Art Ayres, Master Gardener of the Fayette County Extension Program, has been awarded the DAR National Society Conservation Award for starting the Plant-A-Row Garden in Fayette County which provides free fresh vegetables year round for Fayette Charity organizations. The award was sponsored by the Fayette-Starr’s Mill Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Ayres stated that he accepted the award for all the volunteer Master Gardeners that work in the garden and those that have assisted him.

The Plant-A-Row Garden is now six years old and has produced over 10,000 pounds of vegetables for Promise Place, Fayette Senior Center, Fayette Youth Protection Homes, Fayette Battered Women’s Shelter, and Fayette Samaritans (who run the local food bank). Ayres has served on the Advisory Board and in 2002 was awarded Master Gardener of the year. He exhibits leadership, great communication skills, a tireless work ethic, and a true volunteer spirit.