On March 18, 2008, the GWA Co-hosted the 4th Annual Garden Writers Web Conference sponsored by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. This year's discussion was on Water, Lawns and the Environment.

A finite natural resource, water is a vital element to all plant life, such as lawns and gardens.  According to the 2007 Summer Gardening Trends Research Report of the GWA Foundation, 3 out of 4 households in America have a lawn or garden. For the years spanning 2005 to 2007, 30%-40% of consumers reported they had no plan for water conservation. This year’s teleconference explores the relationship between water and green spaces, and how homeowners can maintain a healthy lawn and garden, while protecting and saving our water resources.

Representing the GWA and moderator of the Web conference was Joe Lamp’l, Scripps Howard Writer, Founder of joegardener.com, Host on the DIY Network and of PBS’ “GardenSMART,” and Garden Writers Association Member. Our panel of experts included:

John Cisar, Professor of Environmental Horticulture and Turfgrass Program Coordinator, University of Florida
Calvin Finch, Director of Water Resources, San Antonio Water System
Todd Forrest, Vice President for Horticulture and Living Collections, The New York Botanical Garden
Rich Martinez, Vice President of Sustainability, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

We thank our distinguished panelists for sharing their expertise in order that we might better understand the issues and solutions. We also thank the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company for thier generous sponsorship and support for the 4th Annual Garden Writers Web Conference.

To hear the full presentations and view the program slides of the entire panel, click here