In 2017, the Partners in Health Coalition reached out to partner with the organization to collaborate an effort to research, design and create a community garden. TLRMC (Now Owensboro Health Twin Lakes) was generous enough to donate land behind the hospital which is centrally located in the community. Local businesses and farmers donated dirt, compost, materials, and time to clear off and construct the raised bed sites. They created 12 raised bed sites, 8 large (48 square feet) and 4 small (24 square feet). They had water spigot run to access water. In 2018, they had 5 beds rented out, and in 2019, they have all 12 in use, with 4 families on the waiting list. Due to the increase in popularity, the Master Gardeners received a FCS mini grant in 2019, with help from Family and Consumer Science agent and Agriculture and Natural Resources. This purchased more materials and tools needed to make more beds and have a central storage unit. With the grant, 10 more beds (included an ADA accessible) were created. In 2020, due to the increase of outdoor gardening as a past time, all 21 beds were rented out.  As of 2021, Twenty beds have been rented out, and being used.

Each year, people are reaching out to the Extension Office and Master Gardener Volunteers on help with growing techniques, plant diagnostic, and general questions. Each summer, there is a “What’s In Your Garden” series that the ANR Agent and FCS Agent host that discusses timely topics in the garden, as well as how to prepare the produce that you harvest from the garden. These have been well attended averaging 5-6 at each program in the past. A goal in 2021 is to teach growers about season extension in order to get a prolonged life out of their garden bed.

This project has shown and continues to show the willingness of the community to come together to help increase the access to nutritious foods to people in Grayson County. The goal is to get residents making healthier choices and receiving education about gardening and food from reliable sources in the Master Gardener Association, Family Consumer Sciences and Agriculture/Horticulture.