Passion for growing: International conference shows gardeners share these traits
A whole lot of eager gardeners landed in one location the third week of June. The Johnson County K-State Extension Master Gardeners hosted the 2023 International Master Gardener Conference in Overland Park from June 18 to 22., and more than 1,100 attended from 44 states, Canada and England. The invitation also was extended to local gardeners, and many attended.
After five days of interacting with gardeners from all over, it was apparent that gardeners share several traits. Gardeners, overall, are cheerful people who enjoy life. Nurturing the lives of plants brings happiness and contributes to our general well-being.
Even with the weather, insects, diseases, critters, and everything else that can attack the plants, gardeners invariably believe that next year will be better. Gardeners are optimists.
Happiness and optimism lead to smiling faces, which can be contagious. Who doesn’t light up when they see the bold blooms of hydrangeas, feel warm and fuzzy as they stroll through picturesque gardens, or reminisce and take the time to smell delicate roses or other favorite flowers? The scent and flavor of a warm, juicy red ripe tomato are like nothing else and create nostalgia for past good times and meals.
Gardeners tend to be lifelong learners and have a thirst for knowledge. There is always something to learn: new varieties of plants, improved planting techniques and pest control strategies. The number one source of gardening information is other gardeners.
This zest for learning and sharing was evident during the conference. A buzz filled the air in every space. Plants, of course, were the main topic of conversation. The conference also allowed attendees to share information about their local master gardener programs.
These programs are dynamic and alive in every state. Each state’s Land Grant Universities sponsor these programs. Locally, that is Kansas State and the University of Missouri. All have similar strategies for growing others’ knowledge while helping to improve local communities through plants. There are similarities in programs from east to west and north to south, such as demonstration gardens, youth programming and hotlines, to name a few.
Happy, optimistic learners help create passion. Passion not only for our love of gardening and plants but excitement for making our communities more beautiful places to live, work and play.
This enthusiasm was on full display when the winners were announced for the Search for Excellence Awards. Passionate master gardeners led beneficial programs with a broad range of focus, including working with incarcerated youth, growing food for those in need, conducting research to monitor native bee populations, and working with special-needs populations.
Do you consider yourself a gardener? A true gardener doesn’t need a yard full of plants or to spend countless hours lost in its care. A true gardener must enjoy nurturing life, whether in a container on the patio or a single tomato plant.
If you have not yet caught the gardening bug, try it. Who knows? Like the attendees at the conference, you might discover it can bring you added joy, relieve stress and lead to a more fulfilling life.
Dennis Patton is a horticulture agent with Kansas State University Research and Extension. Need help? Contact the Johnson County Extension gardening hotline at 913-715-7050 or email garden.help@jocogov.org.
