And the Countdown Continues…
Only 18 days away, the California Spring Trials will be here before we know it! If you plan on trekking along the California coast the final week in March, I hope you’re making use of GPN‘s Spring Trials Companion. Flip through the digital edition here or visit CaliforniaSpringTrials.com to look up all the information you need to plan your trip. We’ve compiled a list of each trial location, exhibitor contact information, maps, suggested restaurants and lodging options.
Although the main focus of the California Spring Trials is to display new variety introductions and improvements, there is so much more that goes on during the week-long event. I especially like the comparison trials that many of the exhibitors feature along with their traditional displays.
I always look forward to the comparison trials at Pacific Plug & Liner in Watsonville. Last year, they trialed mixed containers and grew out nearly 100 recipes to see how they performed. You can read more about the mixed container trials and the results in PP&L’s article in the September 2011 issue of GPN.
This year, Pacific Plug & Liner will be trialing more than 70 varieties of pot and perennial dianthus.
Many of the trial locations also showcase trials of chemical and other control agents. One impressive display I look forward to each year is OHP’s trials at American Takii in Salinas. This year, OHP will be showcasing the results of its plant growth regulators on perennials and annuals, such as lantana, geranium, petunia, calibrachoa, sedum and pennisetum. In addition, OHP will demonstrate the effect of its PGR Augeo on no-pinch poinsettias.
There’s so much to do and see during the California Spring Trials, but I don’t plan on missing any of it! Make sure you tune in to GPNmag.com and the Culture Connection newsletter for the most up-to-date coverage of the trials. I hope I run into some of you in California, and if you see me, don’t be shy!
If you have any questions about the California Spring Trials, or you just want to chat about the coming events, shoot me an e-mail at jdolce@greatamericanpublish.com.
The Road to Garden Idol: Season 3
A few weeks ago, the winner of the 2012 Garden Idol was announced. Hort Couture’s Under the Sea coleus took top honors at ANLA’s Clinic earlier this year. But just because the winner has already been announced, Garden Idol is still very much going on.
The event took place at Clinic in January, and ANLA is showcasing a video series throughout March of the contest and all the entries. This week ANLA debuted Episode 1, an introduction to the Garden Idol host and judges. You can catch the video here. In the coming weeks, more episodes will be added. So stay tuned!
Dramm Premiers “Watering 101” Video
Dramm Corp. has created a new video that covers the basics of hand watering for greenhouse growers and nurserymen. The new “Watering 101″ video demonstrates how to measure the amount of water a plant should receive and shows you proper watering techniques.
You can view the video now by clicking here or you can visit Dramm’s YouTube Channel.
Dramm plans on producing several more videos featuring watering tips as well as other tips that are requested. If you have any tips or problems that you would like to see a video on or if you have a watering tip video you would like to share please email Dramm at information@dramm.com.