2021 State Master Gardener Volunteer Continued Training Conference
Welcome
On behalf of the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer program and the MGV state conference committee it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2021 State Master Gardener Volunteer conference. This is going to be a great learning event with something for all Florida Master Gardeners Volunteers. The planning committee has done an excellent job to bring you presenters that will fully engage you in advanced topics and updates on important issues. We know that it is a little disappointing to not be together in person, but holding a virtual conference will make the material and the experience available to a much larger group.
We have UF/IFAS experts ready to present on horticultural topics that you have requested. You will hear from new specialists, exciting agent experts, and some of our very favorite presenters.
There will be opportunities for education, inspiration, and sharing of ideas. We'll also be honoring special volunteers for their years of service and Awards of Excellence.
Wendy Wilber
State Master Gardener Coordinator
UF/IFAS Extension
Gainesville, FL
About the Conference
The 37th Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Continued Training Conference was held October 19-21, 2021 on Zoom.
The Awards Program was held Tuesday, October 19 from 5:30-7:30 pm and was free and open to the public.
The Continued Training Conference began Wednesday, October 20 and continued Thursday, October 21, and is available to active Florida Master Gardener Volunteers and Volunteers in training. Registration is $40 and includes a swag bag! Only those who register by October 1 will receive a swag bag. You can continue registering from October 2-17 but will not receive a swag bag.
Keynote Speakers
Abra Lee
Wednesday – "The Great American Garden Road Trip"
Abra Lee is a national speaker, writer, and founder of Conquer the Soil, a community dedicated to celebrating the history, art, and culture of horticulture! She has spent a whole lotta time in the dirt as a municipal arborist, extension agent, airport landscape manager, and more. Lee is a graduate of Auburn University College of Agriculture and an alumna of the Longwood Gardens Society of Fellows, a global network of public horticulture professionals. More
Dr. Rick Schoellhorn
Thursday – "New News is Good News"
Dr. Rick Schoellhorn is a retired plant lover who has worked in both industry and academia in his career, but has always focused on new plants and new plant introductions. He has toured the globe collecting plants and consulting with growers. Rick has been the Director of New Products for Proven Winners and a professor at the University of Florida. He is the co-author of "Your Florida Guide to Perennials" with Dr. Sydney Park-Brown. More
Conference Schedule
Tuesday, October 19th
Online Plant ID Contest — Registrants should check their agendas for a link to the contest.
Tuesday Evening, October 19th
Awards presentations and happy hour. All nominees are welcome to attend; please register for this free event separately.
Online Live Auction
Wednesday, October 20th Via Zoom
| Time | Presentation | Presenter |
|---|---|---|
| 9:45-11 a.m. | Opening Remarks and Keynote Speaker Abra Lee "The Great American Garden Road Trip " Bio and description |
|
| 11 - 11:45 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions | |
| Top Flowering Shrubs and Vines for Florida | Stephen Brown | |
| Protecting Florida's Waters | Drs. Lisa Krimsky and Andrea Albertin | |
| Palms for Florida: Update Your Knowledge | Dr. Mica McMillan | |
| 11:45 a.m. - Noon | Break - Hallway Moments | |
| Noon - 12:45 p.m. | Lunch Break with the IFAS Bookstore | |
| 1 - 2 p.m. | Super Session: Florida Natives for Your Landscape | Dr. Sandy Wilson |
| 2 - 3 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions | |
| Top Plant Diseases in the Landscape and Garden | Dr. Carrie Harmon | |
| Fragrant Plants for Florida | Marc Frank | |
| Tricky Situations for Invasive Plant Control: Old Foes, New Approaches | Dr. Stephen Enloe |
Thursday, October 21st Via Zoom
| Time | Presentation | Presenter |
|---|---|---|
| 9:45-11 a.m. | Keynote Speaker Rick Schoellhorn "New News is Good News" Bio and description |
|
| 11 - 11:45 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions | |
| Understanding Climate Change in Florida | Holly Abeels | |
| Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ with Edibles | Tia Silvasy | |
| Invasive Wildlife Species We All Have to Deal With | Dr. Bill Kern | |
| 11:45 a.m. - Noon | Break - Hallway Moments | |
| Noon - 12:45 p.m. | Lunch Break with the IFAS Bookstore | |
| 1 - 2 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions | |
| New Cultivar Releases from the University of Florida | John Beuttenmuller from the Florida Foundation Seed Producers | |
| Understanding Soil Health (The Rhizosphere) | Dr. Chris Wilson | |
| Groundcovers as Lawn and Other FFL Trends | Brooke Moffis | |
| 2 - 3 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions | |
| Witches Brews and Old Wives Tales: Debunking Garden Myths | Kaydie McCormick | |
| Landscape Pests You Need to Know | Dr. Adam Dale | |
| Wildflower Conservation Success | Mary Salinas and Suzanne Spencer |
