information from planting a raised bed vegetable garden, container gardening, spring plants in bloom, and many more topics to come. We have reached over 15,000 viewers since we started filming in April 2020. Bi-weekly segments will be recorded and plans to incorporate cooking, family activities, and more will be shared.  

It’s been inspiring to see how many people have learned about Extension. Extension horticulture staff and volunteers have enjoyed listening and watching people of all ages become curious and explore in our gardens.  The Campbell County horticulture staff and Master Gardener volunteers will continue to provided researched based information during the COVID-19 pandemic throughout our communities.