Kathy Berryhill
Creek County Master Gardener
The 2023 International Master Gardener Conference was held June 18-24 in Overland Park, Kansas. Over 1000 gardeners attended the conference, including 7 Creek County Master Gardeners. Kathy Berryhill, Kathleen Curran, Mary Ferem, Karen Gibbons, Betty Puckett and Paula Strain each attended 4 keynote sessions and 8 breakout sessions on a wide variety of topics that focused on celebrating, educating, and growing for the future of gardening.
A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Overland Park Arboretum. These beautiful gardens included over 1700 plant species in a variety of landscapes. The Monet Garden was planned to provide many peaceful shade vistas and it did not disappoint. Especially notable was the beautiful use of color, plant texture and varying height throughout each section.
Keynote speaker Abra Lee, an American horticulturist, discussed the impact of Black gardening history. Many of her stories included references to Oklahomans. She provided examples of how gardeners conquer the soil through song, spirit and strength.
Much of the conference was focused on ways that gardeners can contribute to soil health and pollinators’ protection. Increasing soil health was stressed and adopting a “no till” procedure in gardens and fields shows promising results. Not tilling reduces erosion significantly and prevents the disturbance of microbial communities. The use of cover crops, crop rotation, native plants and plant diversity are also beneficial.
Several sessions focused on the use of social media to increase participation in the Master Gardener program. Many clubs utilize online training videos effectively, which can help reach more participants.
MG Karen Gibbons said, “The conference covered a wide variety of topics related to gardening and the state of our environment. We were provided with factual information on how many of our native plants, birds, and insects are diminishing due to the misuse of our land and the overuse of pesticides. I’ll be one more person trying to make a difference to reduce this loss.”
“The topics of the classes were so varied, unique and pertinent to all who are currently gardening in a changing climate. I’m excited to share my new knowledge with my community,” said Kathleen Curran.
Master Gardeners are a lot like the plants we tend. We both have a continual thirst. Plants thirst for water, while gardeners thirst for knowledge.
The Master Gardener program is based on the dissemination of gardening knowledge to the public. Those attending IMGC felt strongly that conferences of this high quality bring a unique opportunity to learn from the experience of other gardeners.
