In Season - Master Gardener College

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Image Credit: www.visitnorfolk.com

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Master Gardener College

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

Volume 33, Number 3, April 2019

Dave Close State Master Gardener Coordinator John Freeborn Assistant Master Gardener Coordinator Devon Johnson Communications Project Coordinator Sue Edwards Master Gardener Program Development Gabrielle Sanderson Program Support and Implementation Sarah Wright Program Support and Implementation 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.

Content Letter from the State Coordinator John Freeborn shares changes to Master Gardener College--and the State Office.

Make the Most of Your Trip to Norfolk!

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Local Norfolk Master Gardeners offer tips, points of interest, and recommendations for your trip to Master Gardener College.

Saturday, September 21 Open to the Public

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For the first time, Saturday of Master Gardener College will be open to the public for a fee.

Update: Registration Costs

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Keynote Speaker Highlight

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We’ll welcome some old favorites and some new faces as keynote speakers for Master Gardener College 2019.

Schedule at a Glance

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Water Steward Training Information

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Detailed Schedule

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Conference Information

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Venue and Parking

28

Breakdown of Costs

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Thank You to Our Sponsors!

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Letter From the State Coordinator Happy spring from the State EMG Coordinator’s Office!

Folks say change is inevitable, and this newsletter is proof of that! This year, we have changed the location and timing of Master Gardener College for the first time in 31 years! We are so excited to be hosting MG College in Norfolk, Virginia this September 19-22. Through much work and deliberation, hundreds of e-mails and multiple phone calls, the MG College Advisory Team (with fashion assistance from George Graine) have put together a great lineup of keynotes, concurrent sessions, tours and workshops that you can learn about in the following pages. We will also be offering Water Steward training during this year’s MG College, taking place from September 18-22.

Another big change is that Saturday of MG College will be open to the general public! Don’t worry, we will give our EMGs plenty of time to register for sessions before we open some sessions to the general public, so space won’t be an issue. We plan to have registration open to EMGs for 9 weeks before it opens to the public. Our goal is to help educate the public about what we do as Extension Master Gardeners, allowing them a small peek at who we are, what we learn about, and allow them to become more familiar with our programming. We hope this interaction generates more interest in the EMG program as well as local trainings for new EMGs! A final bit of change is that I will be moving out of my role in the State Coordinator’s Office and starting a new position with Virginia Tech’s College of Natural resources and Environment. I am a bit sad, leaving so many great agents, volunteers, and friends within the EMG program and Virginia Cooperative Extension, but I am also excited about this new opportunity. I also know that the EMG program will always be special to me, and I am proud to have been a part of the program and to have seen your accomplishments over the past six years. I can’t express enough how much I have learned from all of our volunteers! When I think about the program, words like life-long learners, educators, givers, and passionate come to mind. I would like to thank each one of you for making the EMG program what it is today—I consider it to be one of the best programs in the country.

I hope you all have a great MG College experience this year, and I hope to be able to come by and visit with you, and I hope that our paths continue to cross as we go into the future.

John Freeborn 4 | In Season | College 2019

John Freeborn Assistant State Master Gardener Coordinator

Image Credit: www.visitnorfolk.com

Make the Most of Your Trip to Norfolk!

Norfolk Master Gardeners share their recommendations for local points of interest, educational attractions, and dining options

By: Devon Johnson Our 2019 College location in Norfolk means many new attractions are available to Extension Master Gardeners, including options for sightseeing, dining, and learning about Norfolk!

“Exploring the local area has always been an important part of Master Gardener College,” says Dave Close, Master Gardener Coordinator. “In Blacksburg, people have visited the farmers market, local nurseries, and downtown restaurants. In Norfolk there are many new attractions that attendees can

see during their visit.”

Local Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners Kate Melhuish and Connie Kellam have some suggestions of must-see educational opportunities, attractions, and dining options for 2019 College attendees.

Education The Norfolk location presents a particularly exciting opportunity for Water Steward Training with the opportunity to visit some current Water Steward projects nearby.

In Photo Above: Downtown Norfolk, image credit: www.visitnorfolk.com In Season | College 2019 | 5

“There can be no better place on the planet for the Water Steward program,” says Melhuish.

“Norfolk is a city of water,” agrees Kellam.

“A short drive will take you along, over, or under a river or bay and every road way will eventually dead end at the water. The good news is the beauty it affords. The bad news is what’s happening due to climate change.”

“Norfolk is recognized as one of the 100 Resilient Cities around the globe, with an extensive Green Infrastructure plan in place and taking shape,” says Melhuish. “You’ll see amazing feats of green engineering – some are city led/federally funded, some are citizen-driven, most are undertaken through the network of public and private partnerships here locally.”

“The flooding that threatens our Navy Base, downtown, and thoroughfares is bringing in scientists from all over the world,” adds

Kellam. “The erosion on our beaches and waterfronts is being addressed with native plants and grasses. Our bay and rivers are being monitored by groups dedicated to clean waterways to ensure our plants, fish, and wildlife have a healthy place to live now and in the future. Citizens are actively saving small areas and with city officials are tackling big ones. Our children and grandchildren deserve our attention to our environment.”

“Norfolk is a city of beauty as well as of study,” she says. “Master Gardeners will find it exciting to tour our city of water and to examine our flooding and erosion issues.”

Local Attractions In between College’s packed schedule of keynote speakers and concurrent sessions, Master Gardeners can also plan to get out and explore downtown Norfolk from our convenient location at The Main.

Our location in Norfolk offers easy access to the waterfront.

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Melhuish recommends College attendees check out independent bookseller, Prince Books, located right across the street from The Main for a wonderful browsing opportunity.

“Town Point Park is also a one block walk to the waterfront; lovely marina to stroll around and admire other people’s expensive toys.

The park itself is a nice green space to walk along the waterfront as part of the Elizabeth River Trail,” she says. “The very impressive Slover Library is practically next door – Chris Epes and a team of our EMGs are working with Slover staff on a Seed Library program to begin later this spring.”

“If you’re looking to get on the water, take a quick walk to Waterside – a venue a block from The Main in the direction of the water,” says Kellam. “There is a small passenger boat that goes back and forth across the Elizabeth River to the City of Portsmouth.

There are larger boats that take you up and down the river to see the shipyards, cruise ship terminal, and the Navy Base. There is a gigantic seasonal Ferris wheel with small airconditioned cabins that will gently glide you to sky high views of the city.”

natural habitat.”

Dining “Norfolk specializes in fresh seafood from the waters of Virginia and every restaurant features its own signature dish,” says Kellam.

“And all those crab cakes that Maryland brags about? They are actually made with crabs that travel up the Chesapeake Bay from Virginia! So always ask for the local fresh catch of the day and enjoy what we in Norfolk take for granted.”

If you are looking for an upscale restaurant, Kellam recommends Todd Jurich’s Bistro, which is within walking distance of The Main. According to Kellam, Todd is a legend for his menus of local cuisine coupled with fine wines.

Visitors to Master Gardener College can also explore Norfolk’s many green spaces.

“We have beautiful parks and garden,” says Kellam. “The Norfolk Botanical Garden features a rose garden, a Colonial garden, a perennial garden, butterfly house, children’s learning garden, and gazebos and walkways throughout hundreds of acres.

The Hermitage, on the Lafayette River, houses an early 1900s home with original artwork and furnishings and the gardens feature evening socials and traveling exhibits such as the popular Burning Man. Our zoo is landscaped seasonally with native and exotic plants that enhance and mimic the animals’

There are many dining options in Norfolk, including Todd Jurich’s Bistro, pictured here. Image Credit: www.visitnorfolk.com

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“Places to eat range from the sublime (any of the three restaurants inside The Main, or nearby Byrd & Baldwin Steakhouse) to Yorgo’s Bageldashery or Schlotzsky’s Deli,” says Melhuish. “There are so many options in every direction!”

Kate Melhuish’s notable restaurants: • Café Stella around the corner offers bistro fare.

• Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub is a block farther, with live music every night.

• Hummingbird Macarons is a fabulous bakery within walking distance of the hotel, AND the owner has just opened a restaurant inside the historic Pagoda at the Oriental Garden, closer to the hotel. (Pagoda? Oriental Garden? Ask a Norfolk Master Gardener to fill you in about that).

• Saffron is a little farther away, still walkable, and has the best Indian food ever, anywhere.

So many choices, whatever your taste or pocketbook.

According to Kellam, there are many restaurants in downtown Norfolk for all tastes and pocketbooks. She recommends that you get a list from the concierge and start walking!

The Venue Master Gardener College 2019 will be held at The Main, a Hilton property in downtown Norfolk.

“The Main, Norfolk’s newest hotel, is an architectural marvel of glass and steel. This high-rise, enhanced with modern artwork and an accommodating staff, was built for guests to enjoy views of Norfolk’s downtown and the busy Elizabeth River,” says Kellam, adding that the Main’s rooftop bar is a great place to kick back with a drink while viewing the water traffic and enjoying the sunset.

To learn more about Master Gardener College and prepare for registration, please visit our website at https://www.mastergardener.ext. vt.edu/college/ ■

Our venue is The Main, a Hilton property in Downtown Norfolk

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Saturday September 21 Will Be Open to the Public By: Devon Johnson Big changes are coming to Master Gardener College this year. In addition to the change of location, we will also be allowing the public to attend College on Saturday, September 21.

for concurrent sessions will be limited to classes designated as appropriate for members of the public and those not already filled by Master Gardeners.

“We’ve always had people ask about bringing spouses or friends to Master Gardener College,” says John Freeborn, Assistant State Master Gardener Coordinator. “By allowing the public to attend for Saturday, September 21, we’re able to offer not only Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) the opportunity to introduce companions to the event, but we’re also able to invite the general public to learn more about our program and gain some valuable education.”

While College registration will open to Master Gardeners on May 15, registration will not open for the general public until July 15, giving Master Gardeners plenty of time to fill classes before the public.

“We’re very excited about this opportunity to welcome members of the public to Master Gardener College,” says Freeborn.

“It’s going to be a great event this year, and having the public there will give us a chance to introduce some new faces to the Extension Master Gardener program and maybe recruit some new EMGs!” Members of the public will attend keynote speaker talks and concurrent sessions along with Master Gardeners. Public registration

Master Gardeners enjoy a speaker session during 2017 Master Gardener College in Blacksburg, VA. “Opening one day of College to members of the public will also allow us another revenue stream to support Master Gardener College, which costs a lot more to hold off the Virginia Tech Campus and which we run as a breakeven event,” adds Freeborn.

One day registration for members of the public will cost $150 (one-day registration for Master Gardeners will cost $125). Public registration is anticipated to run from July 15 to August 30, 2019. ■

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Update

Conference Costs Holding College off the Virginia Tech Campus means a small registration price increase Why has registration increased?

How much has registration increased?

Due to the change in location, this year’s Master Gardener College features a slightly higher registration cost than previous years.

As a result of these changes, conference registration has increased to $250 from $185 for early registration.

Holding Master Gardener College on the Virginia Tech campus allows us to keep registration costs low.

This increased cost reflects the higher cost of holding this year’s conference, including a more expensive location, higher break refreshment costs, and other fees.

It is more expensive to pay for conference space at a hotel & conference venue than for the Virginia Tech classrooms we’re used to using on campus.

College is run as a break-even event with any surplus money put back into future year’s college events.

Registration Type

Cost

Public One Day Registration Saturday, Sept. 21

$150

EMG One Day Registration Sept. 20 or Sept. 21

$125

Two Day Registration Any two days, Sept. 19-22

$175

EARLY Full Registration (before July 15) Sept. 19-22

$250

Full Registration (July 15 to August 30) Sept. 19-22

$275

Water Steward Registration Sept. 18-22

+ $100

For more cost information, including milestone discounts, please see page 29.

For information on anticipated registration opening dates, please see page 27.

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Keynote Speaker Highlight CARL HERSHNER Carl Hershner is the Director of the Center for Coastal Resources Management at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and a professor in the School of Marine Science at the College of William and Mary. For many years he has been a science advisor for Virginia’s legislature, state agencies, and local governments on a wide variety of coastal management issues including wetland and shoreline management, climate change, water quality, and storm water management. He also serves on the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee, as well as the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuarine Partnership Leadership Council.

JOHN GOOLSBY John Goolsby is a Senior Research Entomologist with the United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). He specializes in biological control and integrated pest management methods (IPM) of weeds and pests. His current research includes biological control of invasive giant reed, Arundo donax. Dr. Goolsby has evaluated the released two biological control agents for A. donax, which are now established in Texas on the Rio Grande. He has also developed IPM methods for potato psyllid to minimize the impact of zebra chip disease in potatoes. He was previously director of the USDA-ARS, Austrailian Biological Control Laboratory in Brisbane, Australia.

Image: USDA via Flickr. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

HOLLY SCOGGINS Dr. Holly Scoggins teaches courses in ornamental plant production, herbaceous landscape plants, greenhouse management, and public gardens maintenance and management. Her research and Extension interests include improving greenhouse and nursery production systems for herbaceous perennials with an emphasis on propagation, nutrition and rhizosphere management. Her latest efforts have been focused on field production of hops. Awards include 2008 Academic of the Year (Perennial Plant Association), and 2012 Professional of the Year (Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association).

FRANK REILLY Frank Reilly is an environmental scientist who specializes in land use issues and aquatic resources. He has been a Master Gardener in Virginia for 20 years, but he has been a scientist for more than …… that’s all you need to know. He is the author of several book chapters dealing with environmental considerations associated with climate change, the Advanced Master Gardener Land Care program, and a popular book “Smart Yard Care.” Frank has spoken at three International Master Gardener Meetings and around the country about water issues, good gardening practices and now climate change’s impacts on both large land holders and back yards.

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BRYCE LANE Bryce Lane discovered his passion for plants, and telling others about them working at a small Massachusetts garden center through high school and college.

After earning his BS and MS in Horticulture, he came to the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University as an Instructor and Undergraduate Coordinator. He spent 34 years teaching and advising over 20,000 students. Bryce retired in 2014, but still teaches part-time in the department. For 11 seasons he hosted and produced a three-time, Emmy winning, UNC TV public television show called “In the Garden With Bryce Lane.”

He now spends his time giving horticulture talks, doing leadership, and communication training, teaching part-time at NC State, and at the JC Raulston Arboretum. He has worked closely for years with North Carolina Extension and the NC Nursery and Landscape Association. An avid gardener, Bryce has gardened on the same one quarter acre plot for 36 years. He and his wife of 42 years also spend plenty of time with their 6 grandchildren!

BECKY HEATH Becky Heath is co-owner and President of Heath Enterprises, Ltd., the home of ‘Brent and Becky’s Bulbs’, a wholesale/retail mail order flower bulb business located in Gloucester, Virginia. Becky’s training and college degrees are in music and teaching but for the last 40 years, she has utilized her training as a teacher to help develop their company’s web site, write their catalogues as well as articles for magazines and co-authoring their award winning books, Daffodils for North American Gardens and Tulips for North American Gardens.

Becky and Brent are the recipients of the 2001 Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Gold Medal of Honor, the 2001 Gold Medal for Individual Commercial Excellence from the American Horticultural Society and the honor of being inducted into the Garden Writer’s Hall of Fame in August 2002. They were inducted as ‘Lifetime members’ in the Garden Club of America and won the highest honor presented by the Perennial Plant Association. Becky is the current President of GardenComm: Garden Communicators International.

MIKE RAUPP A Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Maryland, Mike is a Fellow of the Entomological Society of America. His extension programs provide training on the theory and practice of sustainable pest management to green industry professionals and the general public. His research programs focus on global change issues including invasive species and urbanization. He has authored more than 250 scientific and lay publications and delivered more than 1300 presentations. A regular guest on NPR, Mike has appeared on all major television networks in this country and several abroad with luminaries such as Jay Leno and Dr. Oz and has been featured on National Geographic, Science Channel, Lehrer News Hour, BBC, and PBS. His “Bug of the Week” website, www. bugoftheweek.com and YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/BugOfTheWeek reaches several thousand viewers weekly in more than 180 countries.

He has received a dozen regional or national awards for excellence in extension programming and media communications. His most recent book “26 Things that Bug Me” introduces youngsters to the wonders of insects and natural history while “Managing Insect and Mites on Woody Landscape Plants” is a standard for the arboricultural industry.

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Schedule At-A-Glance WEDNESDAY SEPT. 18 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Water Steward Training

THURSDAY SEPT. 19

SATURDAY SEPT. 21 8:30 am - 9:30 am

VMGA Endowment Recognition

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Keynote - Holly Scoggins

10:00 am - 10:30 am

Break

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Water Steward Training

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Concurrent Session 1

9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Optional day of tours and workshops

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Break for Lunch

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Milestone Banquet with Keynote Becky Heath

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Concurrent Session 2

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Break

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Keynote - Carl Hershner

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Evening Events

FRIDAY SEPT. 20 8:30 am - 9:00 am

Welcome

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Keynote - Mike Raupp

10:00 am - 10:30 am

Break

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Concurrent Session 1

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Break for Lunch

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Concurrent Session 2

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Break

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Keynote - Frank Reilly

SUNDAY SEPT. 22 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Keynote - John Goolsby

10:00 am - 10:30 am

Break

10:30 am - 11:30 pm

Keynote - Bryce Lane

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Picnic at Hampton Roads AREC

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Water Steward Training About Water Steward Training Advanced Master Gardener Water Stewards receive the benefit of a high level of training which is both technical and programmatic in nature. The advanced technical training provides in-depth water quality, conservation and management knowledge. The programmatic training enables the Advanced Master Gardeners to truly extend the reach of Extension because it is meant to prepare the EMG to research community water needs, then to design, implement and evaluate a program meant to meet those needs.

The Advanced Master Gardener identifies resources for the program, recruits and organizes volunteers to assist, administers the program activities, and reports impacts to the agent. 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. *Additional Water Steward training fee: $100

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 express permission of their local Agent and/or Unit Coordinator.

• Must pay an additional fee for the additional instruction, and the handbook.



Topics Covered • Required Thursday tour: ISEA / SEP Program from Northern Neck • Laws & regulations • Runoff, watersheds, and pollution • Nutrient management • Residential water systems • Emergency management • Local Norfolk EMG Water Steward projects (an exciting opportunity to see some real projects in action!)

Denotes Water Steward class in the schedule. Water Stewards must choose one of these classes during each concurrent session to complete their required classes.

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Preliminary

Conference Schedule Wednesday September 18 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Water Steward Training

Thursday September 19 Pre-College Tours and Workshops 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

KEYNOTE 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Get to know Norfolk, Virginia with an optional day of tours and workshops that will take you around the Norfolk area. See below for options. Please note that there may be additional fees for certain tours and workshops.

BANQUET & KEYNOTE Master Gardener’s Influence in the Future of Home Gardening Becky Heath Join us for a dinner banquet followed by keynote speaker Becky Heath of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, also president of GardenComm, who will discuss the important role that the EMG program will have in the future. Banquet includes dinner. Open to all College full registrants.

Pre-College Tours and Workshops MORNING TOURS & WORKSHOPS (Approximately 9:00 am - 12:00 pm) WORKSHOP: Plant Identification Mike Andruczyk

Following the popularity of plant ID programming at last year’s Master Gardener College, join Mike Andruczyk for a hands-on workshop focused on learning to identify plants. *Additional transportation fee: $15

WORKSHOP: School Gardening Andrea Davis

Andrea Davis, ANR - Horticulture Extension Agent in the city of Virginia Beach, leads this workshop all about working with schools to establish and maintain gardens that serve and educate students.

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Thursday September 19 TOUR: EMG Learning Gardens / Projects Megan Tierney

Megan Tierney, York County ANR Agent, will lead a tour of local Extension Master Gardener gardens and projects. More details to come. *Additional transportation fee: $15

TOUR: Paradise Creek Nature Park, from Mudflats to Natural Beauty Yolima Carr

Come visit this 40 acre park offering, woodlands, brackish wetlands, buffer, meadows, edibles fruit trees, rain garden and a brand new green building, which serves as our office with space for programming. There will be a tour of the park, including a discussion on how the wetlands were restored, and cover multiple concepts around environmental education, reclamation of the land, and the importance of native vegetation. Time: 2 to 3 hours. *Additional transportation fee: $15

Flowers coming into bloom at the Poquoson Learning Garden, a project of the York/ Poquoson Master Gardeners.

TOUR: Norfolk Botanical Gardens Jessica Hintz

Visit Virginia’s largest botanical garden! Norfolk Botanical Garden includes 175-acres, with more than 60 themed gardens that can be viewed by tram, boat or by foot. Themed gardens include the Bristow Butterfly Garden, the Sarah Lee Baker Perennial Garden, the Virginia Native Plant Garden and the Bicentennial Rose Garden. *Additional fee: $40, includes transportation and admission. Optional lunch: $12.50

AFTERNOON TOURS & WORKSHOPS (Approximately 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm) WORKSHOP: Bulbs / Planting Workshop Brent Heath

Learn all about bulb planting from Brent Heath of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, a wholesale/retail mail order flower bulb business located in Gloucester, Virginia! *Additional fee TBD

TOUR: Chesapeake Parks and Rec Mike Andruczyk

Mike Andruczyk leads a tour of local Chesapeake area parks and recreation opportunities. More details to come. *Additional transportation fee TBD

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Learn how to plant bulbs with Brent Heath of Brent & Becky’s Bulbs

Thursday September 19 Continued TOUR: Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin

Take a short trip from The Main to visit the Nauticus, a maritime-themed science center and museum, and tour the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy! *Additional fee: $12, includes admission

TOUR: The Brock Environmental Center (CBF)

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) built the Brock Environmental Center to engage, inform, and inspire generations about the environment and how we can all help Save the Bay. The Center, located at Take a short trip to visit the Nauticus and the Pleasure House Point in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is Battleship Wisconsin. an innovative example of environmentally sensitive and smart building—among the first in the nation to embrace energy and water independence—and advances CBF’s efforts to defend one of the nation’s most valuable and threatened natural resources, the Chesapeake Bay. *Additional transportation fee: $15

TOUR: Hermitage Museum and Gardens

This guided walking tour of The Hermitage’s gardens and grounds will introduce you to garden history and the many varieties of plants that have a home at the Hermitage. The Sloane family designed the 12 acre estate in the early 1920s and it has remained a unique landscape for wildlife, nature, and semi-formal gardens. *Additional fee: $25, includes admission and transportation. Limit: 25 people.

WORKSHOP: Master Gardener Fair Judging School: You become the Judge!

Jeannie Layton-Dudding and Wendy Silverman

In this 4-hour (1:30-5:30 pm) workshop, you will learn how to judge vegetables, cut flowers, potted plants and can goods.

You will learn how to give constructive feedback on the fair exhibits, determine which exhibits deserve ribbons, and ways to increase fair exhibit participation. At the conclusion of this workshop, you will earn the title of Certified Fair Judge.

Additional fee: $25

ALL DAY TOURS & WORKSHOPS

Become a Certified Fair Judge in our “Fair Judging School” workshop.

TOUR: Private Gardens of Hampton Roads

On this day-long tour of local gardens you’ll visit a variety of private landscapes and learn more about the unique climate, challenges, and opportunities faced by gardeners in Hampton Roads.. *Additional transportation fee: $15

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Friday September 20 8:30 am - 9:00 am

WELCOME KEYNOTE

What a Warming World Means for Plants, Pests, and Their Natural Enemies Mike Raupp KEYNOTE 9:00 am - 10:00 am

We will review evidence for climate change, mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, and what it means for changing weather patterns around the globe.

We will see how warmer temperatures alter the ecology of biomes and affect ranges of pests, seasonal phenology of insects and mites, and interactions among plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies. Special emphasis will be placed on invasive species and urban heat islands.

10:00 am - 10:30 am

BREAK CONCURRENT SESSION 1

 Salt! It’s what’s for dinner Frank Reilly

Where we live in Virginia, measured sea level rise is more than twice the global average rise. In addition, the land here is sinking AND there is a major geological anomaly from a long-past meteor strike at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Salt water is coming. It has already rendered many acres of farm land on the Eastern Shore too salty for the historic crops. What could it mean to you if you live near here? You might be surprised to know what it could mean to you EVEN IF YOU DON’T live near here.  Improper Timing: Establishing Turfgrasses During a Less Than Optimal

Season!

CONCURRENT SESSION 1 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Adam Nichols In this talk, Adam Nichols will cover establishing tall fescue in the spring, dormant seeding of bermudagrass /zoysiagrass in February-April, and dormant sprigging of bermudagrass, and low-maintenance buffalograss establishment.

The World of Spiders: Spiders in Virginia Jim Revell

The fascinating world of spiders may not be as frightening as Hollywood and myths make them out to be. Are most of them “good guys” or “bad guys?” How many are in Virginia? How easy is it (or not) to identify spider species? Come learn about these “creepy-crawlers” and which ones you’re likely to encounter in your home or garden.

What’s in a Name?

Michelli Booker

Have these and a few other questions about plant labels answered in this fun, easy-tofollow and very informative session. Quiz yourself on how much knowledge you’ve gathered in your years of gardening as we take a plant nerd’s look at the meanings behind some of the monikers our plants wear. Beginners to advanced gardeners.

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Friday September 20 Continued  We All Know That Virginia ‘Is For Lovers’...But For Hotter and Wetter Lovers?

Bud Ward Do you like the number of above-90-degree days you’ve gotten used to in Virginia?

And how about those times as a youth when you regularly enjoyed ice-skating, sledding and (in your darkest moments maybe) even occasionally driving the family car across one of those iced-over country ponds or lakes? What do the world’s leading scientists and science societies say about those kinds of first-hand memories for our... children, great grandchildren? And what about our own “rocking chair days”?

Putting “Community” in Community Gardens Chris Epes

Community gardening is quickly becoming a popular activity in neighborhoods across the country. While there is no shortage of locally available horticultural information to help guide the gardening side of these endeavors, often overlooked is the importance of community buy-in, without which no community project of any kind will thrive. In this session we will discuss strategies for sustainably building community goodwill and a collaboration for such projects.  Virginia Soils Speaker TBD High quality soils have a healthy and diverse biological food web. Excess application of pesticides and fungicides can adversely alter the microbial and invertebrate community. Building healthy, productive soil requires an integrated pest management system and feeding the microorganisms through organic matter additions, reduced tillage, and cover cropping. In this talk, learn about healthy soils across Virginia’s diverse soil types.

What’s Bugging You? Pete Schultz

Join Dr. Pete Schultz, Professor of Entomology at Hampton Roads AREC, for a discussion of current research on novel management of ambrosia beetles in landscape settings and the challenges facing the crapemyrtle with the invading crapemyrtle bark scale! He will also cover additional insect pests, including non-chemical pest management alternatives.  Weed Identification in the Lawn and Landscape Shawn Askew This presentation will be “hands on” while walking through the landscape. Weeds will be selected and key identification characteristics, control remedies, and interesting trivia will be discussed. This presentation should cover the majority of troublesome weeds in Virginia lawns and many of the most common weeds found in ornamental beds depending on site conditions.

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

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Friday September 20 Continued CONCURRENT SESSION 2

 Teamwork for Healthy River and Creeks – 5 Year Olds to Octogenarians

and Beyond!

Elizabeth Taraski Dr. Elizabeth Taraski of the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance (NRPA) will discuss Suffolk’s waterways as a case study that demonstrates the effectiveness and benefits of teamwork for clean water. She will also cover the concept of a “living shoreline” and riparian buffers, as well as how to work with governments and other volunteer organizations.

Primitive Uses of Wild Plants Shawn Askew

Discusses a brief anthropological timeline of human plant interaction followed by a list and discussion of common plants used for food, fiber, poison, and psychoactivity.

Plant identification and useful properties are explored predominately with images in PowerPoint but also with physical samples.

True Confessions of a Narcissus Lover CONCURRENT SESSION 2 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Michelli Booker

Daffodil? Jonquil? Narcissus? Which is it...? How can you tell? This session isn’t necessarily everything you wanted to know and were afraid to ask...but close to it!

We’ll look joyously at that quintessential burst of spring and the many categories of this bounteous beauty which both dances with and warms poet’s hearts.

Ecology, Gardening, and the Flora of Virginia Mobile App Bland Crowder

From labels and seed packets, we usually know the physical requirements of our garden plants, but when we buy a native, chances are, we learn little more than its name. Enter the Flora App, which can help us pick species native to our area that are best suited to our site’s ecological characteristics. In this session, we’ll take a tour of the App, use it to I.D. plants graphically, and ask it to pick some natives that will give us what we want to see, when we want to see it. Do you have a corner or a bed earmarked for natives? Jot down some notes about the spot and what you have in mind, and maybe we’ll use it as our test case! You won’t need the App in the session, but it will help if you have used it.  Flooding Concerns? High Utility Costs? Feeling Gloomy? Plant a Tree!

Molly O’Liddy Urban & Community Forestry focuses on how communities can best use trees to enhance their grey & green infrastructure. Hear about the new and different ways trees are being used to combat the latest environmental concerns.

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Friday September 20 Continued  The Kitchen Sink: Everything Turfgrass!

Adam Nichols

Adam Nichols, Turf Research Manager at Hampton Roads AREC, discusses the environmental benefits of turfgrass, proper nutrient management, troubleshooting turfgrass problems, and selecting the proper turf for particular areas.

Using Solitary Bee Nesting Boxes to Monitor and Grow Your Local Bee Population CONCURRENT SESSION 2 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Tim McCoy

The solitary cavity-nesting bees are a group of valuable pollinators, which we can help through relatively easy measures like installing nesting boxes. These nests can also serve as monitors to determine which bees you have in your area. This 90-minute session will be a presentation on the fascinating cavity-nesting bees in Virginia, the pros and cons of various nesting boxes, and the preliminary results from a monitoring project conducted by the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners.  Phytoremediation Laurie Fox

Using plants to clean up the environment is critical now more than ever. Take a look at the processes, practices, and the plants that make it happen with Dr. Laurie Fox of Hampton Roads AREC. 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

BREAK KEYNOTE

Extreme Gardening: What Changes in Climate Mean to Your Garden and your World and What You Can Do About It KEYNOTE 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Frank Reilly

Most folks disconnect about climate change and their lives. “What can a few degrees difference mean to ME at MY house?” In fact, plenty from severe weather, drought, flood, and new pests through salt water intrusion, and interruption of your supplies like food, water, and fuel. You can do something to adapt to these changes and even to mitigate the changes.

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Saturday September 21 8:30 am - 9:00 am

VMGA Endowment Recognition KEYNOTE

How to be a Smart Plant Shopper Holly Scoggins KEYNOTE 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Join Dr. Holly Scoggins for a deep dive into the ornamental plant supply chain and finish with tips on finding the best plants! Dr. Scoggins teaches courses in ornamental plant production, herbaceous landscape plants, greenhouse management, and public gardens maintenance and management. Her research and Extension interests include improving greenhouse and nursery production systems for herbaceous perennials with an emphasis on propagation, nutrition and rhizosphere management.

10:00 am - 10:30 am

BREAK CONCURRENT SESSION 3

Birds in Your Virginia Landscape Robyn Puffenbarger

Join Dr. Robyn A. Puffenbarger, for an introduction to Virginia birdwatching! Robyn will introduce a number of species you can expect to see in a Virginia landscape and cover topics including population variation based on calendar year and ways to make avian visitors safe and welcome in your space. Robyn’s own yard is a very ‘birdy’ place with an average of 74 bird species a year seen in or nearby since 2003.

Plants I Haven’t Killed (Yet) … and Potential New Victims Sandra McDougle

CONCURRENT SESSION 3 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Sandy has been growing and trialing perennial plants in her personal garden for many years & has come to appreciate a number of plants that handle abuse and neglect as well as TLC & look good without a lot of attention. Always looking for new candidates (to replace her dead victims), she continues planting new varieties and has identified a number of plants that have the potential to thrive despite her best efforts.

How Bugs Make the World Go Around and What You Can Do to Help Them Mike Raupp

Millions of years ago plants struck a deal with insects, enlisting them to help in the vital enterprise of pollination. We will explore the intimate relationships pollinators have with plants and the myriad of ecological services pollinators provide in our gardens. We will also explore their double lives as natural enemies of pests. Learn what threatens native pollinators and discover how you can invite pollinators into your landscape and help them become perennial residents.

Herbal Basics- How to Grow, Harvest and Dry your Herbs Cynthia Wyskiewicz

You can grow herbs successfully in Virginia. Basic Herb culture, ways to harvest and the best methods to preserve your harvest will be included. The types and uses of common culinary herbs will be discussed. Touching and smelling the herbs is encouraged in this lecture.

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Saturday September 21 Continued Your Landscape as Habitat: Saving Natives Species Laura Beaty

“Species” includes plants, insects, birds, etc. This talk will focus on reclaiming personal space in the garden and the need to avoid buying and introducing invasive species. Ms. Beaty has been involved in natural resource preservation and restoration activities in Fairfax County for over thirty years and has developed a reputation as a local expert on the importance of using native plants to restore wildlife habitats.  One TMDL, a Bunch of WIPs, and a Slew of BMPs: The Challenge of

Trying to Learn While Doing Carl Hershner

Efforts to achieve water quality standards for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries involve setting goals for pollutant reduction – the total maximum daily load (TMDL), developing plans for actions on the landscape to achieve those reductions – the watershed implementation plans (WIPs), and implementing the plans by using lots of different best management practices (BMPs). This session will provide a brief overview of how the plans are developed, what seems to be working, and where coming challenges are appearing.  A Dose of Reality: What Gardeners Should Know About Pesticides and

Pollinators CONCURRENT SESSION 3 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Tim McCoy

“Pesticides are killing all the bees!” is a common rallying cry, but what are the underlying data to support this type of statement? This presentation will be a comprehensive review of what the current scientific literature states regarding the effects of pesticides on bees. This 90-minute session will be both informative and interactive as we discuss how best to assess claims regarding this highly charged issue.  Beneficial Covers for Gardens and Landscapes or a Greener Concept For

Soil Health

Mike Parrish

Join Mike Parrish, VCE Agent for Agriculture and Natural resources Agent from Dinwidde County as he discusses cover crop options for your garden and how cover crops provide multiple benefits your garden, both during the growing season and while it is dormant. Mike has been with Extension since 1993, and has both his BS in Horticulture and MS in Extension Education from Virginia Tech.

Gardening with Moss Pat Reilly

Have you heard these? “Moss kills turfgrass.” “Make a moss milkshake in a blender to get moss to grow.” “You have to use an herbicide to get rid of moss.” “The Rolling Stones gather moss.” Roll yourself into this class for busting these myths and more.

Learn why moss thrives so you can encourage it – or what to do to get rid of it! This is an R-rated course – moss sex will be discussed…along with the tamer topics of taxonomy, types of mosses and the options for dealing with moss.

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Saturday September 21 Continued 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

BREAK FOR LUNCH CONCURRENT SESSION 4

I Love You Dear, But Not You Deer! : Creating a Deer ‘Proof’ Garden” Bryce Lane

Master Gardener volunteers receive countless inquiries about managing deer in the garden… not to mention the beloved squirrel, rabbit, vole, mole, groundhog, and raccoon! This talk focuses on management practices that help gardeners reduce the negative impact these animals have on our gardens, and on our peace of mind.

Challenges of An Older Garden for an Older Gardener George Graine and Peggy Fox

Age is just a number. Change a lifetime of gardening habits and learn the new KISS principle - Keep It Small and Simple and how to incorporate some principles of the Japanese Wabi-Sabi approach to gardening. The beauty of imperfection will teach you how to have a green thumb without an aching back!  The Science of Biological Control John Goolsby CONCURRENT SESSION 4 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

In this talk, Dr. Goolsby will explain methods for determining the host range of a weed biological control agent. He will use the Arundo donax, giant reed biological control program as an example. In this program, more than 44, plants were tested which included, close relatives of A. donax, keystone species in the same habitat, endangered grass species, and economic grass crops. In this program, three highly specific biological control agents were released on the Rio Grande. Ten years postrelease, the agents have not caused any non-target effects and their action has resulted in significant reduction in above ground biomass of A. donax, which has allowed for regrowth of native riparian vegetation.

Creating an Herbal First Aid Kit Cynthia Wyskiewicz

Plants that we grow in our gardens everyday can help relieve headaches, stomach pains and even hot flashes! Learn about some of the common herbs that we can grow in Virginia and their uses for common ailments. How to use these herbs to make natural insect repellents, tinctures, infused oils and salves will be discussed.  Alternatives to Pesticides Michael Andruczyk Michael Andruczyk is the Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources Horticulture for the City of Chesapeake. In this talk he discusses alternatives to gardening with pesticides.

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Saturday September 21 Continued 7 Steps to a Successful Vegetable Garden Jim Revell

Whether you’re just starting out, or a seasoned gardener, there are seven steps that can help assure your garden is a success! Through 25 years of training and “trial and error” experience – with the past 17+ years dedicated to organic gardening – Jim shares key tips he has learned that can make your gardening a rewarding experience (the proof is in the produce!).

CONCURRENT SESSION 4 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

 Are We SOL With SLF (Spotted Laternfly)?

Mark Sutphin Are we SOL with SLF (Spotted Laternfly)? Join Mark Sutphin as he discuss Spotted Lanternfly and several other emerging insect pests-- Current status updates on Spotted Lanternfly and Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale will be covered, along with control measures and management programs. (And, Mark will also cover what SOL means during this session for those who don’t know...and it’s not Standard of Learning).

Garden Extroverts!

Holly Scoggins

Dr. Holly Scoggins will offer suggestions to energize your garden or patio containers with fun and unusual annuals, perennials, and grasses.

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

BREAK KEYNOTE

Climate Change and NNBFs: Enlisting Nature to Deal with Nature Carl Hershner

KEYNOTE 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

EVENING EVENTS 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm+

Researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and elsewhere are looking into ways coastal communities can adapt to our changing climate. Rising sea levels, increasing precipitation, and more intense storms are all challenges for residents and businesses throughout the coastal plain. Some of the more interesting research is focused on natural and nature-based features (NNBFs) and how they can be managed or created to provide benefits in a changing landscape. A brief overview of the latest research will explain how scientists are currently thinking about marshes, living shorelines, coastal forests, flooding farm fields, and the roles they play in our efforts to deal with flooding, water quality improvement, habitat loss, and greenhouse gases.

VMGA Night Join the Virginia Master Gardener Associaiton (VMGA) for an annual meeting and reception. Learn more about this opportunity to have an impact on the Extension Master Gardener program by joining VMGA. Meeting open to all Master Gardeners.

Reception to follow.

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Sunday September 22 KEYNOTE

Biological Control of Arundo donax, an Invasive Weed of the Rio Grande Basin John Goolsby

KEYNOTE 9:00 am - 10:00 am

10:00 am - 10:30 am

Arundo donax , also know as giant reed or carrize cane is an invasive weed of the Rio Grande Basin, infesting hundreds of thousands of acres of riverine habitat.

It waas originally imported by Spanish colonists to use for roof thatching, but escaped cultivation and causes a multitude of societal impacts including, water loss, displacement of critical native vegetation, facilitation cattle fever tick invasion, and reduced access and visibility of the international border for law enforcement, including the U.S. Border Patrol. USDA-ARS, Customs and Border Protection and binational cooperators in Mexico developed and implemented a biological control program using specialist insects from the native range of A. donax in Spain. The program has been successful in reducing above ground biomass of A. donax over a vast area of the Rio Grande Basin which has resulted in water savings, regrowth of native plants, mitigation of tick habitat and increased visibility of the international border. This program is an example of a successful Federal interagency and binational research effort.

BREAK KEYNOTE

Separated at Birth: How Genetics, Environment, and Culture Affect Plant Growth KEYNOTE 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Bryce Lane

There are a number of variables that contribute to successful plant growth… and sometimes, no matter how hard we try, plants just don’t grow the way they are suppose to (“why doesn’t it look like it does on the tag?!”) In this keynote presentation, we will discuss how a plant’s genetic makeup (genome) interacts with the environment (sun, soil etc.), and with our cultural practices (watering, fertilizing etc.), resulting in either success or failure in the garden.

PICNIC

Picnic + Tour at the Hampton Roads AREC

PICNIC 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm Join us for a concluding picnic and a chance to tour the Hampton Roads AREC. *Transportation not provided, parking available.

ADDRESS: 1444 Diamond Springs Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

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Conference Information Registration Get registration information from your local Agent or Unit Coordinator and watch for announcements via the VMS. Full registration is open to certified EMGs. 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.

Anticipated registration opening date: Anticipated rate increase: Anticipated public registration opening date: The Main room block closes (book here): Anticipated registration closing date:

May 13, 2019 July 15, 2019 July 15, 2019 August 18, 2019

August 30, 2019

VMGA Scholarships VMGA seeks to award scholarships to those Extension 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 EMG College 2019 are eligible for these scholarships if they have never been awarded one.

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

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.

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Venue & Parking Where is The Main?

Parking

The Main is located in downtown Norfolk within walking distance of the waterfront, dining options, and many local attractions.

Attendees may park at The Main for a rate of $20/day or they may park in a nearby parking garage.

The Main’s address is:

For a complete list of nearby parking garages, click here.

Hilton Norfolk The Main 100 E Main St

Public Transportation

Norfolk, VA 23510

Attendees also have the option of commuting to the conference site via public transportation.

Accommodations at The Main College attendees have the convenient option of staying in our conference venue-The Main, a Hilton property.

The Tide - The Tide is Norfolk’s light rail system. The MacArthur Square Station is located just a few blocks from The Main.

Learn more about The Tide Bus service - Bus service is also available throughout Norfolk.

Bus Routes to MacArthur Square are 6, 8, 45, and 960.

Learn more about bus service

Above: A guest room at The Main Mention the “Master Gardener College” event when booking (group code “VGC”) or book online. Conference rate is $159/night.

Click here to book online

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Breakdown of Costs Registration Type

Cost

Public One Day Registration Saturday, Sept. 21

$150

EMG One Day Registration Sept. 20 or Sept. 21

$125

Two Day Registration Any two days, Sept. 19-22

$175

EARLY Full Registration (before July 15) Sept. 19-22 Full Registration (July 15 to August 30) Sept. 19-22

$250 $275

Water Steward Registration Sept. 18-22

+ $100

Milestone Discount

Full Registration Cost

500 Hour

$225

1,000 Hour

$200

2,000 Hour

$175

10,000+ Hour

$0

3,000+ Hour

$150

*Milestone discounts are available to EMGs who have reached the indicated milestone in the last year. For College 2019, milestone discounts are based on milestones reached in 2018. Milestones reached in 2017 which were not used for registration at 2018 College may be accepted in special circumstances. The milestone discount may only be used once (for example, you may not use a milestone reached in 2017 to receive a discount at 2018 and 2019 College). Milestones reached in 2016 and earlier will not count for discounted registration for 2019 College.

Room and Board Accommodations can be booked through Hilton Norfolk The Main. Mention the “Master Gardener College” event when booking (group code “VGC”) or book online. Conference rate is $159/night. Dinner on Thursday September 19 is included with registration; all other meals are on your own.

Parking Parking at The Main cost is $20/day. For a complete list of nearby parking garages, click here.

Public transportation: The Tide (light rail) or bus service.

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Thank you to Our Sponsors Underwriter Sponsors

Speaker Sponsor

Program Sponsors

The Jamestown Yorktown Foundation Program Supporter

*Sponsors as of April 4, 2019 30 | In Season | College 2019

Thank you to Our Sponsors Association Sponsors

Program Sponsors

Program Supporters

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