Garden Tour for Potting Shed Garden Club at The Nuckolls Barn

Need: Due to the Covid19 pandemic we have had to halt programs because of state-wide guidelines. Since we have just started to schedule programs, we figured having programs outside would be the best way to stay safe since Covid is still present in our area. We have also been hard at work at the barn so we wanted a way to showcase our work to the public.   

Preparing the grounds:  An extension staff at our office constructed the three raised wicking beds by using the UK publication. After the beds were built, the horticulture agent and horticulture assistant filled them with peat moss, compost, and pro-mix to resemble lasagna gardening. After the beds were filled, they planted several different plants in them. Next they assembled several pallet gardens and raised pallet gardens to show you can have a garden anywhere and it is very easily moved.

Tour: On July 20^th, the Potting Shed Garden Club arrived at the barn for their tour. Eighteen women attended the tour. The horticulture assistant informed the group what extension is and everything they offer to the public. Next the horticulture assistant gathered everyone around the raised wicking beds and explained how they work. The group had a lot of questions and was very interested. Next the horticulture assistant talked about the pallet gardens and how easily they are constructed, and they are perfect for people in wheelchairs and people living in apartments or people with no yard to have a garden.

After the Tour:  Once the tour was completed, several garden club members had questions for the horticulture assistant about extension, the pallet garden, the raised beds, etc. The horticulture assistant handed out rain gauges and educational publications for the members. The garden club then gathered in Room A at the office to have lunch and ask any remaining questions they had. The tour was a great way to show the community what has been happening at the extension office and educate them about different ways to garden.