By MIke Hogan, Hall County Master Gardener
The excitement of the 2024 Georgia Master Gardeners Association annual conference is behind us now but the effects may be felt for years. The UGA Griffin campus and Henry County Master Gardeners put together a program that had a little something for everyone. The theme, “Think Globally, Grow Locally” resonated during these times when food insecurity among portions of the population is alarming. Food and our ability to provide it, either for our own families or on a larger scale is a concern for many. Even if we are already providing some or all of our own food, being able to control the inputs in order to affect the results is key to a healthy, sustainable food supply.
On Friday, October 4, the University of Georgia (UGA) campus at Griffin was opened for several guided tours. Those who attended were able to witness tissue culture protocol in the lab with an opportunity for all to try their hand at this interesting propagation method. The USDA seed bank, a cold storage facility which is part of the national seed bank along with 21 other sites throughout the US, emphasized the importance of preserving genetic diversity. One greenhouse on the tour was conducting plant breeding to develop new varieties of summer and winter squash, and super sweet melons for growing year-round indoors. The structural entomology lab offered a look at research on treating buildings for a range of insects including termites, ants, roaches and bed bugs. We ended the tours with a visit to the turf “doctor” who shared with us some of the test plots of various grasses. We even had a demo of robotic lawn mowers which take the hassle out of mowing while at the same time provide many benefits for healthier turf.
The three main speakers on Saturday, October 5, presented topics relevant to gardeners with varied interests. Brie Arthur literally oozed enthusiasm as she presented her version of home gardening, particularly vegetable production, in an HOA environment. Her creative approach to producing food in a limited space, even in plain sight in her front yard, was enough to encourage others to slip one over on their HOA.
Mario Camberdella presented a technology solution to improve availability of and accessibility to plant materials. His career in landscape architecture has morphed over the years from trying to build sustainability one property at a time until now his efforts have expanded statewide. Mario has utilized his education and experience to transform landscapes throughout Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and the southeast.
To most of those in attendance, Joe Lamp’l is no stranger. While he is usually regarded for his extensive gardening knowledge and the ability to share that each week in his blog or through his YouTube channel, he spoke about gardening on a level that was emotional for many in the audience. Joe shared stories behind a few of the episodes filmed for his program, Growing a Greener World. Those who garden and especially those who do so in a way that touches the lives of others, know there is so much more to gardening than just tools, dirt and vegetation. Touching the lives of friends, family and strangers through gardening is extremely rewarding. The blood, sweat and tears we put into gardening results in the gardener receiving the greatest blessing.
As if that was not enough, there were two breakout sessions with eight topics to choose from. The hardest thing was deciding which ones to attend. Everything from vermiculture to a new gardening curriculum developed as a tool to train veterans who have difficulty adjusting to civilian life was presented. There was literally something for everyone.
If you have never been to one of the annual GMGA conferences, you really should consider it for next year. The opportunity to learn from leading gardeners, network with peers who are just as excited about gardening as you are and enjoy some time expanding your gardening knowledge are just a few of the reasons that you should set your sights on GMGA 2025.
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