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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T154500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T164500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T172407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250819T210708Z
UID:403-1756223100-1756226700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout E6: Bring Your Yard to Life with Native Plants! [Haeley Giambalvo]
DESCRIPTION:Proudly Sponsored by the Texas Native Plant Society (Gold Sponsor) \n \nMore and more homeowners are looking to make a difference from their own yards by creating landscapes that not only look good\, but DO good by supporting insects and wildlife\, saving precious water resources\, and reducing pesticides and herbicides. Our native plants are the perfect solution\, and the Native Plant Society of Texas wants to show you how! \nIn this presentation\, we will:\n• Show how native plants are the perfect replacement for water-guzzling lawns and high-maintenance non-native plants.\n• Demonstrate why native plants are the best options for bringing your yard to life with butterflies\, bees\, and birds.\n• Provide an overview of the Texas Native Plant Society\, and how you can become involved in a native plant society near you. \nHaeley Giambalvo serves as the VP of Communications for the Native Plant Society of Texas. She has also been an active member of the San Antonio chapter since 2020\, when she first got hooked on native plant gardening after becoming a Texas Master Naturalist. A professional blogger and online content creator for the past decade\, Haeley launched NativeBackyards.com in 2020 to encourage people to help the Earth from their own yards by growing native plants that support insects and wildlife and conserve water. Her book “Native Plant Gardening for Beginners” is available on Amazon.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs34-climate-resilient-landscapes-for-a-changing-world/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Giambalvo_Haeley-4x5-1-e1744659898180.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T154500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T164500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T172318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T194133Z
UID:401-1756223100-1756226700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout E5: How Spending Time in Nature Improves our Health [Dr. Jay Maddock]
DESCRIPTION:Over the past decade\, there has been mounting evidence for the effect of nature on health and wellbeing. Time spent in greenspaces have significant positive effects on mental health and stress reduction. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, many people rediscovered nature as a way to cope with the stress of the lockdowns. However\, most Americans still spend very little time in nature. In this session\, we will explore the research evidence connecting health and nature. Several studies conducted by the Center for Health & Nature will be examined including the effects of healing gardens\, nature through virtual reality\, nature exposure among remote workers and theoretical measurement development. The session will conclude by examining programs to increase exposure to nature including ParkRX\, Walk with a Doc and Campus Nature RX.By the end of the session participants will be able to 1. Describe the health benefits of nature; 2. Evaluate potential programs to increase time spent in nature; 3. Discuss the importance of nature as a place where health happens \nDr. Jay Maddock is Director of the Center for Health & Nature\, a joint initiative of Texas A&M University\, the Houston Methodist Research Institute and Texan by Nature. He also serves as a Regents Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Texas A&M. He is the Chair of the Nature and Health Alliance and previously served as Chair of the Hawaii Board of Health and Dean of the Texas A&M School of Public Health. His research has been featured in several national and international media outlets including The Today Show\, the BBC\, Le Monde\, Eating Well\, Prevention and Good Housekeeping and he has authored over 150 scientific articles and has served as principal investigator on over $20 million in extramural funding.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs33-how-spending-time-in-nature-improves-our-health/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/maddock-IMGC-e1744659679826.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T154500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T164500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T172253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T193759Z
UID:399-1756223100-1756226700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout E4: Adaptive Gardening For Seniors [Duane Pancoast]
DESCRIPTION:Adaptive gardening is a new and evolving topic. Its simplest definition is adapting one’s garden and gardening to their changing physical capabilities. The presentation begins with such basics as joint protection and fall protection and progresses to the often difficult decision to downsize\, including how to downsize in place. Preventive adaptation for younger gardeners will also be covered. \nDuring a career in marketing communications spanning more than 60 years\, Mr. Pancoast specialized in serving tree\, landscape and lawn care businesses\, as well as their trade associations and suppliers. This was a natural specialty since he had studied landscape architecture at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry before earning a degree in radio/television at Syracuse University\, also in New York. \nAs mobility restrictions began taking their toll on his gardening abilities (but not his knowledge!)\, he launched a blog\, The Geriatric Gardener (thegeriatricgardener.wordpress.com)\, in February 2017. In it\, he shares his experiences\, and how he has adapted. While continuing the blog\, he also compiled the best posts into a critically-acclaimed book – The Geriatric Gardener: Adaptive Gardening Advice For Seniors – so other senior gardeners would have all the information they need at their fingertips. Mr. Pancoast makes personal presentations to garden clubs and other groups. From these\, he has learned many new ways in which senior gardeners can work smarter instead of harder\, which have been chronicled in a sequel book\, The Geriatric Gardener 2.0: MORE Adaptive Gardening Advice For Seniors. Mr. Pancoast is also a 39-year member of Garden Communicators International (GardenComm).
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs32-adaptive-gardening-for-seniors/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Pancoast_Duane-4x5-2-e1744659448795.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T154500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T164500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T172221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T193538Z
UID:397-1756223100-1756226700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout E3: Using Our Space Wisely: Designing Multi-Purpose Urban Landscapes [Dr. Vikram Baliga]
DESCRIPTION:One of the most precious resources in an urban ecosystem is space. Multi-purpose landscapes\, often referred to as foodscapes or edible landscapes\, are a powerful tool for making the most of limited home landscapes and urban greenspaces. Vikram will discuss best management practices for integrating fruits and vegetables into landscape design ideas\, as gardeners strive to save water and resources\, beautify their urban environments\, and address food insecurity. \nVikram Baliga is a horticulture professor at Texas Tech University (TTU) in Lubbock\, Texas\, and the Assistant Dean of Outreach and Engagement for the TTU Davis College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources. He has a Ph.D. in horticulture and teaches hundreds of college students every year about plant science and the environment. His research and educational interests are in water conservation\, urban agriculture and landscapes\, and resource sustainability. Vikram is the author of Plants to the Rescue\, a non-fiction book for middle-grade readers about the ways plants and plant science are helping in our fight against pollution\, hunger\, and climate change. He’s also the host of the Planthropology Podcast and active online science communicator. When Vikram isn’t telling people about plants\, he spends his time hanging out with his family\, making cool things in his woodshop\, or taking pictures of stars\, bugs\, and beautiful landscapes.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs31-using-our-space-wisely-designing-multi-purpose-urban-landscapes/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Baliga_Vikram-4x5-2-e1744659319310.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T154500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T164500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T172143Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T193247Z
UID:395-1756223100-1756226700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout E2: The Colorful History of America's Plant Hardiness Zones and What They Really Mean for Gardeners [Tom Packer]
DESCRIPTION:This session will cover how the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zones came to be\, what they mean to gardeners and why they are still in use almost a hundred years after the first hardiness maps were developed. The presentation will include a review of early colorful\, hand-drawn maps from the archives of the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University in Massachusetts\, the latest computer-generated maps from the USDA and commentary on the recent zone revisions. \nTom Packer is an Extension Master Gardener volunteer from Wake County\, North Carolina and Chair of its management team and community gardening helpline. He serves on the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Agricultural Programs Foundation Board. Tom also is President of the 84-year-old Gardeners of Wake County club\, has authored many articles on gardening and horticultural topics\, and is a long-time backyard farmer in northern California and North Carolina. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of California.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs30-the-colorful-history-of-americas-plant-hardiness-zones-and-what-they-really-mean-for-gardeners/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Packer_Tom-4x5-2-e1744659154649.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T154500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T164500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T172114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T132654Z
UID:393-1756223100-1756226700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout E1: How to Expand Your Reach with a Podcast; Learn from the Makers of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley [Xandra Powers]
DESCRIPTION:The environment seems to be changing faster than human ability to educate residents about sustainable practices through traditional means. To address this issue\, Master Gardeners from New York will share how they were able to expand their reach by developing a podcast. Now in its fourth year\, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley has over 30\,000+ downloads\, reaching listeners in multiple counties along the Hudson River and beyond. Learn how this small but mighty team started\, and sustain a weekly podcast to educate the public about a wide range of topics. They have interviewed many guests about sustainable practices\, with expertise coming from staff at Cornell University in New York and other Extension offices across the state\, authors\, scientists\, farmers\, food pantry staff\, birders\, heads of local organizations\, and of course\, fellow Master Gardeners. Topics encompass native plants\, invasive species\, ornithology\, forestry\, animal husbandry\, fish and wildlife management\, foraging\, landscape design\, farm-to-table restaurants\, and best gardening practices. In this session\, the team will share the nuts-and-bolts of what it took to get started (it’s easier than one might think)\, how they organize to keep it going\, and how other extensions might use this impactful approach to expand their reach. \nMaster Gardener volunteers\, based in New York’s Columbia and Greene Counties\, founded the podcast Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. The team of four has grown over the years. Most of them are retired but they come from multiple walks of life including law\, marketing\, technology\, journalism\, management consulting\, government\, horticulture\, administration\, and more. They have a passion for all things nature (e.g. Master Forest Owners\, Master Naturalist\, and Master Beekeeper) in addition to gardening. Tim Kennelty\, Jean Thomas\, Annie Scibienski\, Teresa Golden\, and Linda Aydlett will share their story about the making of a podcast.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs29-how-to-expand-your-reach-with-a-podcast-learn-from-the-makers-of-nature-calls-conversations-from-the-hudson-valley/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Podcast_20team-4x5-2-e1744659069782.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T154500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T164500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T172027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T192942Z
UID:391-1756223100-1756226700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout E1: Safety First – Outreach Event Planning and Emergency Management [Stephen Brueggerhoff]
DESCRIPTION:Emergency management and first aid protocols are necessary components for any signature outreach event. In Safety First\, Stephen will provide a planning document that includes steps for first aid and fire preparedness\, missing child protocols\, and festival site mapping. This seminar explores a collaborative planning process between Extension personnel and Extension Master Gardener leadership. \nStephen Brueggerhoff is Horticulture Extension Agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Brazos County. Stephen received a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Sam Houston State University in Texas and a Masters of Forest Resources from the University of Washington. Stephen formerly directed AgriLife Extension’s Texas Event Leadership Program\, which provides professional development training for event managers and volunteers so that they may better plan\, manage and evaluate a festival or event in their community. He is also a graduate of the inaugural International Festivals and Events Association Event Management School. \nWith over 22 years of experience\, Stephen furthers the Extension mission of education and community service\, offering horticultural consultation to residential clients\, business owners and green industry practitioners. Stephen is an advisor and proudly supports the Brazos County Master Gardeners Association\, providing coordination to consistently deliver quality research-based regional programs.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs28-safety-first-outreach-event-planning-and-emergency-management/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Brueggerhoff_Stephen-4x5-2-e1744658943387.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T171951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T192803Z
UID:389-1756213200-1756216800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout D6: Proper Planting of Trees for Longevity [Pam Bennett]
DESCRIPTION:Everyone knows how to plant a tree\, right? Wrong! Trees can provide economic\, environmental\, and social impacts as they mature; however\, these impacts aren’t realized until around 17 years of growth. Learn about root structure and planting to ensure a tree is planted with the root flare at the right level. Proper planting leads to a healthy tree so that it can live until maturity and beyond. \nPam is a professor with The Ohio State University (OSU) and serves as the state Master Gardener Volunteer Program Director and Horticulture Educator for OSU Extension in Clark County. \nPam specializes in herbaceous ornamental plant trials and has been All-America Selections judge since 2012. She presents programs on annuals and perennials as well as other landscape topics locally\, statewide\, and nationally. Pam has also lectured internationally in seven countries. She is President of the Clark County Park District Commission\, and a board member of the Hartman Rock Garden and The Abilities Connection\, both in Ohio. She is Past-President of the Friends of the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden. \nPam is the co-author of an award-winning book\, Garden-pedia\, An A-to- Z Guide to Gardening Terms and writes a weekly gardening column for eight counties. She was awarded the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association Service Award and the National Association of County Agriculture Educators Ohio Distinguished Achievement Award and the Distinguished Service Award for the National Association of Agricultural Agents. \nPam was born and raised in Springfield and is married to Rick Bennett. They are the proud parents of Springfield’s first female police chief. They have three children and five grandchildren.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs27-proper-planting-of-trees-for-longevity/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bennett_Pam-4x5-2-e1744658674407.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T171918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T195346Z
UID:387-1756213200-1756216800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout D5: Botanical Ambassadors: Chinese Plants Around the World [Dr. Mengmeng Gu]
DESCRIPTION:Plants native in China have been produced and utilized all over the world. There are the good (like kiwi)\, the bad (like Chinese privet) and many\, many more. This presentation will look at how these plants have impacted horticulture and landscapes everywhere.  \nDr. Mengmeng Gu currently serves as the Director of the Campus Extension Program at Colorado State University\, following a three-year tenure as Head of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Prior to her roles at CSU\, she built a distinguished career as an Extension Specialist and Professor of Horticulture at both Mississippi State University and Texas A&M University System. \nAs Director of the Campus Extension Program and former department head\, Dr. Gu is deeply committed to fostering a more inclusive\, innovative\, and vibrant academic environment. She actively engages internal and external stakeholders through open dialogue\, ensuring their insights and experiences are valued and integrated into program development. \nDr. Gu’s research and extension efforts have focused on addressing critical challenges in the green industry\, including Japanese beetle management\, development of alternative potting substrates\, sensor-controlled nursery irrigation\, and control of crapemyrtle bark scale. Her work has been supported by over $6 million in funding from industry partners as well as state and federal agencies. She has disseminated her findings through more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and numerous trade and extension publications. She has spoken to many national and international events\, such as Cultivate and International Plant Propagators’ Society (IPPS) Conference. \nDr. Gu is a highly regarded member of both the academic and professional horticultural communities. She has made significant contributions to leading organizations\, including American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS)\, International Society for Horticultural Science\, and IPPS. Her leadership roles include serving as Vice President of ASHS’s International Division\, and in recognition of her impact\, she was named an ASHS Fellow in 2022. She will graduate soon as a fellow from the Food System Leadership Institute. \nPassionate about mentoring future leaders in horticulture\, she takes great pride in the achievements of her graduate students—four of whom have gone on to secure faculty positions. Deep down\, she is a certified Plant Geek.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/botanical-ambassadors-chinese-plants-around-the-world/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gu_Mengmeng-4x5-2-scaled-e1744658343834.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T171324Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T191801Z
UID:385-1756213200-1756216800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout D4: Connected: Synergistic Designs [William McKinley]
DESCRIPTION:Mr. McKinley will present a demonstration of the concepts of synergistic floral designs. Synergy is the interaction of two or more small designs that produces a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. Using common household items\, a few garden flowers/foliage\, and some small branches\, a long-lasting\, reusable\, and highly sustainable floral design can be created. Several synergistic designs will be presented to illustrate their diversity and use. \nMr. William J. McKinley AIFD\, CFD\, ICPF\, is the emeritus Endowed Chair of the Benz School of Floral Design and Instructional Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University.\nAfter retiring from Texas A&M in January of 2025\, Bill remains an active member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and was honored with the organization’s Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry in 2010 as well as the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD in 2022. He was inducted into the Illinois State Florists’ Association Hall of Fame in 2009. Bill is the coordinator for AIFD’s online education courses and recently chaired the revisions task force for The AIFD Guide to Floral Design book. Mr. McKinley is an AIFD Certified Evaluator/Judge (CEJ) and teaches that curriculum to aspiring Certified Evaluator Judges. He is a frequent speaker at local\, regional and national floral organizations.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs25-connected-synergistic-designs/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/McKinley_Bill-4x5-2-scaled-e1744658073806.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T171238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T191322Z
UID:383-1756213200-1756216800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout D3: Starting with a Seed [Corbin Scholz]
DESCRIPTION:Seed starting is one of the most romantic and satisfying parts of being a gardener. Watching a seed turn into a tiny sprout brings so much joy\, but only if it goes well! In this class\, we will be discussing several ways to start and nurture seeds and seedlings before they head outside to your gardens. The presentation will cover possible moisture issues\, “leggy” plants\, good soil medium\, how to provide proper fertility\, temperature requirements\, and much more! We will be discussing growing locations such as under grow lights\, on window sills\, and greenhouses\, and chatting about the hardening off process to give your plants the best possible chance of survival in any region! \nCorbin Scholz is currently serving as the Farm Director at Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah\, Iowa. She has been working in the food system for almost a decade owning and managing organic vegetable farms and food hubs\, serving on several ag non-profits board of directors\, and participating in leadership committees to organize support programs for young farmers. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology on the pre-medical track\, Corbin pivoted to creating healthy communities through thriving food systems.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs24-starting-with-a-seed/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Scholz_Corbin-4x5-2-scaled-e1744657977290.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T171151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T190229Z
UID:381-1756213200-1756216800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout D2: Entropy in Landscape Design:  A Brief Analysis of Landscape Projects Using Randomness & Disorder [John Harper]
DESCRIPTION:Entropy\, or a lack of predictability in a system tending toward disorder\, offers landscape designers a process-based approach to the design of outdoor spaces\, especially landscape gardens. A series of landscape projects illustrates various aesthetic solutions using this approach. Natural succession initiates predictably unpredictable environmental processes\, exotic and invasive species challenge controls imposed by designers\, efforts to restore nature create disorderly processes\, and the natural hierarchies of plant communities impose order that usurps the hegemony of predictable garden design. Resultant normalization of unpredictable aesthetic outcomes frees landscape designers and gardeners to challenge the aesthetic status quo and create a kaleidoscope of environmental processes in action. \nJohn L. Harper is a registered landscape architect in the Province of Manitoba\, Canada. He teaches environmental design courses at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg where he also maintains a small design practice. John received a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia in 1996 before teaching in the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge from 2001-2006. His design work and writing have appeared in Fine Gardening\, the LSU School of Architecture journal Batture\, and on HGTV. In addition to gardening\, John enjoys painting in his free time.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs23-entropy-in-landscape-design-a-brief-analysis-of-landscape-projects-using-randomness-disorder/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/harper_john-4x5-2-e1744657306355.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T170916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T190738Z
UID:379-1756213200-1756216800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout D1: Bee On It! How Pollinator Pathways are Connecting Landscapes and People [Louise Washer]
DESCRIPTION:With a mission to encourage planting natives\, avoiding pesticides\, and rethinking lawn culture\, the Pollinator Pathway offers individuals and communities the tools to organize and take action locally to reconnect fragmented landscapes. Learn how to join this thriving network which has as its backbone master gardeners and those of us willing to get our hands dirty. \nLouise Washer is a co-founder and board member of the National Pollinator Pathway\, a grassroots network of over 400 communities across 21 states and Canada working to restore and connect pollinator habitat. She heads the pesticide committee and works on state policy initiatives to restrict neonicotinoid pesticides. Louise also serves as organizer of Connecticut Pesticide Reform (CPR)\, president of the Norwalk River Watershed Association\, and steering committee member of the Hudson to Housatonic Regional Conservation Partnership (H2H).
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs22-bee-on-it-how-pollinator-pathways-are-connecting-landscapes-and-people/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Washer_Louise-4x5-2-e1744657437457.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T170833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T131639Z
UID:377-1756213200-1756216800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout D1: How to Start New Programs in South Korea [Eun Sook Noh]
DESCRIPTION:This session will cover the Master Gardener programs started by Ms. Noh in Korea (the Benz School of Floral Design and Junior Master Gardeners)\, why she initiated the programs\, how they began and are currently run\, and how they have helped Korean florists. \nMs. Noh graduated from Ewha Women’s University in Korea (BA) in 1976 and from San Jose State University in California (MBA) in 1990. In 2007\, she started the Benz School of Floral Design\, and then in 2009\, she initiated the Junior Master Gardeners program\, both in Korea.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/south-korean-programs/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Noh_Eun-Sook-4x5-2-e1744661503664.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T113000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T170727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T182715Z
UID:375-1756204200-1756207800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout C6: An Engineer's Approach to Houseplant Care [Darryl Cheng]
DESCRIPTION:If tradiitonal houseplant advice is followed\, the caregiver will be left with disappointment because the plant is no longer “perfect”. Darryl’s approach breaks down the barriers to true\, long-lasting enjoyment of houseplants – when a person understands how plants work\, she/he can gain a deeper appreciation for the plant’s character and more acceptance of how they’ll grow. It’s a healthy dose of practical science and realistic expectations! \nDarryl Cheng is the author of two houseplant care books: The New Plant Parent and The New Plant Collector\, and creator of the House Plant Journal website. Darryl’s passion for plants and engineering approach to plant care have turned him into one of the most trusted houseplant resources on the internet! What was initially a hobby page on Tumblr has turned into an Instagram account with over half a million followers\, a go-to website for anything houseplant related\, his very own houseplant care book\, and plant time-lapse videos that have gone viral around the world.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs20-an-engineers-approach-to-houseplant-care/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Cheng_Darryl-4x5-2-e1744655222590.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T113000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T170547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T182302Z
UID:373-1756204200-1756207800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout C5: Foodscape Fusion: Pioneering a New Gardening Era [Brie Arthur]
DESCRIPTION:Gardening visionary Brie Arthur reveals a world where plants are not just beautiful\, but also functional problem solvers. In this captivating program\, she will show you how everyone has the power to make a positive impact through thoughtful planting. Drawing from the wisdom within her books\, she will guide you through the art of ingenious plant combinations that merge native species with creativity. Brace yourself for a symphony of colors\, flavors\, and textures that will revolutionize the way you see gardening. Get ready to plant the seeds of change in your garden and beyond. This program isn’t just about gardening—it’s about contributing to a brighter\, more sustainable future. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a budding enthusiast\, you’ll walk away with fresh insights and practical advice that transcend skill levels. \nBrie Arthur\, a renowned bestselling author and horticulturist\, captivates audiences with her dynamic presentations and innovative gardening advice. Hailing from southeastern Michigan\, Brie honed her skills in Landscape Design and Horticulture at Purdue University\, amassing over two decades of expertise. An advocate for consumer horticulture and home gardening across America\, she authored “The Foodscape Revolution” and “Gardening with Grains\,” while also contributing to the Emmy-winning PBS program\, “Growing a Greener World.” Brie’s role as an ambassador for Soil3 organic compost underscores her commitment to sustainable practices\, showcased through her YouTube channel\, “Brie The Plant Lady.” As a representative of the International Plant Propagators’ Society Southern Region\, she connects with global horticulture professionals. Recognized by the American Horticultural Society\, Brie earned the inaugural Emerging Horticultural Professional Award for her dedication to inspiring a new gardening generation. A fervent garden communicator\, Brie curates a diverse array of programs for live and virtual events\, embodying her passion for fostering green connections.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs19-foodscape-fusion-pioneering-a-new-gardening-era/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Arthur_Brie-4x5-2-e1744654701130.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T113000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T170516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T204124Z
UID:371-1756204200-1756207800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout C4: Coping with Climate Change in Plant Specifications for Built Environments [Dr. Mike Arnold]
DESCRIPTION:Challenges associated with increased fluctuations in global climate\, enhanced severity of weather events\, and exacerbated urban heat island effects have created serious issues for plant specifications in modern landscape designs. Designs for these built environments will require increasing attention to plant specifications of taxa and maintenance regimes on the site that anticipate future needs. Structural elements such as low input development (LID) features and placement of plants in arrangements that contribute to abatement of urban heat islands\, enhancing human comfort levels\, and mitigating storm water runoff and nonpoint source pollution will be important contributions to lessening the adverse impacts of climate changes on urban and peri-urban built environments. We will explore some of the challenges and suggest some potential strategies to contribute to solutions through plant specifications. \nMike Arnold has been with the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences since 1993 and became Director of The Gardens at Texas A&M in 2020. He holds degrees in business administration\, horticulture\, and landscape horticulture from The Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in horticultural sciences from North Carolina State University. \nA dedicated educator and researcher\, Mike specializes in landscape establishment\, transplant factors\, and new plant development. He has served as president of the American Society of Horticultural Sciences and chaired the Texas Superstars committee. Passionate about teaching and community outreach\, Mike’s favorite tree is the bald cypress—visit The Gardens to see it and explore more! \nNote: Due to copyrights\, this session will not be recorded.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs18-coping-with-climate-change-in-plant-specifications-for-built-environments/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Arnold_Mike-4x5-2-e1744654602218.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T113000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T170450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T181447Z
UID:369-1756204200-1756207800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout C3: Beyond Parsley\, Sage\, Rosemary\, and Thyme: Learn to Grow and Use Unusual Culinary Herbs [Peggy Riccio]
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to grow unusual culinary herbs such as ginger\, lemon grass\, lemon verbena and roselle. For each herb\, discover the best time and method to start\, cultural requirements\, harvesting and preserving techniques\, and methods for using them in the kitchen. These are herbs that can be grown in the summer\, but they are not as commonly known as the Mediterranean herbs. \nPeggy Riccio is a horticulturist and garden communicator in Northern Virginia. Her website\, pegplant.com\, is an online resource for gardeners in the DC metro area. She publishes a local gardening newsletter\, Pegplant’s Post Gardening Newsletter. She has given numerous in person and virtual presentations and continues the conversation in her Facebook group called Culinary Herbs and Spices. Over the past 30 years\, Peggy has written more than 100 articles for national gardening magazines. Currently\, Peggy serves as the Education Chair for the Herb Society of America.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs17-beyond-parsley-sage-rosemary-and-thyme-learn-to-grow-and-use-unusual-culinary-herbs/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Riccio_Peggy-4x5-2-e1744654473937.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T113000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T170405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T181157Z
UID:367-1756204200-1756207800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout C2: Meetings with Remarkable Seeds - and the Amazing People who Nurture Them [Adam Alexander]
DESCRIPTION:Across the world\, chefs\, farmers\, plant scientists and everyday growers are doing something extraordinary: creating new generations of fruit\, vegetables and cereals that will flourish locally\, taste delicious\, increase diversity and contribute to a sustainable and robust food future. In this illustrated talk\, Mr. Alexander will don his seed-detective homburg to meet 21st century seed heroes who are not only championing traditional varieties but also breeding delicious new ones that will be more resilient and better-equipped to deal with the shocks of a changing climate. On a “journey around the world”\, the audience will be introduced to some of the most inspiring seed heroes – from Rajasthan\, India\, to Mr. Alexander’s homeland Wales\, across Europe to the remote regions of southern Albania\, and into Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley – to remind attendees that indigenous cultures and rural communities have been expertly breeding seeds for millennia\, celebrating locally and sustainably grown produce\, whether traditional or innovative\, that is the foundation of all food cultures. Mr. Alexander believes that everyone who grows food\, whether amateur or professional\, can be a seed hero – building resilience and returning fertility to the earth’s soils and biodiversity to the land. \nAdam Alexander is a consummate storyteller thanks to forty years as a successful and award-winning film and television producer. He lectures widely on his work discovering\, conserving and sharing rare\, endangered garden crops. He grows seed of heritage Syrian and Ukrainian vegetables for displaced people in the UK and beyond and maintains a library of some 500 vegetables that he has collected over 35 years\, growing out more than 40 varieties every year to refresh his collection and share with fellow gardeners. He is a seed guardian for the Heritage Seed Library\, part of Garden Organic in the UK and director of Our Food 1200\, an organisation supporting agro-ecological horticulture in Wales. His latest book\, The Accidental Seed Heroes\, was published in September 2023. In it\, he explores the future for plant breeding\, championing farmer varieties (FVs) and that the ability to develop\, save and adapt seeds is a right for all\, hobby growers and professionals alike\, and not something to be controlled by corporations patenting seeds for profit.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs16-meetings-with-remarkable-seeds-and-the-amazing-people-who-nurture-them/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Alexander_Adam-4x5-2-scaled-e1744654298795.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T113000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T170314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T163509Z
UID:365-1756204200-1756207800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout C1: Freaky Fruit Fusion: Inter-specific Stone Fruit Hybrids [Dr. Tim Hartmann)
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever eaten a pluot\, aprium\, or nectaplum and wondered where it came from\, or whether such a genetic concoction is possible in the first place? Come explore the diverse world of stone fruit and learn about the many exciting varieties of hybrids among them! This session will cover the history of inter-specific hybridization within the Prunus genus\, from Burbank to Zaiger\, and even delve into the genetic and technical aspects of how these amazing and delicious fruit are created through traditional plant breeding techniques. The session will conclude with an overview of the many hybrid varieties available\, as well as where they can be found and grown! \nOriginally from Blanco\, Texas\, Tim Hartmann received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Horticulture and Plant Breeding (peaches) in 2009 and 2023\, respectively\, from Texas A&M University (TAMU). He received his Ph.D. in Horticulture from TAMU in May 2020 after completing a study on the adaptation and feasibility of golden kiwifruit production in Texas. Tim is an assistant professor and Extension fruit specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Department of Horticultural Sciences at TAMU\, where he teaches the Temperate Fruit and Nut Production course and advises several graduate students. He is responsible for supporting growers\, developing of educational material on fruit\, and assisting County Extension Agents. Tim’s research focuses on both established commodities such as peach\, fig\, apple\, pear\, and plum\, as well as exploration of alternative crops including apricot\, Asian persimmon\, pineapple guava\, and kiwifruit.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs15-freaky-fruit-fusion-inter-specific-stone-fruit-hybrids/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hartmann_Tim-4x5-2-e1744652737706.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250826T113000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250403T170154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T154918Z
UID:363-1756204200-1756207800@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout C1: Pecans: How to Grow and Why to Eat [Dr. Larry Stein]
DESCRIPTION:Discover the secrets to successfully growing pecans and the many reasons to enjoy them in your diet. This session will cover essential tips for cultivating healthy pecan trees\, from site selection to maintenance and harvesting. Learn about the nutritional benefits of pecans\, their role in a healthy lifestyle\, and delicious ways to incorporate them into your meals. Whether you’re a backyard grower or simply a pecan enthusiast\, this session will provide valuable insights into this beloved nut. \nLarry Stein\, Ph.D. is a professor and Extension Horticulturist. Stein received his B.S. in Horticulture from Texas A & M University in 1979 followed by a M.S. in 1981 and Ph.D. in 1985. He was appointed Extension Horticulturist at the Texas A & M Research and Extension in Stephenville in 1985 to work on pecans\, fruit crops\, and vegetables.  In 1992 he transferred to the Research and Extension Center in Uvalde to continue work in these same areas and was promoted to Professor. \nStein’s area of research has been on production horticulture developing best management practices for pecans\, fruits and vegetable crops.  He has authored numerous Extension publications and is co-author of the Texas Peach Handbook (A & M Press).  He is also an editor of the Texas Pecan Handbook and assisted with the release of a new table grape\, ‘Victoria Red’\, and two bluebonnets\, ‘Texas Maroon’\, and ‘Ladybird Johnson Royal Blue’.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs14-pecans-how-to-grow-and-why-to-eat/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Larry-Stein-headshot-2025-e1744654137388.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T144500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T154500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250331T172131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T163327Z
UID:319-1756133100-1756136700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout B6: Plants\, Nature\, and Health [Dr. Charlie Hall]
DESCRIPTION:A new initiative at Texas A&M University is entitled Plant\, Nature and Health. This session describes the research and outreach programs that are currently underway that highlight the benefits of plants and green spaces. \nDr. Charlie Hall grew up in the industry on a nursery in Western North Carolina. Although an economist by training\, he is currently a Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the Texas A&M University and also holder of the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture. His major areas of specialization include innovative management and marketing strategies\, financial analysis and benchmarking\, and the situation/outlook for nursery and greenhouse crops. He is an invited speaker at numerous regional\, national\, and international meetings of various industry-related associations and organizations. He is particularly known for the enthusiasm\, passion\, and intensity he exhibits when speaking. Dr. Hall is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association (TNLA) and has received TNLA’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Nursery Industry. He is also a member of the Hall of Fame and Honorary Lifetime Member of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs13-plants-nature-and-health/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hall_Charlie-4x5-1-e1744652238841.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T144500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T154500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250331T171748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T210706Z
UID:314-1756133100-1756136700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout B5: Getting to Know Gen Z Volunteers: Strategies for Recruitment\, Communication and Recognition [Dr. Esther McGinnis\, Emily How\, Rachelle Vettern]
DESCRIPTION:In order for Extension Master Gardener programs to grow\, they must recruit\, embrace\, and work side-by-side with Gen Z volunteers. However\, generational gaps create a sense of disconnect\, as each generation grew up with different ways of thinking\, communicating\, and understanding the world. In this interactive and bucket filling presentation\, Emily will identify Gen Z defining events\, characteristics and values. To bridge generation gaps\, she will discuss preferred modes of communication for all generations\, and identify horticultural topics\, volunteer opportunities\, and forms of recognition that resonate with Gen Z. All generations will come away with a renewed appreciation for their own lived experiences. \n\nEmily How is a North Dakota State University Extension agent with a passion for gardening. Her enthusiasm for plants took root in Denton County\, Texas as a Junior Master Gardener. Today\, Emily channels her enthusiasm and passion into her work – sharing her expertise and love of gardening with her adopted North Dakota community. \n\nEsther McGinnis is an associate professor in the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Department of Plant Sciences. She is also an Extension horticulturist and director of the NDSU Extension Master Gardener program. Her graduate students conduct research in the areas of native plant evaluation\, pollinator conservation\, and plants for rain garden environments. As the administrator of the Extension Master Gardener program\, impactful initiatives include planting pollinator habitat\, fighting food insecurity\, beautifying communities beautification\, and diagnosing plants. \n\nRachelle Vettern\, Ph.D. is a Professor and the Leadership and Volunteer Development Specialist for North Dakota State University Extension. In her Extension role\, she conducts research and provides education for youth and adults in the areas of leadership\, ethics\, generations\, youth development\, and volunteer development. \nShe and her husband Darin live in Hawley\, MN. They have two children\, Evan who is 21 and Emily who is 17. Rachelle’s family loves outdoor activities including boating\, skiing\, snowshoeing\, and biking.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs12-getting-to-know-gen-z-volunteers-strategies-for-recruitment-communication-and-recognition/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Untitled-design-7.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T144500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T154500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250331T171613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T193509Z
UID:311-1756133100-1756136700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout B4: Innovations in Pollinator Protection: A Path Forward [Garett Slater]
DESCRIPTION:This presentation explores the pressing challenges facing pollinators\, including habitat loss\, pests and diseases\, pesticide exposure\, and climate change. This presentation will highlight cutting-edge research\, technological advancements\, and community-driven initiatives that are shaping the future of pollinator conservation. From sustainable land management practices to genetic breakthroughs and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders\, Garret will showcase innovative solutions to ensure the survival and health of pollinators.  \nGarett has 18 years of beekeeping experience. Garett Slater obtained a BS and MS in Biology from North Dakota State University in 2014 with a thesis focused on nutrition and Queen Quality. He then worked as a scientist and technician with the Bee Informed Partnership at the University of Minnesota for two years\, directly supporting 30 commercial beekeepers in North Dakota and Texas. In 2022\, he obtained is PhD from Purdue University with a thesis focused on applying modern genetic tools to honey bee breeding. He was then a USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellow from 2022-2024 at the Honey Bee Breeding\, Genetics\, and Physiology Lab at Baton Rouge\, LA. In 2024\, he became an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University as the state’s Apiculture Extension Specialist. Garett’s current research focuses on developing cheap genomic tools to help beekeepers select bees for natural defenses towards Varroa\, pathogens\, and other diseases. Additionally\, Garett provides extension support to beekeepers across the state. He has also a long history of communication and involvement with beekeepers via webinars and presentations\, specialized courses\, and articles. The topics of these communications ranged broadly\, including fundamental scientific concepts (e.g.\, genetics\, breeding\, reproductive biology) and practical areas of interest (e.g.\, integrated pest management\, queen production\, disease management).
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/pollinator-protection/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Slater_Garret-4x5-2-e1744656696738.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T144500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T154500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250331T170640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250505T210512Z
UID:309-1756133100-1756136700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout B3: Volunteer Appreciation: Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude [Dr. Sue Kahl]
DESCRIPTION:Just as tending to soil yields stronger gardens\, tending to appreciation yields more meaningful volunteer experiences. Join us to broaden notions of volunteer appreciation and explore creative ways to help volunteers feel seen\, heard\, and valued. This session draws on research to inspire formal and informal ways to honor the efforts of all volunteers.  \nSue Carter Kahl has spent her professional life working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector. Her work as President of Sue Carter Kahl Consulting is infused with lessons learned as a nonprofit executive\, board member\, fundraiser\, volunteer\, and researcher. Her current projects include consulting and training on the value that volunteers bring to organizations\, translating research on volunteer impact into practitioner-friendly resources\, and blogging at Volunteer Commons. Sue has a PhD in Leadership Studies. She serves as a pro bono executive coach through the Fieldstone Leadership Network and on projects that help advance volunteerism. She lives and gardens in San Diego.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs10-volunteer-appreciation-cultivating-a-culture-of-gratitude/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sue-kahl-better.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T144500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T154500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250331T170527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T202600Z
UID:306-1756133100-1756136700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout B2: Thanks for the Memories [Dr. Andrew Crocker]
DESCRIPTION:Changes in memory function can be scary but a missed appointment or a forgotten name are not necessarily indicative of something more serious either. During this session\, Mr. Crocker will explore typical and atypical memory function as people age\, including dementia\, and also discuss healthy habits for the brain and body. \nAndy Crocker joined Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Family and Community Health Unit in 2003. His role is to support County Extension Agents for Family and Community Health in their efforts to educate older adults\, caregivers\, and the professionals who serve them. \nMr. Crocker has authored\, adapted\, and adopted programs to help promote optimal aging with topics including caregiving\, fall risk reduction\, health literacy\, and memory\, among others. In addition to his programming responsibilities related to aging\, Crocker administers grant projects addressing military family caregiving and building capacity to help support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also leads AgriLife Extension’s Master Wellness Volunteer Program\, leveraging Extension’s outreach and education related to health\, nutrition\, and food safety through trained volunteers. \nMr. Crocker is a past recipient of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Award for Superior Service\, as an individual and as part of a team\, and a two-time recipient of the Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences’ Specialist Award for Distinguished Achievement. \nMr. Crocker earned a B.A. in Biology (2001) and an M.S. in Gerontology (2002) from Baylor University in Waco\, Texas. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in One Health Sciences from the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo\, Texas.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs9-thanks-for-the-memories/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Crocker_Andrew-4x5-2-scaled-e1744651983700.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T144500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T154500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250331T170347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T155815Z
UID:303-1756133100-1756136700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout B1: It is Not Thinking Outside the Box\, It isn't Our Box to Start With: Serving the Under-served Audience [Nancy Kuhajda]
DESCRIPTION:Working with under-served audiences can present many challenges\, but also opportunities IF one knows where to start. Often\, modifications are made to traditional programming\, usually with limited success. This session will present new perspectives and practical tips for creating effective programming for under-served audiences of all kinds. \nNancy Kuhajda is a Horticulture Educator with the University of Illinois Extension. She has over 30 years of experience working with the Master Gardener program. Nancy specializes in creating innovative\, highly effective programming for a wide range of audiences including pre-kindergarten through elders\, individuals with special needs\, and urban audiences. Nancy holds an M.S. from the University of Illinois in Agricultural Leadership\, Education and Communications. Prior to the educator role\, Nancy served as the program coordinator for Master Gardeners.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs8-it-is-not-thinking-outside-the-box-it-isnt-our-box-to-start-with-serving-the-under-served-audience/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Kuhajda_Nancy-4x5-2-e1744651912915.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T144500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T154500
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250331T170059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T154748Z
UID:300-1756133100-1756136700@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout B1: Master Gardeners: Cultivating Food Justice in the City [Coy Poitier]
DESCRIPTION:Master Gardeners play an important role in promoting food justice within urban environments. The presentation examines how Master Gardeners can leverage their expertise to empower under-served communities to overcome food insecurity and economic disparity through sustainable urban agriculture.  \nCoy’s passion for sustainable food systems fuels his work as co-owner of Poitier and Associates\, an agricultural consulting firm dedicated to green landscapes\, vibrant gardens\, and food-secure communities in Dallas\, Texas. His expertise extends to the ground-level as a certified Texas Master Gardener and urban farmer. \nLeadership resonates in Coy’s commitment to public service. He chairs the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency’s Dallas Urban County Committee and serves as State Director of the National Association of Farmer Elected Committees\, championing sustainable agriculture on a broader scale. \nRecognized in “Who’s Who In Black Dallas\,” Coy Poitier is a multi-faceted leader weaving diverse threads into a tapestry of positive change. He excels as an award-winning filmmaker\, impactful keynote speaker\, talented music producer\, and dedicated Dallas County Historical Commissioner. \nBeyond these endeavors\, Coy’s life finds harmony in music. He skillfully plays the organ and drums\, and even produces his own music\, adding a creative dimension to his dynamic journey. \nCoy Poitier’s story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication\, reminding us that positive change can bloom in countless forms. \n 
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs7-master-gardeners-cultivating-food-justice-in-the-city/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Poitier_Coy-4x5-2-e1744651859520.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T143000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250331T165731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T155750Z
UID:296-1756128600-1756132200@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout A6: Strategies for Dealing with Deer [Kathie Clements]
DESCRIPTION:Do deer consider your landscape to be an all-you-can-eat buffet? These beautiful but ravenous creatures are a problem in many gardens. Join Extension Master Gardener Kathie Clements to learn effective strategies for dealing with deer. Deer browsing pressure requires creative thinking about home landscapes. She discusses deer behavior and how knowing their habits can help attendees develop effective ways to better protect their gardens. Creative hardscape options as well as resourceful use of shrubs and smart plant placement will be covered. Find out about how exclusion tactics such as landscape choices\, barriers\, repellants\, and scare devices can discourage deer from visiting any yard. Advice for making wise plant choices and recommended resources to guide the selection of plant materials will be shared. \nKathie Clements is an Extension Master Gardener from Arlington\, Virginia who focuses on sustainable landscaping and use of native plants to beautify our gardens and support the local ecosystem. Her interest in deer grew from the frequent visits of the local herd to her neighborhood. Kathie’s encounters with these hungry animals and the fawn daycare in her next-door neighbor’s yard prompted her to research deer and learn what to do to discourage them from visiting her garden. She is happiest when she is outside either working in a garden\, hiking in the woods\, kayaking local waterways\, tending her bonsai\, or spending time with friends.
URL:https://www.imgc2025.com/event/bs6-strategies-for-dealing-with-deer/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Clements_Kathy-4x5-2-e1744651214177.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250825T143000
DTSTAMP:20260429T163343
CREATED:20250331T165450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T172140Z
UID:293-1756128600-1756132200@www.imgc2025.com
SUMMARY:Breakout A5: Embracing the Spirit of the Night: Designing Vespertine Gardens [Christopher Sheridan]
DESCRIPTION:Gardening experts advocate for four seasons of interest\, but rarely champion 24-hour gardens. In recent decades\, as opposed to flowers\, foliage\, and pollinators\, hardscape frequently dominates evening spaces. By focusing vespertine/daybreak gardens on plants\, serenity\, intimacy\, and connection to nature are maximized. These gardens offer refuge from urban heat and intense sun\, while employing a fresh palette of scents\, colors\, and textures. This session will cover: 1) design strategies for a range of spaces; 2) the incorporation of containers; 3) native and introduced plant palettes; and 4) the wellness benefits of magic hour gardening and creating a garden which is always open and delightfully alive. \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. \nChris 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. \nChris 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/bs5-capture-the-spirit-of-the-garden-designing-with-fragrant-flowers-and-aromatic-foliage/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.imgc2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Sheridan_Christopher-4x5-1-e1744651299905.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Nicky Maddams":MAILTO:texasmastergardener@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR