This year’s theme is ” If you need me, I’ll be in the garden.”
The Conference will be held at the First Christian Church located 1920 Beaumont St. Jacksonville, TX on 22 March. Registration starts at noon.
We are pleased to announce that our speakers for this year will be Mr. Greg Grant, Horticulture, Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and Mr. Michael Johnson, U.S. General Manager for David Austin Roses.
Cost per person is $20.00. There will be food, vendors, silent auction items, raffles, and something new and exciting this year–4 different mini-talks. So, during the breaks, while you are enjoying some of the finger foods, and visiting with the vendors you will also have an opportunity to listen to one these talks. Each talk will be approximately 15 minutes.
“This was a fantastic conference” ” I learned so much” “The speakers were outstanding” ” I come every year, and I am never disappointed…the food is always delicious and plentiful” “This year’s giveaways were awesome–I loved the Jacksonville mugs and shirts” “Thank you for putting this on”
These were just a few of the comments from the 65 attendees. Educating the community is one of the main goals for master gardeners. New this year we offered four mini-educational talks provided by CCMGA members: Nancy Acker, talked about traditional uses of Herbs, Jenifer Babyak provided information about Bees, Donna Kropp discussed Mental Health & Gardening and Patti Perron provided information and an update on our initiative of adding a Monarch Waystation to our Demonstration Garden. Overall, the comments were positive, these 15-minute talks allowed attendees to walk around with their food, and it left time to check out the vendors and also the silent auction items.
Mr. Greg Grant, Smith County Horticulture Agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service spoke on “Pocket Prairies” which was “captivating” ” I could listen to him all day” “he is a natural teacher” ” I read all of his articles” ” thank you for having him as a speaker.” These were just a few of the comments from those who attended.
Who doesn’t love roses??? Mr. Michael Johnson, U. S. General Manager for David Austin Roses took everyone’s breath away with the lovely rose bushes and gift certificates he brought. He described some of the history and his involvement in the English-based David Austin Roses organization. After his presentation he invited everyone to stop by, anytime, at their newly renovated David Austin Roses building in Tyler.
Mark your calendar now for our 2026 Spring Conference which will be held on 14 March, same location and same time. Look forward to seeing you again and bring a friend.