Success StoryThe Value of Master Gardeners



The Value of Master Gardeners

Author: Kelly Jackson

Planning Unit: Christian County CES

Major Program: Master Gardener

Plan of Work: To foster the development of personal and interpersonal skills, stimulate volunteer leadership, and

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Master Gardeners is a program run by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service to train citizens in many areas of horticulture. Upon completion of the Master Gardener education program, participants are expected to return 30 hours of community volunteer service through organized projects within one year to earn the title Master Gardener and 15 hours annually to maintain their volunteer status. During the 2019 program year Master Gardeners volunteered:

  • 466 hours of service in planting and maintaining demonstration gardens at the Extension office, Jeffers Bend Botanical Center and Arboretum and community gardens;
  • 88 hours by serving as advisors and members of different community committees;
  • 552 hours of service to host a regional garden exposition show.

A total of 1,668 hours of volunteer service has been reported from 42 volunteers. At the Independent Sector’s value of hourly volunteer time in Kentucky ($21.42), the value of Master Gardener volunteer service equates to $35,728.56 in value to Christian County Extension and the county. Additionally, these volunteers attained over 2,398 public contacts.






Stories by Kelly Jackson


Vegetable Education Outreach

about 5 months ago by Kelly Jackson

Interest in vegetable gardening, especially among younger generations, has seen a resurgence in rece... Read More


Connecting Gardeners to Local Resources

about 5 months ago by Kelly Jackson

The Christian County 2030 Vision Plan, prepared by the local Chamber of Commerce, is a plan to guide... Read More


Stories by Christian County CES


How We Touch the Water

How We Touch the Water

about 5 months ago by Matthew Futrell

Water quality has a deep impact on everyone it touches. In our day-to-day lives we dont give much th... Read More


A Renewed Confidence

A Renewed Confidence

about 5 months ago by Matthew Futrell

Community Gardens are a two fold approach to supporting our local community. From first look, a gard... Read More