There's Nothing "Normal" About Climate – This talk will provide an overview of the factors that influence our climate, the nature of climate variability, some weather and climate myths, and an overview of climate change.

Derek Arndt – Associate State Climatologist, Oklahoma Climatological Survey.

Survivor Tree - The Survivor Tree, as it was named following the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, is a 90 year old American elm that now stands of as a symbol of hope and human resilience. Mark will discuss the significance of the tree and the state of the art system used to preserve it.

Mark Bays – State Urban Forester, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

 
And You Thought you Knew all about Flower Arranging (offered two times) - A guaranteed “good time”, this seminar will provide a fun and enlightening approach to current trends in floral design. Whether traditional or wacky, floral designs will be created that will provide a new appreciation for flowers and the artistic aspect of flower arranging.

Mark Erickson – Director of Marketing and Merchandising for the Oklahoma Flower Market Wholesale Florist in Oklahoma City. 

Selecting Elite Turfgrasses for Your Lawn - This presentation will prepare the attendee to select and find the best performing turfgrass for their individual lawn. Presentation will briefly review the major turfgrass species adapted to the region, fitting species to lawn site needs, how to use the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program website for locating elite performers tested in your climate zone, how to create your own custom turf blends and mixes, and understanding the legal seed label.

Dennis Martin – Professor & Turf Specialist with Oklahoma State University at Stillwater 

Problem Solving Plants for Today’s Landscapes - Tom will review several plant lines that PDSI have developed that are all aimed at improving the consumer’s success in the garden.  These include the Encore Azaleas®, The Southern Living® Plant collection and other improved plants that were developed by PDSI to solve problems in the garden.

Thomas D. (Tom) Meadows, Jr. – General Manager, PDSI.  

Ornamental Grasses for Unique Micro-Environments – Larry will discuss picking the right grass cultivar to deliver the type of sustainable effect we'd like to create with appropriate cultural characteristics that render extensive environmental modifications un-necessary.

Larry Ahrens – Executive V.P./Marketing of Greenleaf Nursery near Tahlequah, Oklahoma. 

Exploring Our Gardening Heritage – Immigrants and Native Americans:  Both played their part in building our nation and both have contributed greatly to the beauty of our Southern gardens.  The immigrants contributed diversity, and with it the fruits and flowers of many different cultural, economic and religious traditions.  New gardens were often simpler than those left behind due to the frontier conditions and priorities for food and shelter.  But gardens also served new arrivals as links to the life they left behind. 

 As we review our gardening heritage we find that many of the heirloom plants are truly "time tested" and are not only beautiful and historic but can endure droughts, floods, freezes and other stresses from nature.  Many of the design ideas have also stood the test of time and can help provide "sense of place" to our gardens.  As we explore some of the cultural contributions from our past we will see how they can be incorporated into gardens of today. 

Dr. William Welch - Extension Horticulturist, Texas A&M University. 

Where Do Your Flowers Come From? – From seed to flower, this presentation will address the breeding process of the flowers we plant in our landscapes today; how it is done and how it works to get new and improved varieties.

George Freas – Field Marketer, Ball Horticultural Co. 

Fabulous Foliage (offered two times) - You don't have to have flowers to have color in the garden.  Some of the most beautiful and durable plant combinations can be achieved from plants with exciting and attractive leaves.  We will take a look at both hardy and tender ornamental plants known more for their extraordinary foliage rather than their blooms.

Steve Owens – Owner, Bustani Plant Farm 

Insect Pests? Fight Back! Eat a Bug! Edible Insects – The rote mantra of most gardeners is this: "insects are the enemy."  Not so!  Come join us for a lively discussion on how insects can be an attribute...rather than a liability.

Neil Garrison - Naturalist at Martin Park Nature Center in Oklahoma City.  

Great Plants that Come From the Great Plains – Steve has made his way through the hills, woods, prairies and brambles searching for the best plants. This presentation will take a look at a number of unusual and drought tolerant plants from the Southern Great Plains that are suitable for the landscape. 

Steve Bieberich – Owner, Sunshine Nursery.  

New Varieties of Annuals and Perennials – George will share some the up and coming, new and improved varieties and cultivars that has caught his eye and have performed well in the yearly flower previews presented by breeders across North American and Europe. 

George Freas – Field Marketer, Ball Horticultural Co. 

Imported Fire Ants: What You Should Know (offered two times) – Discussion will include a brief history, health concerns, biology, control methods and update on USDA biological releases in Oklahoma. Fire ants are in Oklahoma and continue to spread throughout the state. There are many economic and health concerns with the presence of the ants, some concerns are real and others are exaggerated by the news media.

Wayne Smith – Area IPM Extension Educator, OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. 

Echinacea: The Wonder Weed – Echinacea species are native to the plains and Eastern North America and have a rich history with Native Americans. Extracts from the roots of some species are even used for medicinal purposes such as an antiviral agent and immune system builder. Most of us are familiar with the popular purple coneflower (E. purpurea), but several other species exist; and better yet, they hybridize easily so if you’ve seen one you still haven’t seen them all. Brian will share some history, background and show you what’s new in the world of Echinacea.

Brian Pirtle – TLC Florist and Greenhouses, Oklahoma City 

Attracting More Wild Birds to your Backyard - This program will address the four basic components of wildlife habitat...and how they can be incorporated into a typical backyard situation.  Emphasis will be placed on those techniques that can be accomplished on a minimal budget.

Neil Garrison - Naturalist at Martin Park Nature Center in Oklahoma City.  

Bug-Wiser: The Role of Biological Control in Landscape IPM (offered two times) – Know your beneficial insects in your landscape.

Ray Ridlen - Oklahoma County Extension Ag Educator and Coordinator for the Oklahoma County Master Gardener Program. 

All About Cannas – This presentation will address the cultural needs of cannas and introduce us to new and exciting canna varieties entering the market.

Dustin Snow – Fourth generation canna producer of Horn Canna Farm.  

Gardening Naked – Successful Gardening in a Public Space (offered two times) – The class will cover tips that can be used to improve and maintain community gardens or aid MG Groups considering starting a public garden.  Considerations such as signage, design, size of garden and audiences are important aspects when developing public spaces.  Bearing in mind these subjects can keep you and your garden from feeling overly exposed.

Samantha Snyder – Oklahoma County Extension Horticulture Educator 

Raingardens – Rain Gardens or bio-retention areas capture stormwater to keep stormwater from damaging landscapes and eroding soil. A rain garden is a landscaped area used to treat stormwater to reduce pollution runoff. Learn how to direct stormwater off the roof or surrounding property into a rain garden which is a depression or bowl that holds stormwater long enough for the water to infiltrate the soil. The size, depth and design of a rain garden depends on the amount of water that drains into the area. The plants are native and adapted plants for the area.

Dotty Woodson – Dotty Woodson is an Extension Program Specialist for water resources with Texas AgriLife Extension. 

How to Create the WOW!! Factor in Your Garden (offered two times) – If you’re tired of your yard looking rather plain and typical and want that WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! Factor....then you won't want to miss this one.  Chris Olsen will show you cool and unusual plants and flowers from shrubs to tropicals that you yourself can grow in your own garden.  These plants will add color, texture, and year round interest.  Besides just plants Chris will also show you great accessories such as chic patio furniture, fountains, and great planted containers that will spice up your landscape or patio.  Chris's philosophy is never follow but always lead.  This rule applies to his garden and now yours as well.

Chris Olsen – Manager, Botanica Gardens, Little Rock, AR. 

Hold it...hold it...now say "cheese"! – The presentation will introduce the audience to the OSU Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Lab and National Plant Diagnostic Network and their function in identifying plant pests and diseases for homeowner and commercial clients. The talk will also cover techniques for obtaining good digital images to use in diagnosing plant pests and diseases.

 Dr. Rick Grantham – Assistant Professor and Director of the Entomology and Plant Pathology Diagnostics Lab at OSU.  

Fruits in Your Backyard - This is a quick easy review of what we can successfully grow in our Oklahoma gardens. Sue categorizes fruit into groups that can be grown with little or no effort on up to the tricky ones, such as peaches. Come learn to put food on the table and in the jam pot by raising fruit that is possible in our variable climate.

Sue Gray – Tulsa County Extension Horticulture Educator 

Disgusting Lawns and Gardens and What to Do About Them - Sometimes our lawn, landscape and gardens can look absolutely remarkable, and at other times they can look downright disgusting!  Allan Storjohann will provide insight, advice and humor to help the audience endure when plants are going through tough times. No one is immune to times of dismay in the garden, and Allan knows you have heard how to turn things around, but come to this talk anyway so you can get his two cents worth of wisdom, derived from over twenty years of answering gardening questions on the radio and teaching classes at Oklahoma State University.  In addition to listing the most asked about plant questions on his show he will provide a concise formula for plant care that you can use to be a true Master Gardener!  

Allan Storjohann – Manager of the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. 

Beyond Hostas, Other Socially Acceptable Shade Perennials – Every gardener knows that Hostas equal shade.   See and learn what other perennials can be used in those shady nooks that will enhance the shady garden.
Russell Studebaker – Former Senior Horticulturist for Tulsa Parks Dept., garden writer, book author, frequent lecturer, garden columnist, teacher, and Garden Tour leader. 

New Crapemyrtle = Summer Show Off’s - Crapemyrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, are native to China.  In native populations, flowers are various pinks, lavenders and white and both new and old foliage is green. Since 1986 and using seeds from one parent plant, Carl has developed crapemyrtle with new flower and foliage colors.  From approx. 500,000 seedlings over 12 generations during the past 22 years only 8 plants have proven worthy of patenting.

Dr. Carl Whitcomb - President of Lacebark Inc., Consultant, Author, Researcher, and Lecturer. 

Hardscape Your Landscape – You've got the plant part down, but now you want to add some hardscape features to set your garden apart. Everything from lights to globes from bottles to art; there is something just right for your personal style and landscape setting!

Steve Dobbs – Horticulturist and Plant Operations Director University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. 

Salad All Winter – This is a fast paced presentation that will inspire gardeners to strive for fresh food on their table on a year-round basis. Sue will focus on salad crops that are freeze tolerant and easy to grow in the short dark days of winter. Cold frames and other season-extension devices will be shown.

Sue Gray - Tulsa County Extension Horticulture Educator 

Chickens and Gardens - A Peaceful Co-Egg-tence – It doesn't matter which came first; chickens or gardens.  Learn the easy management and joys of having a small backyard flock in an urban setting.  Assisted by Miss Fluffy, Russell's Silkie bantam hen in her full wardrobe.

Russell Studebaker – Former Senior Horticulturist for Tulsa Parks Dept., garden writer, book author, frequent lecturer, garden columnist, teacher, and Garden Tour leader. 

Rainwater Harvesting – Harvesting rainwater controls stormwater damage and stores water for landscape or indoor use. This ancient technique of storing water is becoming popular as the price of municipal water increases and municipal water is restricted for landscape use. Rainwater harvesting is an option for irrigating landscapes, lawns and gardens. Learn how to calculate how much water you can capture, store and how to set up a rainwater harvesting system. Learn how to use captured rainwater in the landscape.

Dotty Woodson – – Dotty Woodson is an Extension Program Specialist for water resources with Texas AgriLife Extension. 

Earth Friendly Fertilizer for Your Castle – The different and current fertilizing issues from the Garden to the Turf will be discussed and a synopsis of using Earth Friendly verses Non-Earth Friendly Fertilizers technology for your Castle will be presented.

Cecil Johns – Manager of Technical and Visual Training Materials, Scotts Training Institute 

How Master Gardeners Can Respond to Natural Disasters: A Mississippi Hurricane Relief Program – During times of natural disasters communities rely on many government agencies to provide aid. Also involved are many volunteer groups. One group of volunteers that responded to the devastating hurricanes that hit Mississippi in 2005 was the Master Gardeners. This program will provide information on how the relief efforts were organized in the hope that other states might be able to use this model should volunteers need to be mobilized in response to disasters in their own states.

Dr. Lelia Kelly – Associate Extension Professor, Consumer Horticulture Specialist, North Mississippi Research & Extension Center
 

The A, B, C’s of Pruning – Learn the ABC's of pruning – knowing why, when and how to prune landscape plants to get the most enjoyment from them.

Janet Carson – Janet is an Extension Horticulture Specialist at the State office of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in Little Rock and Coordinator of the Arkansas MG Program. 

Growing a Better Tomorrow Today with Environmentally Beneficial Technology – Discussion of grass seed technologies such as new varieties of seed, new turf grass characteristics and seed treatment technologies designed to save water, increase nutrient uptake and produce thicker, healthier stands of turf grass for the home lawn available to consumers today.

John Carpenter– National Sales Manager, Seed Production Division, Pennington Seed, Inc. 

eXtension Gardens, Lawns & Landscapes:  Using Extension Master Gardeners to Respond Locally and Specifically to User's Questions – The eXtension Garden, Lawns & Landscapes Web site (www.extension.org) brings together the best home horticulture Extension information from across the county. Information is provided in several ways:  a resource area, news and features, an answers section, and also provided is a calendar of events.  The answers section includes a searchable frequently asked questions database and an Ask an Expert feature that allows users to submit questions to the system with answers returned by email.  This presentation will explain how Extension Master Gardeners are being used as responders for the Ask an Expert feature in eXtension's Garden, Lawns & Landscapes Web site.

Dr. Rick Durham – Associate Extension Professor, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky 

It’s a Bug Eat Bug World – It’s time to call a truce with the insect pests in our gardens and let them fight it out for themselves!  Nature provides the perfect answer for pesky plant feeders in the sleek and stealthy form of insect predators.  We will look at simple, practical ways to invite insect predators into our gardens to control pests naturally, a practice called biological control.  We will also learn about biological control research conducted by Master Gardener Volunteers in their very own vegetable and flower gardens.

Kimberly Rebek – Assistant Extension Specialist at Oklahoma State University and host of the public television program Oklahoma Gardening.

Mature Gardens, Mature Gardeners - Gardens are dynamic and ever-changing as are the gardeners who tend them. As each matures, so does the relationship between environment and body and gardeners must learn and practice ways to evolve harmoniously. While many people derive great pleasure from working in the garden, they do not enjoy the aches, pains and blisters that sneak up on them the next day. Ergonomic garden tools and healthy gardening practices will lessen your discomfort and increase your safety. Bob Souvestre, LSU AgCenter horticulturist, will present gardening and lifestyle skills to help you adapt to your changing environment.

Robert Souvestre – Extension horticulturist with the LSU AgCenter and the MG State Coordinator for Louisiana.

*Topics and Speakers subject to change.