NATCHEZ — “Growing Memories” was the theme for the Mississippi Master Gardeners 10th annual state conference, which was at the Gautier Convention Center in Gautier, May 31-June 1.

Natchez Master Gardeners brought home four of the six state awards. Local chapter president Susan McKinley accepted the Mississippi Master Gardener Association Award for outstanding state chapter.

The Mississippi Master Gardener newsletter of the year award was presented to Master Gardener Anne Gray, who composed and distributed outstanding newsletters throughout the year. Also, these newsletters contained more pertinent information.

The Mississippi Friends of Master Gardeners Award was presented to J.T. Smith. Smith is a prominent local rose grower who has won numerous accolades for his many award-winning roses he has grown and generously shared. One of Smith’s major contributions was his suggestion which led to statewide programs titled, “Introduction to Growing and Enjoying Roses in Mississippi.”

More than 400 interested gardeners and friends attended and enjoyed this five-week interactive video short course. Master Gardeners partnered with the American Rose Society Gulf District and Mississippi State University Extension Service in presenting this series of programs.

Master Gardener Kelly King Parks won the award for Mississippi State Master Gardener of the Year. Dr. Lelia Scott Kelly, state horticulture specialist and Master Gardener coordinator, presented the award. Parks has contributed countless hours of volunteering and serves as a district and state board member. In addition to awards won in 2007, during last year’s state conference Parks, who was president, then accepted the Mississippi Friends of Master Gardeners Award for The Natchez Democrat.

Among the conference activities Master Gardeners enjoyed were cruises on Biloxi Back Bay and also on the Pascagoula River. Conference attendees also had the opportunity to tour the Pascagoula Audubon Center and Bellingrath Gardens.

Some of the interesting speakers for the conference were Steve Bender, senior writer for Southern Living Magazine, Felder Rushing and Dr. Dirt known for their Public Radio Show, Dr. Mark LaSalle of Pascagoula Audubon Center and Chris Wiesinger of Southern Bulb Company. Also Mark Patrick of Southern Charm Perennials and Herbs, Ralph Null, professor emeritus of Mississippi State University, and Coralie Richardson, Mississippi Master Gardeners state president.

The group from Natchez included David Carter, director of the Adams County Extension Service and county agent, Susan McKinley, Rita Tebbetts, Beth Dudley, J.T. Smith, Betty Blanton, Jean Simonton, Kelly King Parks, Anne Gray, Eve Dreyer, Joanne King, Elaine Gemmell, Anne Giardrosich and Bill and Dottie McGehee. Master Gardener Mary Nichols, president of Hinds County Master Gardeners, joined the group.

An outstanding display using graphics and roses was designed and arranged by Gemmell and Nichols. It was designed as an invitation to all Master Gardeners to the May 2008 state conference, which will be in Natchez. Theme for that conference will be “Gardens Old, Gardens New, Gardens Shared, Gardens Grew.”