GWA Visits Botanical Treasures in Fort Worth

By Shelley Cramm

Oklahoma and North Texas area GWA members and their guests recently enjoyed an engaging and informative afternoon January 27 at the Botanic Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in Fort Worth. The program was overflowing with inspiration, from the landscape artistry of local painter Rebecca Zook to presentations by speakers from the North Texas area. Touring the marvelous herbarium and libraries at BRIT was the heart of the afternoon. This was followed with connections and conversations among area GWA members, artists, horticulturists, scientists, editors, landscape designers, and writers. And in true GWA tradition, attendees were sent home with foliage and floral display for their gardens, courtesy of Plant Development Services.

A Day at NCNLA Green and Growin’ 17!

By Anelle Ammons

Thursdays are busy days for me. I get up, get my kids to their respective schools, and try to get a little sanity before picking them both up again later. However, I also like to spice things up when I see an opportunity. So this January, after a small snafu with my babysitter, I was able to slip away by 12:30 and head to North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association’s Green and Growin’ 17 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

TPIE 2017: Insights Into the Tropical Plant Industry

By Louise Clarke

For the second year, garden communicators were invited to the Tropical Plant Industry Expo (TPIE) held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, January 18 – 20. This mid-winter event is produced by FNGLA, the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

This year Association members Sylvia Gordon and Jennifer Nelis rolled out the red carpet for GWA. Glowing reports from first year attendees and the alluring promotional materials we received enticed 40 garden communicators to attend this year, up from 2016’s 18 attendees. Timed immediately after the GWA Board meeting, TPIE provided opportunities for two days of GWA-exclusive tours before and after the trade show.

MANTS Sets the Tone for Garden Writers

By Daniel Gasteiger

My vernalization begins in January. That’s when cold temperatures numb my synapses and I become desperate to shake it off and start to produce fruit in defiance. I’m cautious, however, and mulch my synapses to protect them from the miserably deep freeze likely to settle in before a spring thaw. One of my favorite mulches for this purpose is the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS). I’ve assembled some thoughts for you about this year’s show.