ALLAN ARMITAGE

A FAMILIAR NAME to many gardeners, Dr. Allan Armitage is a prolific writer and popular speaker whose enthusiasm and expertise continue to inspire and build the horticulture community. The recipient of numerous awards for his teaching, writing and other outreach, the Canada-born plantsman taught for many years at the University of Georgia and developed its extensive Trial Gardens. To find Armitage’s books, download his app and follow his forays into social media, visit http:// www.allanarmitage.net

SCOTT BEUERLEIN: You and your wife recently became US citizens.

ALLAN ARMITAGE: Yes! You know, going through the process of becoming a citizen, it was long, and you have to do this, that and the other thing, but every person the whole way, whether they were taking your fingerprints or whatever, was so welcoming! One thing you have to do is an interview. It’s similar to crossing the border—“that guy” for that moment is in charge of your life. If he wants to make it dismal for you, he can pull you over and make you tear your car apart. Or, if he’s having a good day, everything goes fine.

So I walk in there and there is my folder on his And so on. So we get to page seven. And he asks, “You taught at the University of Georgia?” “Yes.” “What did you teach?” “Horticulture.” And his eyes get wide open. “Like gardens and plants?” “Yeah, I do a lot with ornamental stuff.” He says, “I love gardening! My mother loves gardening!” And then he says, “Oh, you’re Allan Armitage! My mother loves you!”