Advanced Training Speakers

Studies verify that well-designed landscaping can add thousands of dollars to the value of a home. Rick Witeka has been in the real estate business for 21 years and has sold hundreds of homes. He will discuss how landscape “curb appeal” can bring in perspective buyers and enhance not only the beauty of your home for your own satisfaction, but improve your chances of a successful sale when the time comes to sell.

Homeowners are becoming more conscience of the outdoor living area as an extension of their home’s environment and living space. Landscape Architect Jerany Jackson (photo, left) will discuss the horticultural elements of this “outdoor room” and how to make them appealing for family and friends to frequent.

Most homeowners have some areas of their landscapes that are abundant with shade. The challenges associated with shade can be minimized with proper plant selection and techniques that make shady areas an integral part of the home landscape. Master Gardeners Ernie and Mary Lou Braswell have developed their home landscape into a sanctuary of plants that thrive in shade. Over the past 17 years they have successfully transformed their shady landscape and a spring nearby into a park-like atmosphere called “Garrison Spring and Gardens” that is open for the general public to use.

Tim is a Neosho, MO native with an AA Degree in Agriculture from Crowder College (1986), a BS Degree in Agronomy from Southwest Missouri State University (1988) and an MS Degree in Crop Science from the University of Arkansas(1990). He spent one year as County Extension Agent-Agriculture/Community Development/4-H in Stone County, AR before he began working for the University of Missouri Extension in July of 1991.

He spent nine years as Agronomy Specialist / County Program Director in Mississippi County, MO and served as Regional Corn Specialist for eight SE Missouri counties. He served two years as Agronomy Specialist in Morgan County, MO and was the Agriculture / Rural Development Specialist in Stone County from 2002-2006.

Tim served as Agronomy Specialist in Stone County since November, 2006 with primary responsibilities in Stone, Taney, Barry and Christian Counties and is the coordinator for the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks based in Stone and Taney Counties.