President’s Message  The numbers are impressive. The annual Insights into Gardening Conference last Saturday attracted over 350 garden enthusiasts, who had the opportunity to boost their knowledge by choosing 4 experts among 16 who gave talks on edibles, ornamentals, climate change, sustainability, and other topics. The gallery outside the classrooms was equally impressive—20 exhibitors featured plants and garden-themed books, tools, and handmade gifts. And the cookie table, as always, did...

Such a receptive crowd that turned out for the Doug Tallamy talk last Saturday! Dr. Tallamy spoke within the context of his latest book, “How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard,” to address common questions he receives about the role everyone can play in boosting biodiversity.

This is the first of many letters I will write to you as president of our association in 2026. For those Master Gardeners I haven’t yet met, here’s a little bit of information about me: I completed my Master Gardener training in 2023, and yes, I do feel like I’m still running to catch up!