During the Covid-19 pandemic,  Kentucky Horticulture agents, started the Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays as an alternative to in-person horticulture lessons.  The live webinars are Wednesdays at 2 p.m. ET and 1 p.m. CT.  Utilizing a volunteer scheduling website, agents, specialists and other experts were recruited to present a 30 minute lesson to the general public, with time at the end for questions.  All the presentations are recorded, then posted to the Kentucky Hort News along with the slides, notes, a survey, and any other source materials that a viewer may need.  www.kentuckyhortnews.com/horticulture-webinar-wednesdays/ 

Advertising via social media and traditional media outlets by agents and specialists have garnered audiences in excess of 100 during the “shelter in place” order.  UK Ag Comminucations has also helped by providing an article, “Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays” bring spring into your home” (http://news.ca.uky.edu/article/%E2%80%9Chorticulture-webinar-wednesdays%E2%80%9D-bring-spring-your-home).  This Horticulture Agent Contributed the following presentation:

Perennials for Late Summer and Fall Color with Dennis Morgeson, Horticulture Agent, Washington County:

Participants: 150

Average duration of stay: 62 minutes

Follow up survey participants: 45

Things people learned: several plants that were unfamiliar, new varieties of old favorites, watering when transplanting 

perennials, deadheading to promote bloom, pruning to stagger blooms (extending bloom time), many things to remember.

72% stated they have planted a perennial from the list of fall-blooming plants.

46% have planted a perennial for fall foliage.