MOUNT VERNON – The Knox County Master Gardener Volunteers received the 2021 Ohio State Master Gardener Outstanding Community Service Award during the Ohio State Master Gardener annual awards program.
To be eligible for the award, the project needs to help support the community and lead to a raised awareness of the Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Program.
The Knox Community Landmarks purchased the remaining Lustron home in Mount Vernon. The bank is restoring the house to the original look/feel of the 1945 home. The goal is for the Lustron House to be used as an educational bed and breakfast for local and out-of-county individuals to learn about the history of Luston homes and see periodic gardens. In the summer of 2020, the Knox County Master Gardeners were asked to help with the restoration of the gardens to resemble the original owners' 1945 design.
Future objectives for the project include creating five different garden areas that may resemble gardens from the 1940s. The focal garden will reflect the original owners' design, while other areas will be a rose garden, periodic vegetable garden, and all-season bulb garden from the 1940s.
Currently, Knox County has 23 active Master Gardeners who volunteer their time throughout the county to provide education training and assistance with horticultural related topics. OSU Extension educator Sabrina Schirtzinger coordinates the county’s Master Gardener Program. Those interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer can visit knox.osu.edu, email Schirtzinger.55@osu.edu or call 740-397-0401.