MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippians looking for gardening tips and advice can now turn to Gary Bachman, the new Southern Gardening horticulturist. 

Southern Gardening is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and consists of a weekly newspaper column, and radio and television segments. For the past 15 years, MSU horticulturist Norman Winter wrote the columns and appeared in the segments. Bachman was selected for the role after Winter left to become vice president for college advancement at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Ga.

Bachman has been an assistant Extension professor of horticulture at MSU’s Coastal Research and Extension Center since 2008. He has held research and teaching appointments at Tennessee Technological University and Illinois State University. Prior to teaching, he worked with GTE Corporation for 13 years and was a Clemson University researcher at Carolina Nurseries in Moncks Corner, S.C.

Helping people learn about gardens and landscapes is a job Bachman takes seriously. He is actively involved with Master Gardeners and gardening clubs all over southeastern Mississippi and enjoys interacting with the members.

“I want to use my passion for teaching in this new role,” Bachman said. “I think this is a great opportunity to bring new information to gardeners.” 

Melissa Mixon, associate vice president for MSU’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, said Mississippians will enjoy getting to know Bachman.

“Dr. Bachman understands Mississippians’ love of gardening,” she said. “Followers of Southern Gardening will certainly appreciate how knowledgeable and enthusiastic he is.”

Bachman feels strongly about having fun in gardens and landscapes.

“Of course we should take gardening seriously, but we should have fun while we are doing it,” Bachman said. “We put too much pressure on ourselves to have the perfect garden or landscape. Rather than just learning about new plants, I want to encourage people to learn how to enjoy themselves while they are designing and planting their gardens and landscapes.”

Bachman also will bring new ideas about “green” technology and sustainable horticulture to Southern Gardening. He is one of the first people in the state to become an accredited Green Roof Professional. A green roof is made of a waterproofing material planted partially or completely with vegetation. Benefits of green roofs can include improved stormwater management, water and air purification, and reduced energy consumption.

“Incorporating ideas like green roofs and urban gardens will provide benefits to our clientele,” Bachman said. “I am excited about sharing some of these ideas and their benefits with our readers and viewers.”

Writer:  Karen Templeton