Friday, May 5 -- Day One of the Tennessee Conference
The Tennessee Master Gardener Conference kicked off on Thursday night with a reception hosted by the Extension Homemakers at the pre-Civil War Smith-Trahern Mansion. The wonderfully prepared food was served in great style and accompanied by hammered dulcimer music.

We registered at the Jaycee Building on Friday morning amid great excitement over seeing fellow Master Gardeners we'd met at previous conferences, delivering Cuban Oregano for the Plant Swap, eying Silent Auction goodies and scooping up a bite of breakfast, to boot.

Conference leaders reported that there were 106 paid registrations for the weekend meetings. Davidson County was well represented by a baker's dozen of our members and their guests. Our President and 1st Vice President made it just in time to hear the keynote speakers despite a harrowing road trip involving a breakdown on the highway and several good Samaritans.

Volunteer Gardeners Malcom and Mary Rust spoke of their experiences over the years visiting gardens to tape their TV show. Many of those gardens belonged to Master Gardeners. Using The Volunteer Gardener show to educate, entertain, inspire and create memories, Malcom noted what's important is to have integrity and to have fun.

Breaks were filled with food, plant swapping and bidding on Silent Auction items.

Dr. Edward Chester's delightful talk and slide show on "My Life with the Wild Bunch" gave insight into why gardeners cultivate things by looking at the wild plants of Tennessee and Kentucky. By reminding us every plant or its ancestor once grew wild, Dr. Chester urged gardeners not to forget their heritage.

Next Page >>>

Home | Who Are We | Speakers Bureau | Membership | Projects | Calendar | Zone 6 | Links
Agricultural Extension Service | Department List | Metro Home Page