Master Gardeners gather in Brainerd

The 2005 Master Gardener State Conference was held this weekend in Brainerd.

The theme was "Master Gardeners Make a Difference."

Events included a daylong landscape design workshop Friday at the Northland Arboretum, tours of home gardens, nurseries and public gardens in the lakes area, an awards program Friday night, and sessions Saturday at Central Lakes College.

Programs included "50 Years of Gardening in the North" by Merv Eisel, retired horticulturist from the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum; and "Trees and Master Gardeners Make a Difference in our Communities," by Gary Johnson, professor of urban and community forestry with the Department of Forest Resources.

Sessions Saturday included "Aquatic Invasive Species and Water Gardening" by Eleanor Burkett, regional Extension educator; "Container Gardening" by Mary Meyer, Extension horticulturist; "Junior Master Garden Program" by Anne Gachuhi, regional Extension educator; "Household Insect Update" by Jeff Hahn, Extension entomologist; "Growing Indoor Plants," by Carl Hoffman, Stearns County Master Gardener coordinator; "How to Work a Booth" by Kim Sullivan, Anoka County Master Gardener; "Know Your Maples" by Nancy Rose, regional Extension educator; "Seven Common Lawn Weeds and How to Manage Them" by Robert Mugaas, regional Extension educator; "High Tunnels for Home Gardeners" by Terry Nennich, regional Extension educator; "Gardening Information Online" by Beth Jarvis, Extension specialist; "Apples and Other Fruits for the North" by Ralph Thrane, Ramsey County Master Gardener; "Powerpoint 101" by Julie Weisenhorn, Hennepin County Master Gardener; and "Community Gardens and Master Gardeners" by Mimi Hottinger, Blue Earth County Master Gardener.

Mary Meyer, state Master Gardener coordinator, attended the event.