May 2019 - 8

INDUSTRY NEWS
from americanhort to you
AmericanHort, HRI Celebrate
1 Million Pollinator Gardens
BY JENNIFER GRAY, RESEARCH PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATOR,
AMERICANHORT
AmericanHort and the Horticultural Research institute (HRI),
co-founders of the National Pollinator Garden Network, are proud to be
among 50 other organizations that have promoted the Million Pollinator
Garden Challenge over the last three years. It was recently announced
that the goal was not only met, but also surpassed with over 1 million
gardens registered as pollinator gardens. It's the efforts of many that have
brought to light the immense importance that pollinators play in our lives.
In just three years, 1,040,000 gardens were registered with the Million
Pollinator Garden Challenge (MPGC) involving an estimated 8 million
people, concentrated in the U.S. and Canada with some in Mexico, and
across the globe. From tiny yards to public gardens, the million plus
gardens add up to a network of approximately 5 million acres of enhanced
or new pollinator habitat.
Pollinator gardening hot spots, where high percentages of the local
population registered gardens, include: the desert southwest, Santa Fe,
New Mexico, Prescott and Flagstaff, and the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale,
Arizona, metro area. The Smoky Mountain region, which straddles
North Carolina and Tennessee, contributed over 35,000 gardens. These
areas, along with St. Louis, Missouri, and others, also support high bee
density and diversity. Research indicates the impact of these small-scale
pollinator gardens has added significant support to pollinator abundance
and diversity.
Looking to the future, the 2019 call to action is designed to build on the
momentum of the challenge in two ways:
* Expanding garden habitat by asking Americans to plant at least
three different pollinator-friendly plants that bloom in three different
seasons (spring, summer and fall) to help ensure a consistent food
supply for pollinators.
* Track the outcomes of this movement, by encouraging everyone
to participate in citizen science projects that help pollinators
at SciStarter.org/PollinatorGardens.
Recent surveys by AmericanHort and The Garden Center Group reveal
that since the campaign launch, 92% of garden centers have seen an
increase in demand for pollinator-friendly plants and services, and 86%
are offering more pollinator-friendly plants, services and education. The
Million Pollinator Garden Challenge will encourage the 35 million or so
Americans who garden with flowers to " plant with a purpose " and diversify
their gardens by adding pollinator-friendly plants that ensure blooms
during three seasons - spring, summer and fall. For more information
visit www.millionpollinatorgardens.org.
SUNTORY FLOWERS APPOINTS NEW
PRESIDENT
Taizo Chinju has been named president
of Suntory Flowers. The appointment was
effective April 1.
Taizo has spent nearly half his career with
Suntory Holdings in the Suntory Flowers
division, starting in 2004.
In 2013, he became managing director of
international business, spanning both the
bedding plant and cut flower businesses globally, as well as
corporate strategy.
" Throughout my career, I've enjoyed building and working
with our team members and business partners across the
globe, " Taizo said. " So much can be learned and shared
from different markets. Since the beginning, Suntory Flowers
has focused on creating new markets. Our breeding and
marketing teams drive innovation by embracing the spirit of
Yatte Minahare! - which means go for it! I look forward to
what we develop next. "
PPA ANNOUNCES 2019 SYMPOSIUM
KEYNOTE
The Perennial Plant Association has announced
that Piet Oudolf, the influential Dutch garden
designer and leading figure in the " new perennial "
movement, will speak during the 2019 National
Symposium this summer.
Oudolf, using his own colorful photography, will
tell the story of his ever-evolving style through
highlights of his past and current projects. His
8 MAY 2019 GPNMAG.COM
keynote appearance will take place July 30, during
the PPA National Symposium in conjunction with
All-America Selections and National Garden
Bureau. The National Symposium will take place
July 28 to Aug. 2, 2019, in Rosemont, Illinois.
Participants of the 2019 National Symposium
have the option to expand their three-day core
symposium (Tuesday to Thursday) to a weeklong
experience. Selections include extended
education tours, sightseeing and renowned
speaker engagement opportunities such as
perennial plant expert, Roy Diblik, and Ball
Horticultural's president and CEO, Anna Ball.
In addition to Oudolf's keynote, he will also
participate in a panel discussion titled, " Riding
the New Dutch Wave. "
The early bird registration deadline is June 21,
2019, and final registration deadline is July 21,
2019. Register for the 2019 National Symposium
at www.perennialplant.org/register.
http://www.SciStarter.org/PollinatorGardens http://www.millionpollinatorgardens.org http://www.perennialplant.org/register http://www.GPNMAG.COM
May 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May 2019
