Press Release

NICH has nominated two members to serve on Agriculture Secretary Vilsack’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee. This committee will advise the U.S. secretary of agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices, as well as to identify any barriers to urban agriculture. “It is critical that individuals with extensive knowledge of Consumer Horticulture serve on the advisory committee and our candidates have that in spades,” noted Ellen Bauske, Chair of NICH.   “Consumer … [Read more...] about NICH Nominates Two Members for the USDA Advisory Committee of Urban and Innovative Agriculture

Thinking about renovating your landscape and wondering if it will be worth it?  Go for it.   In May 2015’s Turf Magazine, Nicole Wisniewski, Editor-in-chief, wrote an editorial titled “LANDSCAPE ROI AS HIGH AS 150%” which heralded optimism and opportunity for homeowners and businesses that renovate and upgrade their property landscapes.  ROI, or return on investment, of hardscape and landscaping projects can raise the value of your property and ensure more interest from homebuyers. Six years later, we are still seeing home sales escalating, especially in the Southeast. … [Read more...] about It’s Not Just Curb Appeal!

When I first began researching Adaptive Gardening, I’d already been introduced to the concept, so I knew what the term meant, but I recognized many people didn’t get it at first. At seminars, participants would say to me: “I know what ‘adaptable’ means, but how does that apply to gardening?” I explained: “When someone is adaptable and resilient and they experience physical issues that keep them from doing their favorite gardening chores, instead of throwing in the trowel, they look for new ways to get things done.Physical challenges can leave us exhausted and questioning our ability to … [Read more...] about Three Guiding Principles for the Resilient Gardener

Nothing is more welcoming in the office, waiting room, or conference room than lush greenery.   The benefits of plants in the workplace are well documented. They remove pollutants, help workers relax and refocus, increase productivity, and make the office look better.   So why aren’t they everywhere? Maybe it’s because of those irritating little hitchhikers, those gnats that hover around potted plants and in the window.  It is easy to imagine them flying into your eyes and nose. Could they be eyeballing  your lunch? Those are fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) … [Read more...] about Hitchhikers on the Office Plants

“The beauty of a plant is not just the plant itself, but all of the other organisms it can bring into your garden.” – Dr. Gail Langellotto, Oregon State University If you love watching wildlife, you’ll love having native plants around because these are the plants that really bring in the bees, butterflies and birds. And because they’re naturally adapted to local climate and soils, native plants are great candidates for low-input and low-maintenance landscapes. Properly selected and established, natives can be beautiful, super functional, and largely problem free.Native plants are the … [Read more...] about Bring Life to Your Landscape with Native Plants

American Flowers Week celebrates flower-growing in all 50 states Here's a creative way to engage gardeners in an interactive celebration of the annuals, perennials and flowering shrubs in their backyards. It's called American Flowers Week (June 28-July 4) -- based on a free and inclusive social media campaign that highlights U.S.-grown cut flowers. Launched in 2015, the home-grown campaign is part of Slow Flowers Society's advocacy, education and outreach efforts. American Flowers Week invites all flower lovers (gardeners, florists and growers) to celebrate beauty, sustainability and joy … [Read more...] about Red, White & Bloom!