Fifty-four avid gardeners from around Ohio attended a day-long Plant Health Care Workshop hosted by the Greene County Master Gardeners at the Greene County OSU Extension Office on June 5, 2008.

Dr. Roger Funk, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Davey Tree Expert Company and an internationally recognized authority on tree, lawn and landscape care, presented his holistic approach to plant selection, planting and maintenance.

Dr. Funk began with a discussion of the soil-air-continuum, explaining, "insects and disease are often not the problem, but can be indicative of another problem--often soil."  As to air, he pointed out that our atmosphere's levels of carbon dioxide are increasing and impacting plant growth rates.  "As carbon dioxide levels continue to rise, we can expect to see changes in our ecosystem, including increases in some pest populations," he noted.

Trumbull County Master Gardener Volunteers are sowing seeds of change by teaching local food bank participants how to grow their own food.

MGV Glen Smith, Interns Diana Isenberg and Donna Hall recently helped County Coordinator Steve Hudkins teach 20 people how to grow vegetables in containers.

With Burpee-donated seeds, soil from Warren City's Nature Blend plant, containers donated by Trumbull MGVs and starter plants provided by St. Mark's Lutheran Church (home of the food bank), Hudkins and his MGVs demonstrated the proper way to plant and care for seeds and transplants.

Hardin County Master Gardeners added to their knowledge and expertise at their summer training event in June.  The volunteers visited Monte Siekerman's beautiful 5.5 acre garden and retreat center near Ada.  Allen County Extension Educator, Curtis Young walked with the volunteers through the gardens and discussed garden insect problems along the way.  The group enjoyed a large wildflower display, along with ornamental grasses, a pond, tree house, and many other features of the Siekerman garden.  A brief noon business meeting was held in the rustic but comfortable cabin at the site.

The Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Conference is coming quickly.  By now you've likely received your post card reminding you to mark your calendars for Oct. 3 and 4 for the Ohio State Master Gardener Conference.

The northeast region and Trumbull County, who are hosting this year's event, have promised a conference with innovative and fun-filled classes and tours. You won't want to miss this exciting event. It is likely your only regret will be which tours and classes to choose.

Registration will be available next month and those attending may be surprised to find that higher fuel costs has not affected the savings the conference committee has been able to secure this year.