2015 Master Gardener Seminar

The North Central Louisiana Master Gardeners held their annual garden seminar last Saturday, February 7th at Lomax Hall on the Louisiana Tech campus.  The seminar is held in conjunction with the Louisiana Tech Department of Agriculture Sciences.

 

The theme of the seminar was "Wise Gardening Practices: Principles for Easier Gardening".

 

Greg Grant, a seventh-generation Texas horticulturist, conservationist, and garden-writer, was the first speaker at the seminar.  With southern charm and humor, Greg warned against being a "plant hoarder" rather than using the correct plant in the correct spot to design a cohesive garden landscape.

  I really needed to hear that presentation as I am drawn to nurseries like a drunk to a bar! Once there, I can't stop myself from buying one of everything. One of the principles Greg discussed was  repetition in the garden.  He explained that repeating the same color, shape, or materials will give your landscape a cohesive atmosphere.

  My mom has practiced that principle of garden design all her life, restricting herself to a few carefully chosen plants that work together to create a soothing, meaningful landscape. Her yard is always thoughtfully beautiful.

My MG friends rave about Greg's book he wrote with William Welch entitled Heirloom Gardening in the South: Yesterday's Plants for Today.  I can't wait to get a copy.

After Greg's presentation, there was an intermission.  Guests were treated to a beautiful table of muffins, cookies, coffee, and tea. Master Gardener Sylvia Williams Baker is coordinator of the refreshments committee and I was lucky to be assigned to work with her and Patsy Bourgeouis. Sylvia provided a gracious table with the help of the culinary talents of our Master Gardeners.

 

After intermission, the second speaker was Frances Davidson, the horticulturist at the Biedenharn Museum.  She spoke on the effective use of color in the landscape.  My favorite piece of information from Frances was how to plant an pot for you porch.  She recommends using "one thriller, three fillers, and three spillers". Here are some pictures I found on Pinterest to show you.

 

 

The final speaker of the day was Dan Gill.  He is an associate professor of consumer horticulture with the LSU AgCenter, garden columnist for the Times-Picayune, and author of many books about gardening.  He was a wonderful speaker and gave an informative and humorous presentation about low maintenance gardening.  I rely on one of his books, Gardening In Louisiana : Month-By-Month, What To Do Each Month To Have a Beautiful Garden All Year.  I keep it on my bedside table so that I can hear it whisper to me, "Get up woman, and get with it! Your garden is calling!!!"

 

 

When the seminar was over, guests could shop on their way out.  Aaron Jennings was there with his raw honey.

 

 

Bluebird houses were for sale.

 

 

Salsa and jellies from the OWL Center were available also.

 

It was a great seminar thanks to the hard work of each committee from decorations, door prizes, speakers, tickets, advertising, and more.  Now the Master Gardeners begin preparations for their spring plant sale.......

 

                                                          Love ya'll,

                                                                   Shelli