Southern Region Master Gardener Conference 2012

Welcome

The 2012 Southern Region Master Gardener Conference is hosted in partnership between the Mississippi Master Gardener Association and the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

The Mississippi Master Gardener Association and Mississippi State University Extension Service are honored to be selected as the hosts for this prestigious conference in our great state.

Conference logo This event will bring together master gardeners, vendors, horticulture professionals and others with a common interest in all aspects of gardening, the environment and plant sciences.

The 2012 Conference Committee is grateful to all who have made this conference possible through sponsorships, in-kind gifts and hundreds of volunteer hours from our members.

You’re invited to join us in beautiful Natchez for the 2012 Southern Region Master Gardener Conference, May 1-4 at the Natchez Convention Center. (Informational Flyer for Printing)

It will be spring in this historic river town. The air will be filled with the fragrances of confederate jasmine, banana shrub, and heirloom roses—the perfect atmosphere for Southern Master Gardeners to gather and explore.

The days and evenings will offer opportunities for guided tours, educational sessions, shopping with vendors (or shopping on your own at local businesses!) and networking with gardening friends throughout the South. Oh, and don’t forget to stay fortified by indulging in our great Southern cuisine.

Natchez—what you love about the South

Natchez is the oldest city on the Mississippi river (1716). We invite you to experience our history firsthand as you explore some of the most well-preserved and architecturally stunning homes in the American South. With more than 500 antebellum structures, Natchez has more pre-1860s buildings than any other city.

Natchez offers many interesting things to do, places to see and good foods to eat. Sit along the bluff and watch the mighty Mississippi River, take a carriage ride, or ride along the Natchez Trace. In Natchez you will find "What you love about the South.”

Day by day summary of what’s in store for you:

Tuesday, May 1

The first day of the conference is reserved for you. On Tuesday afternoon you will have the opportunity to tour city attractions, either through two pre-arranged bus excursions or self-guided sightseeing. And, as a registered conference attendee, this is the day that the trade show, with all of its shopping opportunities, is exclusively reserved for you.

Wednesday – Thursday, May 2-3

Wednesday morning ushers in two days of a jam packed program. Join our speakers as they share their enthusiasm and expertise. Keynote topics range from gestalt gardening and the showcasing of new plants to landscaping ideas and sustainability methods.

With 35 workshops offered, you can easily choose topics that match your particular gardening interest or need. There’s even a workshop you can use to share your gardening successes online – how to write a blog!

Other options include trade show browsing and silent auctions. And, don’t forget the four Natchez walking tours! You are invited to share in our private gardens, our historic sites and our newly opened Natchez Bluff Trail.

The meals schedule includes both onsite and offsite dining opportunities. Natchez’s overlay of history and cultures have produced a unique cuisine well worth sampling.

Friday, May 4

On the last day you get to choose among several different bus and driving tours. Each will offer you a selection of outstanding site and historic attractions. Or, you might want to walk a nature trail maintained by the area’s Master Gardeners.

Natchez, a city famous for its history and gardens beckons to you. Come and enjoy our hospitality!

Check back often to this website for continued postings and updates! See you there!