In Season - College 2017

In Season

A publication of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program and the Virginia Tech Department of Horticulture

The 2017 Master Gardener college

Volume 31, Number 2, March 2017

edition

1.

Dave Close State Master Gardener Coordinator John Freeborn Assistant Master Gardener Coordinator Riley Schmitt Communications Project Manager and Media Specialist Sue Edwards Master Gardener Program Development Gabrielle Sanderson Program Support and Implementation Intern

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.

2.

Table of Contents 5 It’s a Party, So Let’s Celebrate! Letter from the State Master Gardener Coordinator’s Office

6 What is Master Gardener College 7 Why Come to Master Gardener College: An Interview with Anne Nielsen

8 Schedule-At-A-Glance

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You’re Invited!

You are cordially invited to attend the 30th annual Master Gardener College Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA

June 22 - 25

4.

It’s a Party, So Let’s Celebrate!

Letter from the State Master Gardener Coordinator’s Office

Over the past 29 years more than 3,000 Extension Master Gardeners have attended Master Gardener College This will be Dave’s 14th year coordinating and overseeing Master Gardener Collge

Thirty years. . . Master Gardener College 2017 marks the 30th Anniversary of this amazing event. For thirty years you and your Extension Master Gardener colleagues, past and present, have been making the trek to Blacksburg to enjoy several days of learning, networking, socializing and flat just having some fun! While I was not here to witness the beginning of this fabulous event and tradition, I know Master Gardener College has grown and changed over the years. I have heard stories about participants being hosted at The Grove for a reception by the University’s President when a small number of volunteers attended College. More recently, it is common for us to have more than 200 EMGs attend and participate in a wide range of great activities.

I am absolutely amazed when I sit back and reflect on the number of high-caliber speakers we have hosted over the course of the past fourteen years in particular. Speakers identified by your peers who are notable experts and effective communicators. I am equally amazed at the amount of energy and expertise invested by our fantastic extension specialists, agents, and volunteers who have conducted a concurrent session or two or four in any given year. The amount of talent and intellectual capital that exists within our organization is noteworthy and invaluable.

This year stands to be memorable as well. John and the Master Gardener College Advisory Team have worked hard to develop a list of speakers and topics that should be informative and fun. It is especially gratifying to know that many of our consistent and long-term friends will be joining us as keynote and concurrent session speakers to help commemorate this milestone year for the EMG program and MG College. As a special treat, we will be hosting Dr. David Gibby, the original founder of the Extension Master Gardener program in Washington State as one of our keynote speakers. His stories will inspire you and his charisma will charm you as we are reminded of why we are all here.

Please join us in June for this celebratory event!

Dave Close State EMG Coordinator

5.

What is Master Gardener College?

Master Gardener College is a continuing educational event open to all Virginia Extension Master Gardeners! This event is a great opportunity to learn, meet other EMGs, and just have fun!

Master Gardener College has been a popular event with Virginia Extension Master Gardeners since 1987. MG College is a multi-day event held at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia that includes gardening seminars, tours, workshops, and popular speakers from the horticulture and aboriculture fields. Each year, nearly 250 Extension Master Gardeners from all around the Commonwealth of Virginia attend this event. It is a great time of fellowship with EMGs from around the state, learning from horticulture’s leading experts, and fun evening events!

Master Gardener College is organized and administrated by faculty and staff in the office of the State Master Gardener Coordinator and by the Master Gardener College Advisory Team.

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Check out the Master Gardener College FAQs for more information!

Did You Know...

In 2016 more than 750 additional volunteers participated in

EMG

trainings and joined forces with more

4,000 currently active Extension Master Gardeners, 260 Emeritus, 450 Interns, and 160 Trainees.

than

Why Come to Master Gardener College?

Interview with Anne Nielsen, Williamsburg/James City County How long have you been coming I think this is my 7th year, and it is always a revelation. It’s just wonderful. to Master Gardener College? When we first stared coming to Master Gardener College it was like “oh, we are so connected to each other!” just exchanging information and listening to other people talk and the lectures are always wonderful.

What would you say is your Oh wow, there are too many favorites. It’s great from the tours on favorite part of Master Gardener Thursday. We always come on Wednesday, so we can do tours and College? the optional things on Thursday. Then the lectures are all great. The camaraderie; you get to know people in your unit so much better. You’re not just meeting for a meeting, you are meeting to eat together and exchange ideas. Everything is just wonderful!

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Schedule AT A Glance Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Land care Steward Training 9:00am - 5:00pm Check in 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Land care Steward Training 9:00am - 5:00pm Optional day

Breakfast 7:00am - 8:30am Welcome 8:30am - 9:00am Keynote 9:00am - 10:00am Break 10:00am - 10:30am Concurrent 1 10:30am - 12:00pm Lunch 12:00pm - 1:30pm Concurrent 2 1:30pm - 3:00pm Break 3:00pm - 3:30pm Keynote 3:30pm - 4:30pm Dinner 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Breakfast 7:00am - 9:00am Keynote 9:00am - 10:00am Break 10:00am - 10:30am Concurrent 1 10:30am - 12:00pm Lunch 12:00pm - 1:30pm Concurrent 2 1:30pm - 3:00pm Break 3:00pm - 3:30pm Keynote 3:30pm - 4:30pm Dinner 5:00pm - 6:30pm VMGA Night at Master Gardener College Annual Meeting, Silent Auction and Reception 6:30pm - 9:00pm

of experiencing

New River Valley, Tours, and Workshops 9:00am - 5:00pm Check in 1:00pm - 6:00pm Dinner 5:00pm - 6:15pm Color When & Where You Want It or My Affair With Benjamin Moore Elissa Steeves 6:15pm - 7:00pm the

Sunday Breakfast 7:00am - 9:00am Keynote 9:30am - 10:30am Break 10:30am - 11:00am Keynote 11:00am - 12:00pm Closing Picnic 12:00pm - 2:00pm

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Milestone Ceremony 7:00pm - 8:00pm Anniversary Celebration 8:00pm - 9:30pm

Wednesday

Land Care Steward Training Wednesday & Thursday

The Advanced Master Gardener - Land Care Steward Program Training was offered in conjunction with Master Gardener College in 2008, 2011, and 2014 and will be offered again in 2017. This training is intended to help Units that do not have enough participants or instructors to host the training in their home unit. Core training in both technical areas and in programming will be offered at MG College, but the trainees will be expected to return to their units, and work closely with their Agent and/or Unit Coordinator to complete the exercises required to become an Advanced Master Gardener.

More importantly, the Advanced Master Gardener Program will be expected to investigate the needs of their home community and establish a new program – or – evaluate and retool their Unit’s existing program.

Prerequisites: • Must be a Master Gardener. This training is not open to Master Gardener Trainees nor interns. All participants must have completed all of the requirements to become a Master Gardener prior to commencing this Advanced Master Gardener Training.

• Must have the permission of their local Agent and/or Unit Coordinator.

• Must pay an additional fee for the additional instruction, and the Handbook. Candidates will take a prescribed course of study offered at MG College.

Look for the Landcare symbol to denote the concurrent sessions that will focus on landcare.

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Thursday

New River Valley, Tours, and Workshops 9:00am - 5:00pm

Pre-College Workshops Garden Photography Floral Arranging Food Preservation: Canning Plant Diagnostics

Thursday

Pre-College Tours

Experience the NRV

Green Building/Infrastructure tour of the New River Valley VT Labs Tour Gardens of the NRV VT Gardens and Greenhouses

Kayaking the NRV Biking the NRV Hiking the NRV Gardens of the NRV

Evening Events 6:15pm - 9:30pm

Color When & Where You Want It or My Affair With Benjamin Moore Elissa Steeves Elissa will show pictures of her own garden to illustrate the power of color. This talk will focus on how to see color and use it to its best advantage. Happiness is a gray day & a can of spray paint!

Milestone Award Ceremony Celebrate the milestone achievements of fellow Extension Master Gardeners from across the state.

Milestone awards will be presented by Dave Close, State Master Gardener Coordinator. Reception to follow.

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In 2015 764 Extension Master Gardeners reached milestones.

For a total of 683,000 hours served.

Friday

Keynote

9:00am - 10:00am Confessions of an Attention Deficit Gardener: An Unembarrassed Account of Using Annuals & Tender Perennials to Create Brilliant Landscapes that Change Every Year

Bob Lyons

For several years, the mantra for commercial landscape professionals has been, “color, color, color.”....and now this phrase and philosophy has trickled down into the mindset of home gardeners. While woody and herbaceous perennials may complement such garden designs, the true stars are those species and cultivars that explode with color during summer’s heat, only to fade away in autumn and disappear permanently during winter.....and that’s OK! Next year is another opportunity to explore new plants, new designs, and new combinations to satisfy that compulsive need to create something visually compelling, if only for just another year!

Concurrent Session 1 10:30am - 12:00pm

Landscape Assessment for Redesign, Renovation, and Retrofit Laurie Fox Have you ever had to make over a room in your home, organize or clean out a cluttered closet, or get a visitor who has overstayed their welcome to move on? These are skills and processes that can be applied to the landscape too.

Through classroom and field activities learn how to assess a landscape, gather pertinent information, and develop a plan for making changes.

How Well is Your Water?

Erin Ling Did you know 1 in 5 Virginians rely on a private water supply like a well or a spring, and these homeowners are completely responsible for routine testing, system maintenance and addressing problems? This session will focus on Virginia Cooperative Extension’s well and spring water testing program, the Virginia Household Water Quality Program. Program coordinator Erin Ling will discuss best management practices for

wells and springs, key water quality findings of the program, and emerging research topics.

This session will include a tour of the Biological Systems Engineering Water Quality Lab in the HABB1 building to see where the MAGIC (read: water analysis) happens! Participants will also get some hands-on experience with groundwater and hydrology concepts using Envision groundwater models.

Oh, MG! The Best Fruit Tree Pest Workshop Ever!

Melanie Barrow An advanced Master Gardener training that extends beyond general Master Gardener training.

This workshop is focused on building confidence in proper tree fruit insect and disease pests identification so that Master Gardeners have self-assurance in providing sound diagnosis and recommendations.

The Lazarus Tree—Restoring the American Chestnut Tree Carl Absher

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Concurrent Session 1 continued Only a hundred years ago the American chestnut was the most common and useful tree in the Appalachian region. It furnished food for people, livestock, and wildlife; cash for subsistence farmers; and a light, rot-resistant wood for construction and household furniture. An introduced fungus discovered in 1904 killed over 4 billion of these magnificent trees over the next 50 years.

Learn about this tree’s history, the efforts to bring it back, the problems faced by the scientists working to restore the chestnut, and how you can help.

Alternative Vegetable Gardening: Think “atypical” and get creative! Your grow venue does not a raised bed have to be!

Jim Revell

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If you’re a gardener who likes to “think outside the box,” this session will introduce you to “atypical” vegetable gardening ideas that get creative juices going while also increasing productivity and/or saving space, materials and cost! You will get to explore

innovative R&D trellising systems that optimize space efficiency, canopy management (protection from unfavorable temperatures), productivity and ease of harvesting. Jim will also share creative ideas for alternative grow venues and methods – some you may be familiar with, such as hydroponics, straw bale gardening, flower/vegetable companion planting, patio/ container and bag gardening – while others may encourage you to explore your workshop and garage for cost and space-saving ideas (kiddie pool gardening, creative trellises and more!). Join us for a session that will “raise the bar” for creative, atypical, alternative vegetable gardening!

Exploring and Sustaining Public and Private Community Garden Development.

Kirsten Ann Conrad Agriculture happens in the city too! Few Arlington and Alexandria VA residents have the means to have vegetable gardens where they live. Both jurisdictions have made public community gardening plots available and now with greater interest and a strong need to provide fresh food for our food banks, community gardens have sprung up on private land. These gardens subject to the rules and regulations of a

housing area, a county park, a school grounds are a huge source of community vitality and environmental diversity. What can Master Gardeners do to help sustain these efforts and support the development of sustaining leadership. Come explore the tools offered by the American Community Garden Association and more.

Nematodes in my Garden: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Jon Eisenback Four out of five animals that are alive at this moment are nematodes. Yet most people have never seen one, and many others do not even know that they exist. As a result, nematodes are often regarded as the “hidden enemy” of plant production.

Plant-parasitic nematodes are common pests in home gardens and are responsible for a loss in quantity and quality of yield.

These microscopic roundworms cause the slow decline of vegetables, fruit trees, small fruits, and ornamental plants, including flowers, lawns, shrubs, and vines.

Plants infected with nematodes may be predisposed to infection by other diseases caused by fungi, and some nematodes may vector plant viruses. Plants attacked by nematodes are less tolerant to drought, they do not respond significantly to the addition

Concurrent Session 1 continued of fertilizer, and in general are stunted and less vigorous than non-infected plants.

Friday Pollinators Rick Fell Description to come.

The Highs and Lows of Industrial Hemp Farming Dr. Michael Renfroe

Amateur Plant Breeding Ben Casteel

techniques for breeding your own plant varieties!

Help Desk and Plant Have you been a victim of a seed company discontinuing a Clinics: Tips and favorite variety? Are there certain Tricks traits that you look for in flowers and vegetables that are just not Adria Bordas offered commercially? Join us Description to come. for an open discussion on simple

Concurrent Session 2 1:30pm - 3:00pm

prospective farmers need to know. From a required crop for Virginia’s early colonists, to banned substance, and back to crop status (almost) once again, what lies in store for the future of Virginia hemp?

Virginia Big Tree Program: Sharing Stories of Arboreal Giants Eric Wiseman

The Virginia Big Tree Program began as a 4-H and FFA project Season Extension for in 1970. Today the program is 4-Season Gardening coordinated by the Department of Forest Resources and B en Casteel Environmental Conservation at Virginia is now allowing industrial Virginia Tech. The mission of the hemp to be evaluated as a You might not be able to plant program is to increase the care potential crop through University- the Garden of Eden, but you and appreciation for all trees – big based research programs. Come sure can get growing a garden and small – and to educate the hear the opportunities and the of eatin’ even in all 4 seasons!

Commonwealth about the value challenges to producing this crop Join seasoned food producer of trees and forests. Central to in the Commonwealth. and horticulture instructor Ben this mission is the Virginia Big Industrial hemp can be used Casteel for a discussion and Tree Register, which curates the for a wide variety of products, demonstration on ways to extend 5 largest specimens of over 300 but significant obstacles remain the growing season throughout tree species found in Virginia. in our ability to bring this crop the year. Simple and advanced Trees are ranked in the register to market. Learn about current techniques will be discussed. based on a scoring system that production of hemp in Virginia, uses measurements of tree height, on-going research, and what

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Concurrent Session 2 continued trunk circumference, and crown spread. In this session, you will learn about the history of the program, features of the big tree register, and field techniques for measuring, scoring, and nominating big trees.

Small Fruit Pests Smackdown!

Melanie Barrow An advanced Master Gardener training that extends beyond general Master Gardener training.

This workshop is focused on building confidence in proper small fruit insect and disease pests identification so that Master Gardeners have self-assurance in providing sound diagnosis and recommendations.

people and the planet. This talk will explore the history and policy of the National Organic Program, what it really means to be certified Organic, and what we know and don’t know about the impact of Organic on our health, the community, and the environment.

Stormwater BMPs n the Landscape Laurie Fox

BMP is not short for big messy problem! Share a quick overview of the most common landscape best management practices and a field walk to look at and assess some of them. How are these practices impacting the Chesapeake Bay pollution diet?

What are their life expectancies and maintenance requirements?

Which ones go where? These and all those other stormwater questions that keep you awake at night are answered in this session.

Organic Food and Agriculture: History, A Eulogy for Color?

I’m Not Ready to Gas Policy, Fact, and Up the Hearse!

Fiction Bob Lyons Alex Hessler For years, certified Organic food has been the fastest-growing sector of the food industry, appealing to consumer demand for food that is healthy for 14.

Color has been a dominant gardening force in the past decade, especially with the infusion of tropical, tender plant materials into the landscape color palette. Arguably, attention

to earlier recommendations to carefully combine some colors while avoiding contrasting others, is becoming less stringent in both attitude and practice. With the pipeline still flush with new, underutilized plants that fit a scheme of brilliant showiness, it is hard to believe that we don’t have many more years ahead of us to integrate these plants into commercial and residential garden designs. This is especially true, given the almost steady stream today of “new plants” in the marketplace. This talk will not only illustrate the current practices of bold color use, but also help dispel any rumors of any impending demise.

Food Allergies 101: What’s the Big Deal?

- Food Allergy Awareness Training for Food Preparers Sandy Stoneman

Food allergies across the population have been on the rise and Virginia has recently joined other states in passing food allergy awareness laws.

If we are preparing food at a demonstration or for sale, it is important to know how to do it safely for the estimated 15 million Americans who have food allergies. Attend this workshop to understand the seriousness of food allergies and gain the knowledge that will allow you to prepare and serve food safely

to those affected. A certificate of training will be awarded to all participants.

The Magic of Medicine of Virginia Plants Kirsten Ann Conrad The Magic and Medicine of Virginia Plants will explore a selection of commonly grown Virginia poisonous and medicinal plants and some of the folklore and history behind their usage.

Plants poisonous to people and pets will be covered as will some of the botanical science of their efficacy- or lack thereof.

The emphasis is not on self medication.

Friday

Saturday

Keynote

Keynote

3:30pm - 4:30pm

9:00am - 10:00am

All-America Selections: Past, Present and Future

Landscapes of the Past, Present, and Future Robert McDuffie

Few brands are better known to gardeners than AllAmerica Selections, which is an independent, nonprofit organization that tests new varieties and introduces the best garden performers as AAS Winners. Diane Blazek, executive director of AllAmerica Selections, will explain the rich history of AAS while also giving a glimpse into the exciting future they have planned. All-American Selections was founded in 1932 and continues as the oldest independent plant testing organization in North America.

Around the World in 20 Years: What We Can Learn from Gardens Abroad” After taking groups to 4 continents and over 20 countries for the past 20 years, Robert has learned a lot about gardens in other countries that can be applied to the design of our own personal spaces.

Diane Blazek

15.

Saturday The Garden As A Place To Linger Elissa Steeves A hands on workshop in my garden. We will talk about and (treasure hunt!) look for what makes a garden a place to be.

Please bring your cell phone/iPad ( if you have one) so we can share pictures of the elements that make a garden a place in which to linger.

Abiotic Stress Part I David Orcutt How Plants Respond to Environmental Change. The impact of chemical stress including, air pollution (carbon dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide & nitrous oxides), nutrient deficiencies and salinity on plant growth, development and survival.

Native Woody Plants Alex Niemiera

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A wide array of native trees and shrubs will be presented.

In addition to beautifying our landscapes, they also provide the ecological services that native plant species are adapted to offer.

Concurrent Session 3 10:30am - 12:00pm

Gardening with Nutrient Management in Mind Leonard Githinji

Classroom to Computers and Labs

Optimum growth of garden plants - flowers, fruits, and vegetables- depends on many management factors, one of which is ensuring a sufficient supply of plant nutrients. There are at least 16 essential elements required for plant growth. Each is equally important to the plant, yet each is required in vastly different amounts. These differences have led to the grouping of these essential elements into three categories. For this presentation we will discuss these categories, the role played by each nutrient element, their sources, and how to address any deficiency. Soil testing provides information on the availability of nutrients in the soil and is required for accurate fertilizer and lime recommendations. We will discuss how to properly sample the soil and how to determine fertilizer and lime requirements based on soil test results.

Learn about the experience of the Bedford Extension Master Gardener’s as they designed and implemented computer-based training, moving from classroom style learning to computer-based learning with hands-on labs.

Then see how VT Extension is moving this model forward to a program that can be used in any part of the state.

Extension Master Gardener Training: Moving from the

Bedford Extension Master Gardeners

An introduction to Appalachian millipedes

Derek Hennen and Jackson Means This session will focus on the millipedes of Appalachia. We will highlight common species you will see in the area and you will learn the characteristics that separate them. We’ll also cover the neat biology of millipedes, ranging from their dazzling coloration and chemical defenses to UV fluorescence!

Concurrent Session 3 continued Have Any Extra? The

share with those who do not have the same access to fresh produce.

We will discuss current gleaning and sharing operations as well as the ways in which they have already been or can be adapted to your communities. Come ready to share your experiences!

ways for gardeners to glean and share with the community

Lester Schonberger

Have you ever planted more in your garden than you know what to do with? You are not alone! If you have ever been faced with a bumper crop from your garden, come to learn the ways you can

Saturday Advanced Vegetable Gardening topics (Plasticulture for Vegetable Production) Leonard Githinji Plasticulture is a system of growing crops using plastic polymers to increase production and enhance efficiency by cutting costs and saving time.

Plasticulture also conserves precious natural resources, such as water, nutrients, fossil fuels,

Let’s Talk Turf: Best Management Practices for Home Lawns—Micro Clover and the Grass Roots Program Geoffrey Rinehart

Join Geoff as he covers fundamental lawn maintenance best management practices to promote a healthy lawn that is functional and can withstand pest pressures. Topics presented will include assessing the site, selecting adapted grass cultivars for improved performance, mowing and watering best practices, developing a fertilization program, aerating/ thatching, and overseeding with the goal of reducing pest incidence. Also, Geoff will discuss microclover/tall fescue mixtures and cover the provide an update on the ‘Grass Roots’ initiate from the US National Arboretum.

Concurrent Session 4 1:30pm - 3:00pm

and many other forms of energy.

It also reduces competition from invasive weeds and insects. For this presentation, we will discuss the various forms of plasticulture systems used in horticulture, their relative benefits and downsides as well as their management for increased vegetable production.

Abiotic Stress Part 2 David Orcutt How Plants Respond to Environmental Change. The impact of physical stress

including, water (drought/ flooding), temperature (heat, chilling, freezing) and light (quantity and quality) on growth, development and survival of plants.

Invasive Woody Plants Alex Niemiera

The invasive plant topic will be discussed in detail; topics include definitions, concepts, databases, woody species, and ethical aspects.

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Concurrent Session 4 continued Are You FireWise?

Landscaping for Fire Safety Dave Close & Frank Reilly On average since 1995, 16 homes and 54 other structures are damaged per year due to wildfire in Virginia. These fires are not all in remote locations, so you should consider protecting your investment in your home and property by learning these simple techniques to protect your space (defensible space) and your property. Dave and Frank pioneered this concept for MG learning in the Advanced Master Gardener Land Care program and the popular book “Smart Yard Care: Big rewards from small investments in Stewardship.” By understanding what to plant, where to plant it, and how to maintain your landscape you can drastically increase the chances of protecting your home grounds and avoiding or minimizing damage due to wildfire.

18.

Biochar in the Garden: Experiments In Multiple Uses Greg Hajos

Biochar has been touted as a multi-purpose garden soil amendment from retaining soil nutrients, to removing harmful chemicals, to carbon sequestration, and to bio-fuel generation. Hampton and York County/Poquoson Master Gardeners partnering with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Old Dominion University (ODU) have been experimenting with making biochar of various materials and experimenting with biochar in these areas.

it can happen to you even if this was not something you aspired to become. Virginia Master Gardener George Graine reveals his “secrets” for successful writing opportunities and how it changed the way he views the ever changing world of horticulture. Bring your favorite gardening book. You will use this for a short writing exercise.

Orchid Production, Tips and Tricks Art Chadwick

Coverage will be given to the attributes in planting, growing and maintaining blueberry plants in the home landscape. Also, the nutritional and documented health benefits of this uniquely native American fruit crop will be emphasized.

Art will be discussing the five most popular orchid genera and how to grow them in the home.

Cultural requirements such as light, humidity, and watering frequency will be covered. Each attendee will receive a handout for easy reference.

Blueberry: Crown Jewel of the Small Fruits Jerry Williams

Food shouldn’t be scary! How processing can be used to

So You Want to Be A Garden Writer George Graine “So You Want To Be A Garden Writer” is a literal excursion into how your life experiences at work and elsewhere can help you to become a garden writer.

If you never thought about writing as a hobby or profession

enhance the safety and quality of food

Nicole Arnold

As consumers are increasingly interested in knowing more about foods they eat, it is imperative that they are educated about and made aware of current food processing technologies, as well as those that that could show promise within the food

industry. This session will cover food processing, emerging technologies, and misconceptions that are oftentimes expressed in regards to processing. Participants will reflect upon their own perceptions and beliefs of different processing technologies and how these perceptions may affect purchasing behaviors.

A taste test with foods from various processes will enhance discussion of these technologies.

Samples may include, but are not limited to foods that have been processed by pasteurization, ultra-pasteurization, high pressure processing, and gaseous treatment. The cost per person is $5. Limit of 15.

SketchUp for Home Garden Design Robert McDuffie SketchUp is a free software package which works on a PC or Mac. In the 17 years of its existence, it has become the worldwide standard for three dimensional modeling.

Surprisingly, it is relatively easy to use—easy enough so that a motivated homeowner could design his/her own landscape in SketchUp and produce a fully 3-D model of it. Unlike many other 3-D modeling computer programs, SketchUp has very intuitive commands and is supported by a global network of users that are happy to share their expertise with everyone.

Evening Events 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Virginia Master Gardener Association Annual Meeting 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Saturday

Keynote

3:30pm - 4:30pm Panel Discussion: New Plant Introductions: the How, the Why, and the Oh, My!

Holly Scoggins Paul Westervelt Diane Blazek

New plant introductions keep gardening exciting and your favorite garden center in business. Holly will present a brief overview of the process, then we will fire up a lively panel discussion - guided by YOUR questions - on the fascinating business of breeding, trialing, and marketing new annuals, perennials, and woodies.

All Master Gardeners attendees are invited to attend the Virginia Master Gardener Association’s annual meeting to celebrate accomplishments and to find out what is in store for the next year.

Come and see what VMGA is all about!

Reception Come out for a great time of fun and fellowship with your fellow Extension Master Gardeners. There will be live music as well as food and drinks. This will also be a time for winners to pick up their silent auction items. Please note that there will be adult beverages available for purchase from the cash bar.

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Sunday

Sunday

Closing Event

12:00pm - 2:00pm

Keynote

9:30am - 10:30am

11:00am - 12:00pm

Are They Better or Just New? Paul Westervelt

The History of the EMG Program David Gibby

With so many new perennials released every year, it can be difficult to distinguish, legitimately, better cultivars from those that are simply marketable.

Through production trials, garden visits, vendor visits, and conversations with other growers, Paul works to select the true winners for our region (and throws some of the losers squarely in front of oncoming traffic).

20.

Keynote

Ever wonder why the Extension Master Gardener program was created? Do you know where it all began? Be intrigued and inspired by the history and stories behind the genesis of one of Cooperative Extension’s premiere volunteer programs.

Who better to tell the story than Dr. David Gibby. Come and hear as Daid tells the story of starting the first Extension Master Gardener Program in 1972 in Seattle, Washington.

Picnic at the Hahn Horticulture Gardens

The Closing Picnic will be held at the beautiful Hahn Horticulture Garden. Come out and enjoy a great meal and wondeful company with your fellow EMGs before heading home. This event will bring College to a close.

Registration and Other Helpful Information Registration

Get registration information from your local EMG coordinator or agent. Registration is open only to certified EMGs. Contact your local EMG coordinator or agent for details, as registration will open around May, 1 2017. Due to new registration practices, the minimum amount that can be refunded is $25.00. Amounts less than that are considered non-refundable. This year, please register online, by fax, or by mail. Due to staff limitations, phone registrations need to be reserved to those who have special needs.

Open registration will also be announced through VMS. Although we have not had an increase in the cost of registration for more than five years, due to increased costs, there is a small increase of $20 for full registration this year.

Scholarship

VMGA seeks to award scholarships to those master gardeners who through their dedicated efforts of volunteerism toward VCE goals have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential or significant contributions in their respective units. Additional criteria are included on the application form. All VCE Master Gardeners planning to attend MG College 2017 are eligible for these scholarships if they have never been awarded one.

For more information about nomination guidelines, visit: http://www.vmga.net/scholarship-criteria.php For scholarship application form, visit: http://www.vmga.net/scholarship-application.php

21.

Housing

During Your Stay

We will again be in the dorms, but local hotel information is also available on the website (http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/mastergardener/ current-master-gardeners/mg-college/faq-2/). We recommend The Inn at Virginia tech, Hilton Garden Inn express, and the Inn on Main Street. You can also go to this page for information regarding oncampus housing.

Meals

If you are staying in the dorms, it is the policy of Virginia Tech that you have a meal plan with your housing reservation. If you are staying off campus, you can either purchase meals individually with cash, check, or credit cards, or purchase a meal plan for the entire conference from Conference and Guest Services. Please see the Master Gardener website for information on meal plans and enjoy the company of other Master Gardeners during meal time. Meals will be in the D2 Dining Center. Hours of service are: Breakfast: 7:00 am to 9:30 am Lunch: 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Dinner: 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Class Selection

Classes are offered on a first come first serve basis, so make sure to register early to make sure that you get the classes you want. Switching schedules is not advised unless you trade spots with someone. All the classes with limited enrollment are filled by pre-registrations, and there will not be enough materials for unregistered attendees. Please be considerate to your peers and do not “crash” a class, tour, or workshop.

Breakdown of Costs Registration

Early Registration fee (Before June 5th): $185.00 Standard Registration (After June 5th): $195.00 Daily Registration: $75.00 Two-day Registration: $125.00

Room and Board

Milestone Award Discount 500 hour = $168 1,000 hour = $154 2,000 hour = $142 3,000 hour = $132 4,000 hour = $123 5,000+ hour(s) = $0.00

If you would like to stay on-campus in the university dorms the cost is: $52/per person per night for double occupancy and $60/ per person per night for single occupancy.

Please note that if you are staying on-campus, it is the policy of Virginia Tech that you also purchase a meal plan. The breakdown of the cost are as follows: Breakfast= $7.65, Lunch= $11.10, Dinner= $13.50

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Fauquier County

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