March 2019 - 8

INDUSTRY NEWS
from americanhort to you
2019 AmericanHort Events - Save the Dates
BY TERRI BROWN, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
AND ENGAGEMENT
You won't want to miss these important
upcoming events sponsored by AmericanHort,
the leading trade association for the
horticulture industry.
In addition to these key events, there will
be a variety of webinars, tours and workshops
offered throughout the year. Learn more at
americanhort.org and be sure to mark your
calendar.
Cultivate'19 - July 13-16, Columbus, Ohio
As the green industry's premier trade show
and conference, this is where everyone comes
together to share ideas, learn about new
products, new varieties and make connections.
This event features over 150 educational
opportunities, tours, workshops and a variety
of social functions where you can connect with
old friends or make new ones. You won't want
to miss it!
General registration opens March 15. Find
out more at Cultivate19.org
Plug & Cutting Conference - Sept. 4-6,
Charlotte, North Carolina
The road to better performance starts at
AmericanHort's Plug & Cutting Conference.
You'll experience cutting-edge education
focusing on best practices in young plant
production. Combine that with a world-class
tour and hands-on workshop, and it's not
something you'll want to miss. As the event
for advancing and experienced growers
from across the country, this conference
is the place to learn the newest and best
strategies, technologies and techniques in the
world of plugs and cuttings. Register now at
AmericanHort.org/Plug.
Impact Washington Summit - Sept. 16-18,
Washington, D.C.
Impact Washington is a two-day advocacy
summit where green industry business owners
and leaders can take action in Washington, D.C.
Providing a united front, this is an opportunity
for the landscaper, plant grower, garden
retailer and entire green industry communities
to personally and collectively advocate for
decisions that help us continue the growth of
our $196 billion industry.
Over the course of two days, participants
will hear from elected leaders, their staff and
other policy experts on issues of great impact
on green industry business success. Led by
AmericanHort staff members, attendees will
share their experiences directly with policy
makers, providing real-world context and
influence on the decisions being made.
COSTA FARMS' DRACAENA
RECEIVES AWARD AT TPIE
Dracaena 'White Aspen' from
Costa Farms was crowned best
new plant at the Tropical Plant
Industry Exhibition (TPIE) in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida.
'White Aspen' is a fresh new
variety of corn plant that sports
green leaves boldly edged in
creamy white.
" Its eye-catching leaves are ideal for brightening boring corners
in the home or office, " said Mike Rimland, plant hunter at Costa
Farms. " 'White Aspen' is a really cool makeover of a tried-andtrue
favorite houseplant. "
An easy-care, long-lived indoor plant, 'White Aspen' thrives in
medium to bright, indirect light. This makes it ideal for adding
texture and a touch of life to a wide variety of indoor settings.
Slow-growing, it can eventually reach 5 feet tall or more. It
grows well in both natural and artificial light. " The striking white
variegation stands out in a room, especially when paired with
other plants. It's white variegation especially trendy on social
media, " said Rimland.
Dracaena 'White Aspen' is expected to begin shipping to retailers
across the United States and Canada starting in fall 2020.
SKAGIT HORTICULTURE
ADDS NEW CLEAN-STOCK
GREENHOUSE
Skagit Horticulture, Mabton,
Washington, has opened a
new, clean-stock greenhouse
to complement the large-scale
production of select agricultural
plant starts launched last year.
The new greenhouse will
produce high volumes of virusfree
transplants to serve the
needs of hop growers, vineyard
operators and orchardists.
Using a small group of stock
obtained from the National Clean Plant Network, the company produces tissue
culture to create a foundation stock block that will be used for softwood
cuttings. This mother block will be isolated into the clean-stock greenhouse
where restricted access and strict sanitation practices are part of the
company's rigorous production protocols.
Insect screening ensures no pest pressure in the greenhouse, which reduces
need for chemical applications, as well as eliminating virus vectors.
The company also has promoted Debbie Thorne to the position of Agriculture
Department Manager. She will oversee all aspects of the Specialty Ag division,
including sales of hops, wine grapes, berries and tree fruits.
8 MARCH 2019 GPNMAG.COM
http://www.Cultivate19.org http://www.americanhort.org http://www.AmericanHort.org/Plug http://www.GPNMAG.COM
March 2019

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