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WELCOME

REGISTRATION RATES

Addresses for 2014 Master Gardener

College

Friday Location: University Club

3435 Forest Road, Lansing, MI 48910

Saturday Location:

Business College Complex

632 Bogue Street East Lansing, MI 48824

Registration is now open for the 2014 Master Gardener College! This year’s event features exciting full day tours and hands-on workshops on Friday followed by a delicious dinner at the University Club in East Lansing. Saturday features two entertaining and educational keynote speakers , as well as eighteen exciting sessions to choose from in order to feed your mind with science-based gardening knowledge. This two-day event has been designed for you. Whether you’re a new Master Gardener or an Advanced Master Gardener, you’re certain to find opportunities that pique your interest and enhance your gardening knowledge! And, of course, there will be plenty of buying opportunities! Participants can also obtain education recertification hours for participating. This event is filled with lots of opportunities to learn and share information with other volunteers. Come hear the latest information and meet new Master Gardener friends from around the state. We look forward to seeing you in East Lansing!

Full Conference with Tour

With Friday Dinner $200 (2014 Recertified MG / Trainee - $175)

Without Friday Dinner $185 (2014 Recertified MG / Trainee - $160)

Full Conference with Workshop

With Friday Dinner $175 (2014 Recertified MG / Trainee - $155)

Without Friday Dinner $160 (2014 Recertified MG / Trainee - $140)

Friday full-day tour $95 (2014 Recertified MG / Trainee - $85)

Friday workshop $65 (2014 Recertified MG / Trainee - $50)

Saturday Only $115 (2014 Recertified MG / Trainee - $100)

Friday Dinner $30 (2014 Recertified MG / Trainee - $20)

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2014 MASTER GARDENER COLLEGE EDUCATION

HOURS

Friday Tours 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 8 education hours

Friday Workshops 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. 4 education hours

Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 8.5 education hours

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SCHEDULE - FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

7:30-8:30 a.m. Registration

8:30-8:45 a.m. Welcome and Orientation for Tours

8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tours

Bees, Blooms and Brew

Growing Excitement at MSU!

Plants, Plants and More Plants: The Rare Beauties of Nature’s Palette

Where the Wild Ones Are

12:30 p.m. Registration and Orientation for Workshops

12:45-4:30 p.m. Friday Workshops

Demystifying Pruning

Practical Entomology

The Art of Plant Placement: Designing the Perfect Landscape

The Real BUZZ on Beekeeping

The Wonderful World of Science!

5:00 p.m. Social Time - Networking

5:30 p.m. Dinner at the University Club

SCHEDULE - SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014

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7:30-8:30 a.m. Registration and Garden Marketplace Open

8:30-8:45 a.m. Welcome

8:45-9:45 a.m. OPENING KEYNOTE: Foodscaping...A Growing Revolution

Charlie Nardozzi

9:45-10:15 a.m. BREAK - Garden Marketplace Open

10:15-11:30 a.m. SESSION I

Bringing New Plants to the Market John Gaydos

Emerging Risks: Exotic Pests on the Horizon John Bedford

Growing Berries in Backyard Gardens Dr. Eric Hanson

Intensive Vegetable Gardening Charlie Nardozzi

The Art & Science of Diagnosing Landscape Problems Bob Bricault

The New MSU Soil Test Report John Dahl

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SCHEDULE - SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014

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11:30-12:40 a.m. Lunch and Garden Marketplace Open

12:45-1:45 p.m. KEYNOTE: Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener...Saving those Perfect Plants! Joseph Tychonievich

1:45-2:00 p.m. BREAK - Garden Marketplace Open

2:00-3:15 p.m. SESSION II

Genetic Engineering Joseph Tychonievich

Honey Bees: Health and Vitality Dr. Walter Pett

The History, Uses and Production of Hops for Backyard Growers Diane Brown

Tips and Tricks for Growing the Best Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant and Potatoes! Dr. Ron Goldy

Vegetable Diagnostics...Pests, Pathogens and Physiological Problems Gretchen Voyle

What is Smart Gardening Rebecca Finneran

3:15-3:30 p.m. BREAK - Garden Marketplace Open

3:30-4:30 p.m. SESSION III

Designing a New Kitchen Garden Connie Hanson

MSU Entomology Research Update Drs. Dave Smitley and Matt Grieshop, MSU Entomology Specialists

Native Trees and Shrubs with Bling! Mary Wilson

Smart Flower Borders to Attract Beneficial Insects Rebecca Krans

Stunning Container Gardens Ian Warnock

The Doctor is in to Solve Your Vegetable Gardening Questions Dr. Ron Goldy

4:40-5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks

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2014 KEYNOTE EXCITEMENT - SATURDAY Charlie Nardozzi

Foodscaping...A Growing Revolution Foodscaping or edible landscaping is a growing revolution! Almost a third of American households now do some kind of food gardening. While everyone wants to grow their own food, many are unwilling to give up precious yard space or have their yard, perceivably, look unruly. Join nationally recognized garden writer, speaker and media personality, Charlie Nardozzi, as he excites you with ways to integrate edible flowers, trees and shrubs into your yard. Charlie will share some of his top choices for the most attractive vegetables and techniques to have your yard looking beautiful summer and fall! Whether you want to save money, enhance the appearance of your landscape, or both, you’ll learn ways to incorporate “edible beauties” into your gardens.

Biography - Charlie Nardozzi is a nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, radio and television personality and has worked for 20+ years bringing expert gardening information to home gardeners. Charlie delights in making gardening information simple, easy, fun and accessible to everyone. His energy, exuberance, and love of the natural world also make him an exciting public speaker and presenter. Charlie writes the Edible Landscaping micro-site bringing timely information to vegetable, fruit, and herb gardeners. Charlie co-hosts “In the Garden” tips on his local CBS affiliate television station (WCAX-Channel 3), a weekly, call-in radio show on WJOY-1230AM and the Vermont Garden Journal on Vermont Public Radio. Charlie has written for national magazines such as Organic Gardening and contributed to many of the “Gardening for Dummies” titles, authoring Urban Gardening for Dummies in 2013 and Vegetable Gardening For Dummies in 2009. He also authored the Ultimate Gardener (2009) which highlights heart-warming stories about the trials and tribulations of gardening, Northeast Fruit and Vegetable Gardening (2012) and the Vegetable Gardener’s Journal (2014). He also contributed to other book project ssuch as Vegetables from an Italian Garden (Phaidon Press, 2011).

Joseph Tychonievich

Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener...Saving those Perfect Plants! It’s the holy grail of gardening: a plant that perfectly matches your tastes and the conditions in your garden!! The hitch? You’re not likely to find it at your local garden center. You’re going to have to create it yourself, but don’t worry—it isn’t hard! Join skilled geneticist, author, nursery manager and popular speaker, Joseph Tychonievich to learn the ins and outs of genetics; how to pick the best parent plants; how to cross-pollinate; the best techniques to use for popular vegetables and flowers; and how to harvest and store seeds. Joseph has the ability to break down technical jargon and present things in a way that's not only fascinating, but also simple enough that you won’t need a degree in horticulture to understand it. Learn how plant breeding is easy, practical, and most importantly, crazy amounts of fun. In no time at all, you’ll

be producing a tomato perfect for your palette, a pepper with just the right amount of heat, or a more fragrant rose!

Biography - Plants and gardening are seemingly in Joseph’s blood, as he asked for plants and seeds for his birthday from the time he was a very small child. Since then, Joseph has studied horticulture, plant breeding and genetics at Ohio State University and Michigan State University. He’s also worked at Shibamichi Honten Nursery in Japan; been a repeated guest on public radio's food show The Splendid Table; written a book, Plant Breeding for the Home Gardener (Timber Press, 2013); and recently launched a podcast, Grow All the Plants. In 2013, Joseph was named by Organic Gardening Magazine as one of "...six young horticulturalists who are helping to shape how America gardens." Joseph currently lives and gardens in Michigan where he works at Arrowhead Alpines Rare Plants Nursery and is writing his second book, tentatively titled, Rock Garden Nation, to be released in 2015.

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Choose to attend one of four exciting full-day tours. The tours will depart the University Club at 8:45 a.m. and will return at approximately 4:30 p.m. Workshops will be held rain or shine. Each tour will be jam-packed with adventure and will enhance your gardening knowledge.

If you’re participating in one of the afternoon workshops, you will not be able to participate in these tours. They run concurrently.

Bees, Blooms and Brew Tour Captains: Diane Brown, Consumer Horticulture Educator and Carey Loveland, Advanced Master Gardener This tour begins in Owosso, at Everlastings in the Wildwood, a family-owned business specializing in unusual perennials, hybrid annuals and flowering nursery stock. They are best known for their assortment of unique plant combinations and unusual pots. Take the opportunity to tour the greenhouses and purchase plants. Redwood Lodge, our stop for lunch, is home of the award-winning Redwood Brewing Company, a 900-barrel brewpub located in Flint specializing in crafting traditional American and European styles of beer and ale. After a brief introduction to how beer is brewed, we’ll sit down to a delicious lunch. (A selection of craft brews will be available for purchase). After lunch, we’ll tour Heavenly Scent Herb Farm in Fenton where we will be surrounded with bright beautiful colors and stunning fragrances as we stroll through various themed gardens. Select from specialty herbs, perennials, scented geraniums, topiaries and trellising plants in the greenhouse. The shop, housed in a renovated 1910 barn, offers a variety of home decor items, candles, cement statuary, body care products, culinary spices and much more. Our final visit will be at Turtlebee and Honeytree Farm, set amid thirty acres of rolling woods and wildflowers in Howell. Learn about the many facets of beekeeping and the role of pollinators in vegetable and fruit production at this stop. The farm, owned and operated by Tim and Kathy Bennett and their family at the former Lutz estate, produces honey and offers pollination services for commercial orchards and home gardens. They also operate a CSA for farm raised beef, pork, lamb and chicken.

Growing Excitement at MSU! Tour Captains: Rebecca Krans, Consumer Horticulture Educator; Mary Wilson, Consumer Horticulture Educator; and Susan Gaul, Advanced Master Gardener Join this tour to experience the ‘Growing Excitement’ of horticulture research on the Michigan State University (MSU) campus. On this tour, we’ll see and ‘taste test’ fresh food produced and enjoyed on campus. Connect with the research projects that relate to our food and environmental sustainability. We’ll start at the Horticulture Teaching and Research Center and explore the high tunnel production of cherries and raspberries with Dr. Eric Hanson. From there, we will visit the Student Organic Farm and see what is happening with hoop house production of fresh vegetables supplied to CSA members. We’ll also discover what’s happening in vermiculture research with Dr. John Biernbaum. Enjoy a lunch featuring food grown on campus. After lunch, we’ll be joined by keynote speaker, Charlie Nardozzi, as we tour the Bailey Greenhouse and learn how Michigan State University is taking the lead in food cycling research. See how students are growing fresh greens and herbs to supply campus kitchens within Brody Complex and Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. Next, take an afternoon break at the MSU Dairy Store for some of MSU’s finest tasty treats! We will wrap up the excitement with a visit to the Plant and Soil Science and the Molecular Plant Science Building green roofs with Dr. Brad Rowe as he guides us through the research and future of green roofs.

2014 - FRIDAY’S EXCITING TOURS

“The glory of

gardening: hands

in the dirt [soil],

head in the sun,

heart with

nature. To nurture

a garden is to fee

not just the body,

but the soul.”

-Alfred Austin

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Plants, Plants and More Plants: The Rare Beauties of Nature’s Palette Tour Captains: Bob Bricault, Consumer Horticulture Educator; Carol Lenchek, Oakland County Master Gardener Coordinator; and Diane Brady, Advanced Master Gardener Rarely has a spring brought so much anticipation for gardeners after a long cold winter. The excitement of seeing the bright colors of spring flowers, the fragrance of lilacs and the numerous shades of green that provides the backdrop for nature’s palette. Join us on a tour of unique nurseries where the anticipation and excitement of spring comes to life. Our tour will take us to a variety of Michigan nurseries and growers known for rare and unusual plants including trees, dwarf conifers, ferns, perennials and woodland flowers. We will visit growers that specialize in native plants typical of Michigan woodlands, wetlands and prairies, as well as growers known for herbs, gourmet vegetables, daylilies, alpine plants, and hostas. Along the way we will meet growers that are experts at hybridizing, starting native plants from seeds, and pride themselves in growing unique plants.

Where the Wild Things Are Tour Captains: Rebecca Finneran, Consumer Horticulture Educator and Barb Near, Advanced Master Gardener This adventure will focus on native plant communities and illustrate how gardens are being used to lessen the impact of human intervention and construction. See real-life examples of how to be earth friendly and “smart” by implementing MSU research into garden design and everyday garden chores. At MSU’s Federal Credit Union, Dr. Robert Schutzki will show how native plants were used to obtain a platinum LEED certification for the 2011 building project. This attractive low maintenance landscape was designed to exist in harmony with its environment, needing limited amounts of fertilizers, pesticides and water. Next we head to The Michigan Wildflower Farm located in Portland. The mission of the farm is to provide the means to establish or restore a more natural landscape by providing seeds of Michigan genotype wildflower and grass species, as well as giving customers the best consulting, site preparation, installation and management services available. Native plant expert Esther Durnwald, owner of this premier native plant producer, will teach us how to incorporate “smart plants” into the home landscape. Close to Grand Rapids, we’ll explore MSU Extension’s award winning Grand Ideas Garden, where well-behaved native plants are artfully combined with a picturesque garden in an urban setting. You will have time to explore this garden gem, featuring a pond and waterfall along with a variety of annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs and trees; some familiar and some that are new to the market place. A newly designed rain garden that uses many natives and pollinators is sure to delight. Rebecca Finneran, the garden’s originator will present ideas for plants and design that are water smart, pest free and low input. If you love plants and garden design and are resolved to “green your garden” don’t miss this tour.

2014 - FRIDAY’S EXCITING TOURS (CONT.)

“A garden requires

patient labor and

attention. Plants do

not grow merely to

satisfy ambitions or

to fulfill good

intentions. They thrive

because someone

expanded effort on

them.”

-Liberty Hyde

Bailey

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Workshops will begin at the University Club at 12:30 p.m. You’ll be transported to the workshop location and returned to the University Club at approximately 4:30 p.m. Workshops will be held rain or shine. Each workshop is full of hands-on adventure and will enhance your gardening knowledge. If you’re going on one of the four full-day tours, you will not be able to participate in these workshops. They run concurrently.

The Art of Plant Placement: Designing the Perfect Landscape, Dr. Robert Schutzki, MSU Horticulture Specialist (Back by Popular Demand!) Landscape design is often described as an exercise in personal expression. How that expression unfolds reflects the owner’s personality, transforming ideas and expectations into physical reality. Led by landscape design expert, Dr. Robert Schutzki, this hands-on landscape design session explores elements of successful design including landscape bed development, plant selection and placement and conclude with hands-on experience in creating a design. Participants need to bring a ruler, pencil and circle template. Limit: 20 participants.

Practical Entomology, Amanda Lorenz, MSU Entomology Doctoral Student This interactive workshop will give a comprehensive introduction to entomology in the garden. In this session, you will learn how to identify common insects (friend or foe), tips for monitoring insects, insect phenology, and the role of gardening in the urban ecosystem. Limit: 20 participants.

Demystifying Pruning, Dan Bulkowski, MSU Horticulture Demonstration Gardens Manager Pruning can be a simple task when the gardener is provided with research-based information and a little practice. Learn from knowledgeable instructor, Dan Bulkowski, as he guides you in the principles of pruning and the blending of art and science to enhance your landscape plants. This workshop includes lecture and discussion, followed by pruning demonstration and pruning by participants. Participants are requested to bring their favorite pruning tools and be prepared to be outside rain or shine. Limit: 15 participants.

The Real BUZZ on Beekeeping, Dr. Meghan Milbrath, Beekeeper and coordinator of the Northern Bee Network Do you want to increase pollination in your yard or garden? Have you ever thought about having a hive on your property or keeping bees yourself? Are you interested in what is happening to bees? This workshop will discuss bees and beekeeping, and will help you determine a level of bee involvement that is manageable and fun for you. This workshop will provide the background to help you make decisions and plans for many levels of beekeeping: understand the basic needs of bees; discuss the issues currently facing bees; determine what is needed to become a beekeeper; and how to help your local pollinators. Limit: 15 participants.

The Wonderful World of Science!!, Dr. Guo-Qing Song, Associate Director of the MSU Plant and Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center Watch as science comes to life before your eyes and see how the future world can be effected as a result of this state-of-the-art research lab. Spend the afternoon behind the scenes in the MSU Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center with associate director, Dr. Guo-Qing Song. This hi-tech, tissue culture lab is dedicated to the safe development of biotechnological advancements. During this intimate workshop, learn more about micro propagation, embryo rescue, genetic transformation, gene cloning and tissue culture. By working with the plant’s basic genetic material, scientists are making plants more useful and beneficial by increasing their resistance to pests and diseases, enhancing productivity and helping support a more sustainable agro-ecosystem. Limit: 12 participants.

2014 - FRIDAY’S EXCITING WORKSHOPS

“The glory of

gardening:

hands in the dirt

[soil], head in

the sun, heart

with

nature. To nur-

ture a garden is

to fee not just

the body, but the

soul.”

-Alfred Austin

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“My garden is my most

beautiful masterpiece.”

-Claude Monet

2014 - FRIDAY’S EXCITING SESSIONS

SESSION I 10:15-11:30 A.M.

Emerging Risks: Exotic Pests on the Horizon John Bedford, MDARD Pest Response Program Specialist There are a number of invasive forest pests that could have significant negative impacts on the ecology of Michigan if they were to become established. This session will introduce the top three invasive forest pests of concern in Michigan: Asian longhorned beetle, hemlock woolly adelgid and thousand cankers disease of black walnut. Learn the threat, current distribution, biology, signs and symptoms, I.D. of each pest and what Master Gardeners can do to help through proper sample collection, handling, submission and preferred reporting mechanisms. Quarantines relative to these pests will also be discussed.

The Art & Science of Diagnosing Landscape Problems Bob Bricault, MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator

What is wrong with my plants? Why won’t this tree grow? These are questions Master Gardeners are frequently asked. Diagnosing plant problems in the landscape is a skill that you can develop and one that will keep the inquisitive mind always challenged. Join Bob Bricault, MSU Extension Horticulture Educator for an advanced class on diagnosing landscape problems. We will use plant samples to educate Master Gardeners through the art and science of the diagnostic process.

The History, Uses and Production of Hops for Backyard Growers Diane Brown, MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator The increasing number of microbreweries in Michigan has spawned a tremendous interest in the local production of hops. If you thought that hops were only used for flavoring beer and ale, think again! This fascinating plant has a number of additional uses….some of which will surprise you! Learn about the history, uses and small scale production of hops, as well as how to dry them properly.

The New MSU Soil Test Report Jon Dahl, MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Lab Manager During this session Jon Dahl will teach you how and why soil testing is the first step in properly managing your garden’s health and the new, innovative MSU Home and Garden Soil Test Mailer. This session will cover the new exciting area of soil health and help you learn how to determine the ecosystem that exists under your feet. Jon will also cover the new, personalized online soil test reports at www.msusoiltest.com, some of the links associated with the results information, and any questions you may have about soil testing and interpreting results.

What is Smart Gardening? Rebecca Finneran, MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator From the buzz of pollinators to the roar of the mower, MSU Extension has been promoting “Smart Gardening” for homeowners and advanced gardeners alike. During this session we’ll look at real-life examples of how to be earth friendly and “smart” by implementing MSU research into everyday garden chores. If you love plants and garden design, but find yourself making resolutions to “green your garden,” don’t assume that all things beautiful must be put out to pasture. During Finneran’s presentation get ideas for plants and design that is water smart, pest free and low input.

Bringing New Plants to the Market John Gaydos, Director of Product Development & Promotion, Proven Winners From Breeder to the Gardener, follow the potential plant introductions from the

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breeders greenhouse through global trials, tissue culture initiation, stock establishments, plant evaluations and finally marketing decisions. John Gaydos brings more than 35 years of experience working in greenhouse production, new product development and variety testing.

The Doctor is In to Solve Your Vegetable Gardening Questions Dr. Ron Goldy, MSU Extension Commercial Horticulture Educator Back by popular demand, this workshop provides you with the opportunity to ask and discuss your more difficult vegetable gardening questions. The topics will be whatever you have on your mind. Dr. Goldy will lead a “Stump-the-chump” town hall-type format where he will do his best to address all of your “beyond the beginner” questions. Everyone attending this interactive, audience participating session is guaranteed to learn something they can use. Nothing is off limits!

Tips and Tricks for Growing the Best Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant and Potatoes! Dr. Ron Goldy, MSU Extension Commercial Horticulture Educator Solanaceous crops (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and potatoes) are some of the most widely planted garden crop species. Almost every garden, large or small, has at least one or two members of this family in it. However, they can be some of the most challenging crops to grow. Learn from Dr. Ron Goldy as he shares successful production techniques gained from his years of field research and work with vegetable producers.

Designing a New Kitchen Garden Connie Hanson, Owner of Grand Shire Farm, LLC You can have a very productive garden even if you have only a small area to work with! This presentation includes design ideas for raised beds, container gardening, companion planting, and information on vegetables and herbs that grow well in small spaces. Have an exciting edible garden outside your back door.

Growing Berries in Backyard Gardens Dr. Eric Hanson, MSU Horticulture Specialist There are many types of berry plants that fit well into landscapes and provide edible treats. We will discuss strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, blueberries, and some less common berry plants. Topics will include proper sites, variety choices, planting designs, as well as pest and disease management. You will learn which berry types are best suited to your conditions and which varieties work best in gardens and landscapes.

Smart Flower Borders to Attract Beneficial Insects Rebecca Krans, MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist Discover ways to develop a backyard habitat or insectary for beneficial insects like pollinators and predatory insects. Learn how to be a ‘smart gardener’ and create diversity within your home landscape that attracts and provides food and shelter for these valuable insects. Be able to identify some of these ‘good’ bugs and recognize signs of how they are helping to naturally control the ‘bad’ bugs that are present in your yard and garden. Learn what native flower species, along with other plants you need to have in your yard and garden to attract beneficials.

Intensive Vegetable Gardening Charlie Nardozzi, national garden writer, speaker, radio and television personality Gardeners with small yards or no yards at all want to grow some of their own vegetables but are limited by space. Learn about the best ways to grow veggies in small spaces with different types of raised beds, containers, and vertical gardens. We’ll cover variety selection, soils, fertilizers, intercropping, succession planting and pest management.

2014 - FRIDAY’S EXCITING SESSIONS (CONT.)

“To plant a garden

is to believe in

tomorrow.”

-Audrey Hepburn

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Genetic Engineering Joseph Tychonievich, Nursery Manager of Arrowhead Alpine Rare Plants Nursery, Author and Speaker What is genetic engineering and how does it work? This session will give you a clear take on the politically charged issue of genetic engineering and an insight into the origins of some commercial varieties. (Joseph won’t get into the political and ethical controversy surrounding the topic, but will simply provide information about what it is in a way everyone can understand so people can be more informed on this very important issue.)

Vegetable Diagnostics...Pests, Pathogens and Physiological Problems Gretchen Voyle, MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist More people are growing vegetables than ever before and this means more and more vegetable questions. Find out “who dun it” in the vegetable garden and how to prevent or hopefully fix the problem. This session will provide helpful information for any Master Gardeners growing vegetables or staffing the hotline.

Stunning Container Gardens Ian Warnock, Lead Horticulturist at Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park Anyone can make a container garden, but how can you make a stunning container garden? Ian Warnock will lead attendees through a riveting presentation on the ways to make superb container gardens. Starting with a discussion on the best soil mixes and how to make the perfect pot and use creative containers, Ian will also discuss the use of traditional plant palettes and unusual combinations. Learn Ian’s “Recipes from the Creative Container Cookbook” to make a really spectacular container garden.

Native Trees and Shrubs with Bling! Mary Wilson, MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator There are many reasons you might want native plants in your garden, yet a common perception is that they are drab and boring. Not so, as we’ll learn from Mary Wilson who will share some of her favorites, both native species and their cultivars, for a bright and colorful garden in various seasons. No longer the step-children of the plant world, but those with attitude and bling!

MSU Entomology Research Update Drs. Dave Smitley and Matt Grieshop, MSU Entomology Specialists Join this session to hear some of the exciting research being conducted by the MSU Entomology Department. Drs. Dave Smitley and Matt Grieshop are eager to share the latest on how to protect pollinators in the yard and garden as well as advancements in organic pest management. Learn the latest scientific information on neonicotinoid pesticides and bees, research on new (and effective) Japanese beetle traps, and more!

Honey Bees: Health and Vitality Dr. Walter Pett, MSU Entomology Specialist Approximately one-third of all food and beverages are made possible by pollination, mainly by honey bees. With the first report of Colony Collapse Disorder in 2006, honeybee vitality has garnered a lot of deserved attention and concern. Dr. Walter Pett is part of a team of MSU entomologists focused on honey bee health. Join Dr. Pett to hear an update on the honey bee population, health concerns (perceived and real), research being conducted and the role of Master Gardeners in the effort to help the honey bee population.

2014 - FRIDAY’S EXCITING SESSIONS (CONT.)

“The master of the

garden is the one who

waters it, trims the

branches, plants the

seeds, and pulls the

weeds. If you merely

stroll through the

garden you are but an

acolyte.”

-Vera Nazarian

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As a new treat to entice you this year, the Michigan Master Gardener Association, Inc. will be holding a raffle of some fabulous prizes. Come prepared to be wowed by fantastic donations and take your chance at winning!! Everyone will want to get in the spirit whether you win an item or not---it’s all for a good cause. A 50/50 raffle will also be held.

The association is currently seeking donations so put on your thinking caps and donate some loot. Ideas for items include: “coveted” plants (of course), gifts of service, trips to cool locations, a cottage get-a-way, jewelry, hand crafted items, bird feeders...the list of possibilities go on and on! If you have ideas, wish to donate items or have questions regarding the auction, contact the Michigan Master Gardener Association at michiganmastergardenerassn@gmail.com.

Be sure to order your commemorative Master Gardener College t-shirts during registration. The t-shirts are heavy-duty Jerzee’s t-shirts and are a 50/50 cotton/poly blend. The 2014 shirts will be lime and will include the Master Gardener College seal below. T-shirts ordered during registration can be picked up during check-in at Master Gardener College. T-shirts can also be ordered onsite for an additional cost of $6 per shirt for shipping and handling costs. Prices are as follows:

Sizes (Mens): Price:

Small - X Large $ 15

2X-3X Large $ 17

4X Large $ 20

Discounted lodging is available at several local facilities until May 20, 2014. To make reservations, call the numbers listed below and mention “Master Gardener College” to receive the discount. Additional lodging information is available on the Master Gardener website.

Candlewood Suites (517) 351-8181 - $95

Comfort Inn (517) 347-6690—$89

Holiday Inn Express 517)333-0300 $95

COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRTS

MMGA, INC RAFFLE

LODGING AND RATES

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SCHOLARSHIP

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center 517-432-3086 - $90

TownePlace Suites - East Lansing 517) 203-1000 $91

University Quality Inn (517) 351-1440 $90

Will you have to travel a great distance to partake in all that Master Gardener College has to offer? A scholarship fund is available to help offset the cost of your travel. In order to qualify for the scholarships, you must live more than 100 miles from Michigan State University. In addition, you must be a 2014 Recertified Master Gardener, and bring another Master Gardener with you to the conference. Preference will be given to recertified Master Gardeners who will be first time attendees at Master Gardener College. This scholarship fund was made possible through the recertification fee fund. More details on the scholarship are available on the Master Gardener College website.