Professor in the Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia. Teaches courses in use and identification of herbaceous annuals and perennials, greenhouse management and greenhouse crop production. His research program in New Crop Introduction has lead to the introduction of many popular plants (eg ‘Margarita’ sweet potato, Sun loving Coleus) and also includes evaluation of annuals and perennials for the Southeast, bedding plant and perennial plant production for the greenhouse, and commercial cut flower production for the United States. His New Crop Introduction Program has led to the development of the national Athens Select program, in which plants are selected for heat and humidity tolerance. Over 1 million plants were sold in 2003-1004. Developed and directs the University of Georgia Horticulture Gardens. (www.uga.edu/ugatrial) Author of eight books for gardeners, professionals and students, and over 500 articles and papers in the trade and professional magazines and journals. Go to www.timberpress.com and www.greenleavespress.com to purchase books Author of two CD-ROM projects for gardeners and plant professionals. Go to www.thisisgardening.com and www.horticopia.com to purchase CD-ROMs. An avid gardener, he has grown and evaluated garden plants in Montreal, Canada, East Lansing, Michigan and Athens, Georgia. His experiences have provided exciting new information concerning North-South adaptation of species and cultivars. Has received numerous awards, including the National Outstanding Educator Award from the American Horticultural Society, The Kiplinger Chair at Ohio State University, Perennial Plant Association Award of Merit, the Alex Laurie Award for outstanding research in horticulture, and a special award, The Allan Armitage Leadership Award, has been established by the National Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. Presented scientific and grower seminars throughout the USA, Europe, Canada, South America, Australia and New Zealand.