Master Gardener Classes Forming

The Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Program is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to learn more about horticulture and to become leaders in their community.  We help you gain knowledge and build confidence in your abilities to help others with gardening inquiries.  All the information presented in the 10 to 12 session training is sound research based information that will help you see the inter-connected nature of horticulture and the fields of study like entomology, pathology, soils, and much more.

We are in the process of forming the 2014 class of Master Gardeners for the residents of Nelson County, Kentucky.  The classes will begin in late January and run through the first of April.  With your information and availability we can begin setting dates and times for the classes.  Below you will find a brochure and an application link please fill them out and return to the Nelson County Extension office at 317 South Third Street,  Bardstown Kentucky.  You may call the Extension Office after January 2nd for more information at 348-9204.  

Nelson County Master Gardener informational Brochure. 
Master Gardener Application.

Annual flower variety trial update.

As you may be aware the Nelson County Extension office is participating in a state wide variety trial this year and things are going well.  The 4-H teen Council and I planted the twenty varieties in early May on the Extension office property.  The planting was to undergo no miraculous efforts to maintain, just simple everyday maintenance.  This include up front fertilization, weed management, and mulching. 

The Kentucky Home Extension Master Gardeners have evaluated the plantings once a month since the install and will continue to do so until frost.  Later we will publish the findings as to which plants performed best overall.   If you are close stop by and see the planting, it continues to receive compliments from the public for adding a very nice splash of color to the neighborhood.

Blooming Bardstown Garden Tour



Silent Auction Catalog



Blooming Bardstown FlierTen years ago a small group of Kentucky Home Extension Master Gardeners began planning the first Blooming Bardstown Garden Tour.  We wanted to showcase beautiful gardens of the area and increase the exposure of gardening as a rewarding and meaningful hobby.  Well ten years later we are going strong with one of the best lineups of gardens to date, an expanded silent auction offering, increased vendor participation, and an expanded Master G's plant sale and garden item area.  This year will feature a large vegetable garden, perennial borders, water features, hidden gardens, and many interesting thinks to see.  

Blooming Bardstown Flier



This year there will be more than 50 volunteer Extension Master Gardeners putting on this showcase of horticulturally significant gardens.   We would love for you to come on out and join us for a wonderful day of activities.  All the information you will need is on the Blooming Bardstown Flier just click the link and see the information.  Also click the silent auction link to see the more than 60 items that will be up for bid or buy it now.  

Couple of updates for you:

Ground has been broke for the community garden and planning is being made to double the number of garden plots for this year.  The Master Gardeners are planning to also include a Demonstration garden this year as well.  For those who participated last year you will receive a letter as to the start date for anyone who is interested in a plot this year keep watching this blog and the paper for updates. 

On March 17th at 6:30 pm we will have a organizational meeting for the Bardstown Farmers Market.  Signups will take place that evening and information on WIC and Senior programs will be shared.  If you are coming please let me know.

Blooming Bardstown Garden Tour

The Garden tour was a great success. I would like to thank the gardeners who graciously accepted us into their yards and exposed other Nelson county gardeners to the hidden treasures around them. I am surprised each year with the quality and beauty of our neighbors properties. This year we featured elaborate water features, outdoor living areas, creative oasis' and so much more.

Twenty New Master Gardeners have just recently hit the ground running. After successfully testing on Monday, May 7th they are full of knowledge and ready to help. Pictured to the left is this Master Gardener Class at their field trip to the Yew Dell Garden. They all fully participated in all the classes and learned extensively about the botany, pathology, entomology, landscaping, wildflowers and natives, woody ornamentals, annuals a perennials, soils and fertility, turf care, vegetable production, and fruit production. So as you can see they are well rounded and ready to answer questions.

To learn more about becoming a Master Gardener you can email me at robsmith@uky.edu