The GWA 2006 Annual Meeting Recordings
If you missed the meeting or if you were there, but overwhelmed with the
volume of incredibly useful information, you can now own these valuable tools!
William McDonough, Keynote Speaker
Sponsored by Longwood Gardens
William McDonough is an internationally renowned designer and a primary shaper of what he and his colleagues call “The Next Industrial Revolution.” He has set new standards for design quality, environmental sensitivity and functional effectiveness. His numerous honors include the Presidential Award for Sustainable Development, the nation’s highest environmental honor and Time magazine “Hero of the Planet.” He is coauthor of the best seller Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. Moderator: Jeff Lowenfels, Close to Infinity and GWA Fellow.
Gardening with Native Plants
Native plants are a natural, cost effective, and sustainable landscape solution. Our dynamic panelists will share their enthusiasm for using native plants in the garden. Panelists: Miriam Goldberger, Wildflower Farm; Natalia Hamill, Free-lance Writer; Dale Hendricks, North Creek Nurseries. Moderator: Nancy Beaubaire, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve.
Build Your Own Personal Website
The panel will discuss an overview of personal website development including what’s involved in creating an effective website, planning a website, page design, website promotion and web development software. This presentation is an introduction to website design and will not address in-depth technical aspects and using specific software. Panelists: Janet Davis, beautifulbotany.com and Donna Dawson, ICanGarden.com. Moderator/Panelist: Veronica Sliva, Sliva Communications.
Greenhouse and Indoor Gardening
One of the “hottest” trends in gardening is the growth in greenhouses and other gardening season extenders. This panel will share advice on growing exotic plants and flowers in greenhouses and cold frames. Learn what to consider when gardening in a greenhouse and the basic principles for success. The panel will also share their recommendations for growing tips and the kinds of plants that do well indoors, in greenhouses and under cold frames. Panelists: Joe Sable, Cantigny Foundation; Michelle Moore, The Greenhouse Catalog/Solexx Greenhouses; Byron Martin, Logee’s; Charley Yaw, Charley’s Greenhouse and Garden. Moderator: Randy Schultz, Schultz Communications & Mailorder Gardening Association.

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Who are the Next Generation of Gardeners?
Cultivating New Gardeners
In the “good old days,” kids were introduced to the joys of gardening by their parents or grandparents, but any people in Generation X and Y never had a gardening mentor. How can we convince those people to take up a hobby that they know little or nothing about? Our panel of experts will share stories and case studies that reveal the things that new gardeners want to know and how we can best communicate the benefits of gardening to these “newbies.” Panelists: Beth Kephart, youth garden writing workshop leader; Karen Park Jennings, Wayside Gardens/Park Seed; Sara Begg, Horticulture magazine; George Ball, Burpee Seed Co. Moderator: Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, president, Mailorder Gardening Association.

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Silver Plants in the Landscape
Silvers are beautiful plants that bring a magical dimension to our landscape. Jo Ann Gardner and Karen Bussolini, coauthors of Elegant Silvers: Striking Plants for Every Garden, share their knowledge about growing and designing with silvers for sun and shade, drought tolerance, low maintenance and deer resistance. Presenters: Jo Ann Gardner & Karen Bussolini. Moderator: Debra Prinzing, GWA National Director Region VI.
How to Successfully Collaborate on a Project
and Still be on Speaking Terms When it’s Over!
Adam and Rob have been collaborating on magazine articles and books for five years. They will share their expertise as a writer/photographer team. Their presentation will reveal their experiences on who gets paid what and tips about other contractual issues, how to approach editors and dealing with critical interpersonal issues. Presenters: Adam Levine & Rob Cardillo. Moderator: Darrell Trout, GWA National Director Region 1.
What’s Really in that Mulch?
The New Mulch Certification Program
In the only state to study consumer mulch, a recent report documented 11%-14% contained high levels of arsenic. No government agency regulates arsenic in mulch. Hear how the garden mulch and soil industry is responding to this consumer threat, and what garden writers need to know. Steve Jarahian, president of the Mulch & Soil Council, will explain how public concerns over potential contamination of wood mulches is both justified and alleviated.
Magazine Queries 101: Writers Panel
New and experienced writers can learn much about the business of writing for magazines, submitting queries, tracking responses and planning future work. This panel of seasoned magazine writers will share experiences, ideas and suggestions of what works and what doesn’t. Presenters: Debra Prinzing, freelance author; Larry Hodgson, Horticom, Inc; & Barbara Pleasant, freelance author. Moderator: Ann McCormick, Herb ‘n Cowgirl.
The Outdoor Room: Landscaping for Lifestyle
The art and practice of landscape design will be presented by one of the industry’s leading designers. Joanne is known for connecting the elements of design with the lifestyles of her clients. This illustrated presentation will showcase several projects that reflect a growing trend toward outdoor living. Presenter: Joanne Kostecky, Joanne Kostecky Garden Design, Inc. Moderator: Kirk Brown, GWA National Director Region II.
Surfing and “Googling” for Gardening Story Ideas on the Web
The web is the new gathering place for swapping stories and trading information. Learn from webmasters and Web surfers how to “mine” a wide variety of Websites, ranging from garden catalog sites to gardening forums and blogs, to find interesting new angles for your gardening stories. Find out what gardeners want to know more about and learn how garden Websites can be the “launching pad” for story ideas. Panelists: Donna Dawson, ICanGarden. com; Ava Salman, High Country Gardens; Kathy LaLiberte, Gardener’s Supply Co.; Debbie Van Bourgondien, Van Bourgondien. Moderator: Randy Schultz, Schultz Communications, Mailorder Gardening Association.

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Flash Sessions
Moderator: Linda Askey, GWA National Director Region IV
• Garden Tips and Time-Savers: For all those that scratch in the dirt, here are some great time-saving tips for all facets of the garden. From pre-starting alliums to planting seed in recycled containers and a new use for a discarded two-wheeled golf cart, Garden Tips and Time-Savers is full of useful and practical ideas. Presenter: Walter Chandoha, Chandoha Photography.

• Destination Helleborus: Hellebores have become one of America’s favorite shade perennials. Barry, a noted plant breeder and creator of Helleborus x hybridus ‘Sunshine Selections’ and self proclaimed “King of Helleborus” will present an educating and entertaining tour of this genus from hybridizing to propagation. Presenter: Barry Glick, Sunshine Farm and Gardens.

• How Cold is It? The Value and Vexation of Plant Hardiness Zones: Can hardiness zones be trusted? What are the pluses/minuses of the existing hardiness maps? Learn what contributes to plant hardiness and where garden writers can find reliable information on plant hardiness. Presenter: Nancy Rose, University of Minnesota Extension Service.
An Adventure in Self Publishing
What are the pros and cons of self publishing?
Here’s a self-publishing road map based on the experiences of a best-selling author. Self publishing is a viable option, especially for non-fiction writers. Find out why this alternative route is becoming increasingly popular. Presenter: Margaret Cadwaladr. Moderator: Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, Jemstone Communications.
Containers for the Collector
Container gardening is enjoyed by novices and true gardeners alike. Many container gardeners are long-term collectors and plant nerds. All kinds of species can be used in masterful combinations. Presenter: Rita Randolph, Randolph’s Greenhouses. Moderator: Denny Schrock, GWA National Director Region V.
Publishing a Book Without Breaking Your Heart or Selling Your Soul
Hear practical advice about selling a book idea, working with an editor and marketing yourself. Follow the formula to successful publication: proposal, manuscript, revision, publicity and marketing. Presenter: Margot Rochester.