Campbell County Extension continued to follow guidelines and procedures as it related to programming during the COVID-19 outbreak. As essential employees and assets to our county, we strived to implement programming and resources throughout the county according to the university administration and county guidelines. As warmer weather was approaching, Campbell County horticulture department planned a weekly hour and a half Zoom program for participants each Wednesday from February-April. On average, fifteen garden enthusiasts participated in our Wednesday program each week. More than half participated in more than one program and we also gained new Extension users as a result of this program.  

Program topics included: gardening for beginners, vegetable gardening 101, seed starting for beginners, plants for small spaces, perennials for the garden, shrubs for the garden, flowers for the cut garden and kids spring break gardening and hiking. These program topics were chosen based on previous program surveys that participants shared. After gathering appropriate materials and information, the two horticultural staff organized presentations and offered supplies for some of the programs so that gardeners can try at home. For example, for the seed starting for beginners' program, registered participants received seed varieties such as zinnia’s, sunflowers, lettuce, basil, and coneflower. As a result, after talking a Qualtrics survey, participants shared, “I am better prepared to grow plants from seed” and another shared “These programs offered a good high-level overview of flowers that we can grow easily in this area […] and will be putting seed in soil soon”. 

Each week a PowerPoint presentation was shared which included, beautiful pictures of gardens, landscapes and other horticulture related information to demonstrate new ideas, varieties, and showcase some garden tips suitable for our area. Using Qualtrics as an electronic surveying tool, 100% of the respondents reported that they gained knowledge and new skill from taking one or more of our classes. “I have found the horticulturists are very responsive to our questions and interests. Due to the help we have received, we are much better positioned to be successful in growing than we have been before. Many thanks!” 

Majority of the programs were geared towards adults, except for the last program which was offered for youth 3-7 during spring break. Fifteen youth and their guardians participated learning about safety while hiking. Staying hydrated, packing a snack, and identifying poison ivy were a few topics of conversation. Youth shared a few of their treasures that they have found out in nature on previous adventures. Each attended youth received a backpack filled with some tools to help them start a day hike pack which included: binoculars, hand lens, sunscreen, misquote repellent, water bottle, and some hiking information including local trails, recipe for trail mix and nature scavenger hunts. One child's guardian shared that her daughter was “most excited about using her new binoculars and we immediately went out and took a hike after your program”. 

We look forward to planning hybrid programming and having all ages come explore our Lakeside Commons Educational gardens to learn more about gardening and our environment.