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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T111400
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T121500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T225004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T133152Z
UID:885-1756379640-1756383300@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout I1: The Power of Earthworms [Samuel Baker]
DESCRIPTION:Sam Baker\, an environmental researcher and entrepreneur\, will present his findings on leveraging earthworms and microbial systems to address pressing challenges in soil health and waste management. Drawing on years of applied research and laboratory experimentation\, this presentation highlights the critical role of earthworms in soil restoration and the development of sustainable agricultural practices. \nSam will detail the scientific processes behind WriggleBrew\, a liquid fertilizer derived from worm castings. The product was developed to overcome key issues such as microbial stability\, pathogen control\, and consistency in nutrient delivery. Additionally\, Sam will discuss its efficacy as a natural pesticide\, driven by preserved plant hormones in worm-derived materials. \nThe presentation will also explore groundbreaking research into the biodegradation of plastics using “superworms” and their gut microbes. Sam’s team has isolated and optimized these microbes in controlled bioreactors\, enabling the transformation of plastics into biodegradable compounds that can be converted into soil. Experimental results demonstrate that plants grown in this soil perform comparably—if not better—than those grown in conventional mediums. \nThis research offers scalable\, nature-based solutions to the dual crises of soil degradation and plastic pollution. Attendees will gain insights into the interdisciplinary methods used\, spanning microbiology\, materials science\, and agricultural engineering\, and learn how these innovations contribute to sustainable environmental practices. \nSam Baker is the CEO of WriggleBrew\, a startup in Central Florida dedicated to sustainable agricultural solutions. With an academic background in economics and chemistry\, and research experience across multiple scientific disciplines\, Sam has spearheaded WriggleBrew’s growth\, including the launch of its flagship organic plant growth accelerator. A lifelong innovator\, he has earned honors like the Cade Prize from the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Florida\, and recognition as an Inno Under 25 honoree by the Orlando Business Journal. Author of The Earthworm Almanac\, a pre-publication book on the science and agricultural uses of earthworms\, Sam is also an Eagle Scout\, SCUBA diver\, and environmental advocate. Sam continues to drive WriggleBrew’s mission to improve agriculture and protect ecosystems.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-j1-the-power-of-earthworms-samuel-baker/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Baker_Samuel-4x5-2-e1744670993239.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T111400
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T121500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T225151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T133219Z
UID:887-1756379640-1756383300@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout I1: Humongous Fungus: the Huge Role of Beneficial Fungi [Dr. Erfan Vafaie]
DESCRIPTION:Any experienced gardener has had their fair share of battles with plant pathogens\, and it’s reasonable to resort to the toolbox of synthetic fungicides to fight back. However\, there are several types of bacteria and fungi that actually help plants. In this focused presentation\, Erfan will share a bit about bacteria and fungi\, some of the common beneficial types found in the US\, their function\, and what can be done to promote them. \nErfan Vafaie is an entomology and plant pathology enthusiast. He earned his PhD at Texas A&M University\, studying the use of beneficial insects to manage pests of commercially produced poinsettias. He also delivered over 100 trainings and presentations during his time with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Erfan is now employed with BioWorks Inc.\, a leader in manufacturing and supplying horticultural bio-pesticides in North America.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-j1-humongous-fungus-the-huge-role-of-beneficial-fungi-dr-erfan-vafaie/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Vafaie_Erfan-4x5-2-e1744671099586.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T111400
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T121500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T225804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T133337Z
UID:893-1756379640-1756383300@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout I2: Heirloom Gardening with Traditional Plants and Skills for a Changing World [John Forti]
DESCRIPTION:The Heirloom Gardener – Traditional Plants and Skills is John Forti’s newest presentation. It draws from his new book of traditional plants and skills for the modern world. Richly illustrated with period images and contemporary woodcuts\, his PowerPoint shares inspiration from a long history of heirloom preservation\, garden craft and homestead lifeways. Artisanal gardening lifestyles are helping to rebuild vibrant local agricultural economies\, and celebrate sustainable cottage industries that contribute to a new\, homegrown American Arts and Crafts movement and backyard environmentalism. At a time when the world could use a little good news\, this session will provide a refreshing look at how Master Gardeners can make a difference and build habitat in their own backyards and communities. \nJohn Forti is a garden historian and ethnobotanist who has directed gardens for Plimoth Plantation Museum in Massachusetts\, Strawbery Banke Museum in New Hamshire\, Massachusetts Horticultural Society\, and Bedrock Gardens\, also in New Hampshire. He is the author of the best-selling garden book The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World. \nJohn has served as board chair for New England chapters of The Herb Society of America and Slow Food USA. He has won numerous awards for historic garden preservation\, children’s garden design\, educational exhibits and apps; as well as the award for Civic Improvement from The Garden Club of America\, and most recently\, the Award of Excellence from National Garden Clubs. His posts as The Heirloom Gardener – John Forti go out regularly to millions on Facebook.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-j2-heirloom-gardening-with-traditional-plants-and-skills-for-a-changing-world-john-forti/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Forti_John-4x5-2-scaled-e1744671474557.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T111500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T121500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T200315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T133401Z
UID:822-1756379700-1756383300@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout I3: Using AI in Content Creation [Peter Wigren]
DESCRIPTION:This session provides a practical\, step-by-step guide to leveraging artificial intelligence in content creation\, using gardening as a case study. Participants will explore a range of AI tools and techniques\, gaining insight into best practices and potential challenges. The discussion will cover AI’s role throughout the content creation process\, including ideation\, drafting\, revision\, fact-checking\, excerpting\, graphic generation\, publishing\, and marketing. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of how AI can enhance efficiency and creativity in producing high-quality content. \nPeter Wigren is an entrepreneur who’s been involved in content creation for 15 years. With Peter’s background as a technologist and digital marketer\, and with a master’s degree in AI\, his perspective is both deep and broad. For the last 5 years\, Peter has been active in the garden industry\, creating and publishing content to the websites Great Grow Along and Simple Spring.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-a3-using-ai-in-content-creation-peter-wigren/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Wigren_Peter-4x5-1-e1744662187912.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T111500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T121500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T200556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T133420Z
UID:825-1756379700-1756383300@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout I4: Climate Resilient Landscapes for a Changing World [Dr. David Creech]
DESCRIPTION:All climate models point to a warmer world with more violent extremes. Finding\, evaluating and promoting climate resilient plant materials for the urban landscape is now an international concern. With climate stressors and globalization\, there are new disease and insect pressures that must be considered. Many countries are taking a proactive stance to increase forest cover and strengthen urban communities for the stresses of climate challenges yet to come. Common sense horticulture can lead the way. \nDr. Dave Creech\, Professor Emeritus\, has been at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Nacogdoches\, Texas since 1978. He received a BS in Horticulture from Texas A&M University (TAMU) in 1970\, MS in Horticulture from Colorado State University in 1972\, and PhD from TAMU in 1978. After a long career in teaching\, Dr. Creech was named Director of SFA Gardens\, a 128-acre on-campus horticultural resource\, in 2007. His research arena is varied and includes fruit and vegetable research\, ornamentals evaluation\, endangered plants\, and woody tree and shrub studies. \nHe has authored numerous scholarly and trade articles and lectures widely. Since 1981\, Dr. Creech has worked internationally in Pakistan\, Guatemala\, Mexico\, Nepal\, Israel\, New Zealand\, Chile\, and has undertaken over 25 short term consultancies in China working with the Blueberry Improvement Program and Taxodium Improvement Program at the Nanjing Botanical Garden. \nIn 2022\, he received the national award for International Horticulture Contributions by the American Society of Horticultural Science. Dr. Creech has served as president at various times of the Native Plant Society of Texas\, the Southern Region American Society of Horticulture Science\, the Texas Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta\, and the International Plant Propagation Society Southern Region. He signs all his correspondence “Let’s keep planting.” \n 
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-a4-climate-resilient-landscapes-for-a-changing-world-dr-david-creech/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Creech_David-4x5-1-e1744662463369.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T111500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T121500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T200940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T202538Z
UID:830-1756379700-1756383300@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout I5: Using Seasonal Forecast Information to Balance Horticultural Risk [Brian Bledsoe]
DESCRIPTION:In his presentation\, Mr. Bledsoe will show how to properly analyze and use seasonal forecast information to make weather information more actionable for the gardener. This entails looking at ocean temperatures across the globe\, soil moisture patterns locally\, and pairing that data with computer models to make a more accurate forecast. \nBrian Bledsoe is the founder and Chief Meteorologist/Climatologist for Brian Bledsoe Weather. With over 25 years of experience in private weather consulting\, he has been a trusted resource for gardeners\, farmers\, ranchers\, and agricultural businesses. Recently retired from television\, many may recognize Brian from his 28-year career as a broadcast meteorologist. \nBrian’s goal is to help gardeners and growers optimize their success by providing actionable short- and long-term weather forecasts. His strong background in agriculture allows him to understand the unique challenges faced by those who work the land. Serving clients across the Great Plains and throughout the United States\, Brian is frequently featured in media outlets\, speaks at major agricultural and horticultural conferences\, and remains a dedicated advocate for those in the field. \n 
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-a5-using-seasonal-forecast-information-to-balance-horticultural-risk-brian-bledsoe/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bledsoe_Brian-4x5-1-e1744662657418.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T111500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T121500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T201339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T133559Z
UID:833-1756379700-1756383300@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout I6: Establishment and Management of Pollinator Habitat from Seed [Robert Glennon]
DESCRIPTION:Establishment of pollinator habitat from seed involves careful assessment of the area to be seeded\, selection of species adapted to the geographic area and soil on the site to be seeded\, preparation of the area being seeded\, precise seeding\, and control of unwanted vegetation that colonize the habitat after it is seeded. Species selection of native species must be specific to the very local area where the site is located. \nWeed control before seeding is critical and may take several years to achieve depending on the nature and severity of the weed competition. Seedings may be established by drilling the seeds or broadcasting them and packing after seeding. Management of established stands may be accomplished with or without herbicides. Vegetation management with herbicides must be performed with very specific herbicides and application techniques to avoid harming the seeded species. Prescribed burning is a very useful tool to control unwanted vegetation\, but often must be combined with herbicide application to control well-established woody vegetation. \n  \nRobert Glennon has been a private lands biologist in southeast Virginia for 13 years. He assists landowners\, land managers\, and cooperating agency personnel establish and manage habitat for wildlife and pollinators. He is retired from federal service with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)\, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More than half of his federal service was dedicated to collecting and evaluating ecotypes of native plants\, selecting the best-performing ecotypes\, determining the best strategies for growing them for seed or plant production\, establishing them in the field\, and managing them.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-a6-establishment-and-management-of-pollinator-habitat-from-seed-robert-glennon/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Glennon_Bob-4x5-2-e1744661604993.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T161500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T230418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T133621Z
UID:897-1756394100-1756397700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout J1: Bringing Nature to the Roof: Green Roofs for Residential and Small Commercial Spaces [Kerry Ross]
DESCRIPTION:Green roofs\, a building technique originating in central Europe\, are gaining popularity across North America. Local markets are seeing increased adoption in commercial\, institutional\, and residential construction\, bringing this versatile\, nature-based strategy to rooftops.\nThis presentation explores the potential of small-scale green roofs as accessible and impactful tools for urban sustainability. It highlights their benefits\, including improved stormwater management\, enhanced biodiversity\, energy efficiency\, and the joy they bring to owners. Attendees will learn how to design\, install\, and maintain green roofs for residential and small commercial spaces. The session will also cover cost-effective materials\, plant selection\, and tips for overcoming common challenges. \nBy focusing on small-scale applications\, the presentation aims to inspire homeowners\, community groups\, and small businesses to adopt green roofs as a step toward more resilient cities. Kerry will share case studies from nearby and abroad\, highlight opportunities for master gardeners\, and discuss suitable rooftop plants. \nKerry Ross began working on one of the first buildings in Alberta\, Canada to integrate contemporary green roof systems into the building’s design. Bison Courtyard\, the project situated in the town of Banff\, spurred her passion to learn more about green roof technology as an innovative method to lessen the impacts that buildings have on the natural environment. This experience\, along with study and funded field research led her to become one of the first Green Roof Professionals in Canada. In 2010\, she launched Green T Design\, a company dedicated to green roof design\, installations and maintenance. Kerry continues to champion the integration of green roofs where possible.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-k1-bringing-nature-to-the-roof-green-roofs-for-residential-and-small-commercial-spaces-kerry-ross/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ross_Kerry-4x5-2-e1744671844707.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T161500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T231011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T133644Z
UID:899-1756394100-1756397700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout J1: Making the Most of a Short-Season Garden [Stephen Kierstead]
DESCRIPTION:While short-season gardening can be difficult\, many cold-climate gardeners fail to avail themselves of the advantages that they do have. While year-round gardening may be a stretch\, many crops can be grown well beyond the period of frost-free days without spending a lot on artificial heat. \nStephen’s love for gardening began in childhood\, surrounded by his parents’ vibrant vegetable garden. While he didn’t always enjoy the chores assigned to him as a child\, he developed a lifelong passion for growing food. When Stephen married Beverly\, gardening became a shared pursuit. Over their 40 years of marriage\, they’ve never missed a gardening season—even dedicating 10 years to running a small market garden\, Steve & Bev’s Veggies and Bread. \nAlthough Stephen works full-time outside the field of horticulture and has no formal agricultural training\, he approaches gardening with curiosity and enthusiasm. He continually experiments with new methods to extend and maximize the growing season in his zone 3b/4a garden in Atlantic Canada. These successes (and occasional missteps) form the foundation of his YouTube channel\, Short Season Garden\, where he shares practical advice and insights to inspire gardeners in challenging climates.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-k1-making-the-most-of-a-short-season-garden-stephen-kierstead/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Kierstad_Stephen4x5-1-e1744672202463.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T161500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T231152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T133742Z
UID:901-1756394100-1756397700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout J2: Polishing Your Presentation Skills: Tips for Clear and Impactful Speaking [Peggy Hill]
DESCRIPTION:Effective communication is a vital skill for Master Gardeners\, whether you’re leading a workshop\, speaking to a community group\, or sharing gardening tips with fellow enthusiasts. The ability to convey your knowledge clearly and with impact can strengthen your connections and elevate your influence. In this session\, award-winning speaker Peggy Hill will share expert strategies and practical tips to help you communicate more effectively. Learn how to engage your audience\, inspire action\, and deliver your gardening expertise with confidence. You’ll discover how to control your fear\, eliminate filler words\, use powerful gestures\, and even add humor to keep your audience engaged. Peggy will show you how to connect with your listeners in a way that ensures your message is not only heard but truly understood and appreciated. \nPeggy Hill is an award-winning speaker\, writer\, and plant ho. Her speaking credits include being the keynote speaker for Longleaf Botanical Gardens Spring Garden Symposium in 2022\, presenting a session on how to add humor at GardenComm’s annual conference in 2023\, and multiple presentations to Master Gardeners\, Garden clubs\, and Garden shows in Nashville and Chicago. A two-time first-place winner at Toastmasters District 77 (covering Alabama\, and parts of Mississippi\, and Florida)\, she has penned over 100 articles for Alabama Gardener magazine\, where her witty back-page pieces earned her a loyal following.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-k2-polishing-your-presentation-skills-tips-for-clear-and-impactful-speaking-peggy-hill/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hill_Peggy-4x5-2-e1744672304499.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T161500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T231346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T210452Z
UID:903-1756394100-1756397700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout J3: Sustaining Life Beyond Earth: Cultivation of Healthy Crops in Space Exploration [Dr. Betsy Pierson and Jessica Atkin]
DESCRIPTION:This session will explore the role of plants in space exploration\, the challenges of space cultivation\, and techniques for growing crops in low-Earth orbit. Jessica will discuss growing plants on the Moon as a foundation for a sustainable human presence and the unique challenges of the lunar environment. Her research tackles these challenges by transforming hostile lunar regolith into a viable growing medium for crops. Producing crops in these extreme environments supports life in space and provides insights to advance re-generative agriculture and sustainable farming practices on Earth. \nJessica Atkin is a graduate researcher in space biology\, focusing on lunar agriculture. Her Ph.D. studies are funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through the Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) program\, supporting her work addressing the challenges of growing plants in lunar regolith\, the Moon’s dust-like material. During her time with NASA\, she conducted microbiology research and contributed to efforts to send plants to the Moon as part of the Artemis III mission. Her research addresses food production challenges in space\, focusing on bioregenerative solutions that benefit both space exploration and sustainable agriculture on Earth. \nDr. Pierson is a senior professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University. Her areas of research include plant-microbe interactions\, biological control of plant diseases\, root system biology and ecology\, and sustainable agriculture. Currently\, she is working with Jessica on applying principles of plant-microbe interactions on Earth to the cultivation of healthy horticultural crops in space.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-k3-sustaining-life-beyond-earth-cultivation-of-healthy-crops-in-space-exploration-dr-jessica-atkin/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Atkin_Jessica-4x5-2-e1744672417930.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T161500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T231603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250819T210600Z
UID:905-1756394100-1756397700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout J4:Building a Future with Flowers: Lewisville's Journey to Re-Think the American Lawn [Thomas J. Gilmore]
DESCRIPTION:Proudly Sponsored by the Texas Native Plant Society (Gold Sponsor) \n \nThis session will provide a review of how to plan and implement a long term sustainable approach to integrating native plants into a city\, including how to navigate the politics\, inspire public support\, and set in place a culture that encourages native plants and builds a stronger community. \nMayor Gilmore will review community planning\, leveraging commitments like the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge (an initiative of the National Wildlife Federation in North America to support endangered monarch butterflies) and Tree City Certifications\, navigating pushback from those unfamiliar with native resources\, and collaborating with various organizations in the community to support initiatives. \nTJ Gilmore grew up in the desert southwest of Yuma\, Arizona. He currently serves as the Mayor of Lewisville\, Texas. Over the past 15 years\, he has watched his community grow and become concerned with the challenges Texas is beginning to have with water and conservation of native space. Mayor Gilmore has worked with citizens\, staff\, and organizations to help create a more sustainable way to handle both public and private spaces by encouraging native planting and more water-wise options – not through mandates\, but through citizen engagement with their community. He’s proud to help Texans realize that the prairie is part of what makes Texas great.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-k4building-a-future-with-flowers-lewisvilles-journey-to-re-think-the-american-lawn-thomas-j-gilmore/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/gilmore_tj-4x5-1-e1744672556937.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T161500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T231847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T133829Z
UID:907-1756394100-1756397700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout J5: Capture The Spirit of the Garden: Designing with Fragrant Flowers and Aromatic Foliage [Christopher Sheridan]
DESCRIPTION:Ralph Waldo Emerson memorably said\, “The earth laughs in flowers\,” which captures the joy people find in cottage gardens and cheerful urban flower plantings. Unlike color\, fragrance is ephemeral\, invisible\, and hard to describe\, but just as powerful! It summons memories\, provides comfort\, and often takes gardeners and garden visitors to exotic parts of the world. In this session\, Chris will explore the language of fragrance\, review a classic classification system\, and journey through the scented bloom cycle. Get in the spirit and bring a new level of creativity and enjoyment to gardening\, flower arranging\, and garden visiting. \nChristopher Barrett Sheridan is an award-winning civic educator\, pursuing a second career in horticulture and planting design. Chris specializes in scented plants\, cottage garden design\, Arts and Crafts design\, the Language of Flowers\, garden history\, and heirloom plants.\nChris is an instructor with Longwood Gardens and a returning presenter at the Philadelphia Flower Show\, both in Pennsylvania. Some recent programs have focused on fragrant ikebana and scented native plants. Upcoming programs will explore moon gardens and cocktail container design. \nBecause of his emphasis on fragrant flowers and experience in the wine industry\, Chris branded his website The Flower Sommelier (www.flowersommelier.com)\, to remind everyone that flowers are best appreciated up close\, with the eyes\, hands\, and nose. Chris has been published in The American Gardener and is frequently interviewed by fellow garden writers when their subject includes scented plants or sensory gardens. He hopes to launch a podcast in 2025\, something fun\, unconventional\, and focused on wild and romantic gardens. Chris is an active member of Garden Communicators International (GardenComm)\, The Fling\, the American Public Gardens Association\, and the Hardy Plant Society. Chris gardens in suburban Philadelphia and at the New Jersey shore. He is very pleased to be a part of the 2025 International Master Gardener Conference.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-k5-capture-the-spirit-of-the-garden-designing-with-fragrant-flowers-and-aromatic-foliage-christopher-sheridan/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sheridan_Christopher-4x5-1-e1744651299905.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T151500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250828T161500
DTSTAMP:20260429T153409
CREATED:20250414T232047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T133924Z
UID:910-1756394100-1756397700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout J6: Assisted Plant Migration for Climate Change [Eva Monheim]
DESCRIPTION:How can people help plant species to move northward as temperatures rise? The disruption of the environment with highways and other man-made structures inhibits plant movement. This session will look at the role humans play in helping to move plants\, as well as helping animals to move more freely to aid in seed dispersal. \nEva Monheim is a speaker\, horticultural and environmental consultant\, garden coach\, and an award-winning university educator. She is a faculty member at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania for the Professional Horticulture Program and Continuing Education Department. Monheim was an assistant professor at Temple University in Philadelphia\, where she taught numerous subjects to undergraduate and graduate students in horticulture and landscape architecture. Many of her students have gone on to be leaders in the horticulture and green industry\, as well as doctors in plant science and related fields. \nMonheim’s other endeavors include directing\, producing\, and co-hosting the award-winning The Plant a Trillion Trees Podcast\, which is heard in over 110 countries. She is a Certified Arborist® through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Monheim authored Shrubs and Hedges: Discover\, Grow\, and Care for the World’s Most Popular Plants\, which was nominated by The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries for outstanding contributions to the literature of horticulture. Monheim is co-principal of Verdant Earth Educators\, LLC (VEE)\, a company that writes educational documents and standards\, standard operating procedures\, and landscape management plans\, and trains professionals in the green industry. \n 
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/breakout-k6-assisted-plant-migration-for-climate-change-eva-monheim/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Monheim_Eva-4x5-2-e1744672838475.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR