2009 GWA Session Recordings Information


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Keynote presentation: The Greening of America
From “green” roofs to “green” cars, America is undergoing a transformation unlike any in history. Some call the movement “green,” others “sustainable,” but it clearly is impacting every industry from energy to food. Urban chickens, Victory Gardens and dog parks – all once passé – now are mainstream. What are the drivers of this change? How can businesses and organizations prepare for and profit from this revolution? Come learn about the “green” movement from one of the experts! Dr. Lowell Catlett is an exciting futurist whose knowledge of technologies and their implications on the way we will live and work will be shared in this upbeat presentation!

A Rose by Any Other Name…Correct Plant Nomenclature
Correct plant nomenclature is essential for any serious garden writer. Getting the name “right” is difficult and confusing as plant taxonomists argue back and forth. Learn about resources to help thread your way through this battlefield as well as resources for dealing with trademarks and proprietary names in this quickly evolving area of plant nomenclature. Presenter: Mark Weathington, assistant director of the JC Raulston Arboretum.

Breaking the Rules - Creating Natural Landscapes in the Real World
Observing how plants develop in nature can lead us to new gardening techniques, many of which are diametrically opposed to traditional horticultural practices. From choosing, arranging and spacing plants, to the simple act of weeding, Larry Weaner will show how alternative approaches can yield more easily maintained gardens that express the rich beauty of our native landscapes. Presenter: Larry Weaner, Larry Weaner Landscape Design.
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Building Better Garden Photographs
Join professional garden photographer Rob Cardillo as he explores and demonstrates how he crafts dramatic garden vistas and inspired floral portraits. Using before-and-after examples of his own work, Rob will unpack his creative toolbox to illustrate how great garden images are found, designed and translated through the lens. Whether you’re a point-and-shoot beginner or a megapixel maniac, you’ll walk away with a healthy handful of hints, tips and fresh ideas. Presenter: Rob Cardillo, Rob Cardillo Photography.
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Conducting the Perfect Interview
Interviewing is an essential skill for all nonfiction writers; yet, many professionals feel uncomfortable making cold-calls. In this session, Donald Vaughan will draw on more than 30 years of experience and hundreds of interviews to show you how to find the best sources for your articles. Learn how to conduct thorough, thoughtful, professional interviews, whether in person or over the phone. Presenter: Donald Vaughan, Freelance Writer.
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Cut Flower Varieties for the Home Garden
Each year, the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers tests the latest new annual, perennial and woody cut flower varieties at more than 30 commercial farms around the U.S. and Canada. Learn which ones not only make great cut flowers, but also wonderful plants for the backyard garden. Presenter: John Dole, North Carolina State University.

Designing in Elizabeth Lawrence’s Footsteps
This lecture will examine some of the design principles embodied in the writings of Elizabeth Lawrence. She was the first woman to graduate from the NC State College School of Design with a degree in Landscape Architecture, and was highly regarded as one of the world’s best garden writers in the English Language. This session will familiarize you with Elizabeth’s work as a writer and designer in the gardening world. Presenter: Edith Eddleman, Edith R. Eddleman Garden Design.
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Eight Essential Elements of a Conservation Landscape
Conservation landscaping uses ecological principles to create healthy, beautiful spaces that benefit residents and a region’s biodiversity. The essential elements cover design, plant choices, wildlife, soils, air, water and sustainability in the garden. National programs such as the Sustainable Sites Initiative include these elements. Presenter: Sylvan Kaufman, Consultant.
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Garden Myths: Please Don’t Propagate
As garden communicators, we are all aware of the way that horticultural information is borrowed, repeated, restated and reworked. Connect with your inner skeptic and learn about some garden myths that are not backed by science. Presenter: Scott Aker, U.S. National Arboretum.
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Garden Writers in the Information Age
Many garden writers are developing into interpreters of the growing flood of information from the Internet. This session explores several ways to make productive use of this new role, provides a short list of selected online resources and invites discussion of effective Internet search techniques. Presenter: Thomas Karwin, Monterey Bay Master Gardeners.
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Gardening with a Generation Y...
With all the uproar, discussion and seeming turmoil around the issue of Generation X and Y gardeners, some might wonder what the future holds for horticulture. Confounding the issue is a general lack of demographic data and perceptions of young or beginning gardeners. So why not talk with a Generation Y? This lecture will explore historical trends, share insights from Gen Y horticulture majors, and open a dialogue about the needs, wants and interests of potential gardeners ages 21-36. Presenter: Kelly Norris, Rainbow Iris Farm/Gardens by Kelly Productions.
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Marketing Through Modern Media
Adding new technology to help educate the gardening public is just another way we are expanding the possible ways to connect with our customers. This session will entail what we have learned and where we think this may lead for the future. Presenter: Jay Hutchins, Brent and Becky’s Bulbs.

Online Marketing: Create Value or Die - How to Exist Online so People Can Find You (and Pay You!) for Your Work
Whether you are a freelance writer or a landscape designer, online marketing should be an essential part of your business plan. A website or blog is no longer a business luxury. It is an essential tool for communicating with your customers. In this session you’ll discover how to make your online presence stand out from the rest, how to acquire “return visitors,” rather than just “surfers,” and how to convert visitors into customers. Learn how creating value for your subscribers can increase your visibility, credibility, sales and revenues! Presenter: Andrew Palmer, Plants Nouveau/Treadwell Palmer International.

Ornamental Edibles in Containers
Designing containers since the 1970s, Rita Randolph combines plants in a unique way, with the emphasis on “Foliage FIRST.” From tabletop pots to large commercial installations, plants flow seamlessly together. Herbs and vegetables of all kinds are crucial to fulfill the complete desires of gardeners. Ornamental edibles in containers can be gorgeous and entertaining. Garden designs, soil mixes, fertilization and pest control will be discussed. Presenter: Rita Randolph, Randolph’s Greenhouses.

Questions for the Assigning Editor
This practical panel will bring together a variety of assigning editors to amplify a checklist of questions writers should ask before they begin researching and writing their piece. Moderated by veteran newspaper, magazine and book writer Marty Wingate, the panel includes Eric Liskey, deputy garden and outdoor living editor, Better Homes & Gardens; Patty Craft, managing editor, Horticulture; and Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, editor, Indiana Living Green magazine and garden editor, Angie’s List. Bring your questions for a lively Q&A.

Rain Gardening in the Home Landscape
Contemporary gardeners have a new water issue to consider: pollution. Runoff (rainfall) flows into our streets, storm sewers, and, too often, into our waterways. A rain garden is designed to capture this runoff, store that water to nurture its plants, and cleanse runoff, thus removing the pollutants it carries with it. Rain garden design, construction, plant selection and problem solving will all be addressed in this presentation. Presenters: Helen Kraus and Anne Spafford, Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University.
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Secrets of a Book Publicist: Three Successful Marketing Campaigns
What does it take to get a garden book on the bestseller list — or to generate the steady backlist sales, year after year, that build a garden writer’s career? What kind of resources do publishers commit to publicizing garden titles? What can you, as an author, do to market your own books and support the efforts of your publicist? Publicists from three top garden publishers will present detailed case studies from their own successful marketing campaigns. Find out how traditional marketing strategies like press releases, book tours, and radio interviews work alongside 21st century tools like social networking, ‘viral’ YouTube videos and blogging. Moderator: Amy Stewart, Freelance Writer. Panelists: Olivia Dunn, Timber Press; Amy Greeman, Storey Publishing; and Michael Taeckens, Algonquin Books.
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Social Media Websites and Gardening
Websites that combine forums, blogs and other content-based features are creating a phenomenon known as social media. With the right mix of content and structure, these websites develop into online global communities of individuals with a shared interest. As more gardeners become computer-literate, they are turning to these online communities for advice and support, as well as to share what they know with others in forums and blogs. Presenter: Terry Lea, Dave’s Garden.

The Evolving American Landscape...A Vision for the Future
Today’s potential new gardeners have a very different view of the hobby. The demographics of our new and potential readership are rapidly changing. Learn about who they are and what they think (and want to read) about gardening and how this differs from previous generations. Presenter: Jeff Gibson, Ball Horticultural Company.
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The Gardens of Frank Lloyd Wright
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s death. Most famous for his architecture, few people realize he was a brilliant landscaper. Join Derek Fell in an exploration of the gardens of Frank Lloyd Wright. Learn about his landscaping philosophy with emphasis on his first home and studio in Illinois, his summer home in Wisconsin and his winter home in Arizona. Other properties will also be explored. Presenter: Derek Fell, Writer and Photographer.

The Seasonal Useful and Edible Garden
How do you create a functional working garden but still make it beautiful? This presentation borrows some design ideas from the French on creating the potager — a kitchen garden with vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs. We will look at creating a useful garden in all seasons and touch on ways to use flowers to attract beneficial insects. Presenter: Jennifer Bartley, American Potager.

Using GPS in the Gardening World
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is commonly used for navigation purposes. GPS can also be used to keep plant records and serve as a tool for prioritizing plant maintenance. Learn how GPS can be used for botanical gardens, arboreta, parks, and other green space areas. Presenter: Steve Dobbs, University of Arkansas, Fort Smith.

Why Good Plants Go Bad: 20 Questions of Plant Problem Diagnosis
Good plants go bad for a variety of reasons, from infectious diseases and pest attacks, to environmental and cultural problems such as frost injury and herbicide injury. The process of determining the cause of the problem is a first-order horticultural skill, essential to proper plant health management recommendations and treatment. This talk will focus on 20 questions that lead to improved diagnostic skills for gardeners and plant lovers. Presenter: James Chatfield, The Ohio State University Extension.

Working the Web, Part I
Garden communications are shifting away from traditional print to electronic media. To remain marketable, we need to expand into new territory. In Part I of “Working the web”, Betty Mackey will deal with the wild, wild world of digital publishing. Kate Copsey will follow with a look into creating your own videos. Presenters: Betty Mackey, B.B. Mackey Books, and Kate Copsey, Freelance Writer.
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Working the Web, Part II
The next generation of gardeners lives in a world of social networks and messaging services. Part II of “Working the Web” will start with Glen Seibert providing his views on how to use social networks to advance your business. Ann McCormick will follow with a discussion of texting, twitter, and other short-message services. Presenters: Glen O. Seibert, GreenManProjects and Ann McCormick, Herb ‘n Cowgirl.