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…
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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,…
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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…
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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. Brian Bledsoe is the…
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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…
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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. This presentation explores the potential of small-scale green roofs as accessible and impactful tools for urban sustainability. It highlights their benefits,…
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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. Stephen’s love for gardening began in childhood, surrounded by…
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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…
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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…
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Proudly Sponsored by the Texas Native Plant Society (Gold Sponsor) This 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…
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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…
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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. Eva…
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