Inspiration from Graham Kerr

Last Wednesday, while the rest of Seattle was celebrating during the Seahawks parade, I was inside the Convention Center attending a seminar by Graham Kerr. Yes, I'm a nerd, along with a handful of other people in the room. His talk this year was Nourish & Delight! Growing, Cooking & Sharing Edibles for the Common Good:

Graham Kerr is in his fifth year in the garden, his 66th year in the kitchen and also celebrates his 80th birthday on January 22 – and he still gardens and tackles weeds with gusto. He shares with us lessons from his personal garden patch and herb garden, two community gardens where he is involved and area Food Banks and School programs. Focusing on plants such as Red Beets 'Ace', Kale 'White Russian', Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights' and Tomatoes 'Sun Gold', he will provide growing, cooking and harvesting tips. Graham wants to inspire audiences to be the new PIONEERS – Pass It On Now with Eagerness, Enthusiasm and Resilience! How's that for an acronym?

That really sums it up. His entire philosophy epitomizes why I'm studying horticulture in the first place. It's about the big picture: growing food, finding the joy of cooking nutritious meals, and building community around the whole process. I love this man. His enthusiasm is so inspirational!

So, taking advantage of the small turnout (what's wrong with you sports freaks?), I went into fan girl mode after the seminar and bought one of his books. He signed it, and I shook his hand and gushed about...well, hopefully something intelligent. :)