Dear GMGA Membership, What a great way to begin the New Year with “A Learning Time for the Gardeners” conference in Athens. Thanks to Brenda Beckham and her dedicated committee for coordinating the conference in conjunction with Georgia Green Industry Assoc. And now we can look forward to “Flavors of Fall” in Marietta on Oct. 18. If you are near Raleigh, NC visit Plant Delights for their winter or summer open house so you will receive the full effect of Tony Avent’s lecture in Oct. www.plantdelights.com
Because of the drought last year, this season of gardening will provide opportunities to replace lost plants with exciting new ones. Gardening in adverse situations is not new to us. My dad was the horticulturist at Emory University for over 20 years. I was raised on a 100- acre farm in Fairburn, GA. part of which was an ornamental, evergreen nursery before automated irrigation or black plastic pots. After dad passed away, we sold what remained of the property to another master gardener. Small world! I enjoy sharing plants and ideas with my younger sisters who are also Master Gardeners. Dad would be proud of his girls.
When you receive this newsletter, spring will be here; my favorite time of year. I can’t wait to see what trillium has returned or even multiplied and am always surprised where a milkweed reseeds itself.
We all know Dr. Michael Dirr, have consulted his Manual of Woody Ornamentals and have enjoyed his enthusiastic plant auctions at our conferences. We learned with great sadness of the January death of his 31 year old daughter, Susy, after an inspiring battle with cystic fibrosis. Our hearts go out to the family. More information is available at www.uga.edu/gm/604/FeatDirr.html
I look forward to serving you this coming year and am always interested in your comments, suggestions or concerns. Don’t hesitate to contact me or any board member. We want to make this a great year for GMGA and with your help, we can.
Sharyn Altman President 2008 GMGA
Out of gardens grow fleeting flowers, but lasting friendships. ..Beverly Rose Hopper
