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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2008
CONTACT
Leeann Lavin: 718-623-7289, leeannlavin@bbg.org
Kate Blumm: 718-623-7241, kateblumm@bbg.org
BBG and Metro Hort Group Present:
12th Annual Plant-O-Rama
Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Rain or Shine
More Exhibitors Than Ever Before
Brooklyn, NY—January 8, 2008—Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) and Metro Hort Group (MHG) present the 12th annual Plant-O-Rama, the only winter trade show and symposium in the New York City area dedicated to plants. Over 45 exhibitors—more than ever before—will present cutting-edge horticultural products. This daylong event attracts more than 1,000 horticulture professionals and garden enthusiasts to preview new plants, products, and services that will be offered in 2008.
This year's symposium will include lectures by two industry leaders: Brent Heath, co-owner of Brent & Becky's Bulbs, and Elizabeth Lamb, coordinator, New York State Integrated Pest Management for Ornamentals. The speakers will provide informed trend forecasting for the tri-state region and discuss key developments that are expected to hit the market in the upcoming year.
For the first time, Plant-O-Rama will offer a preview of exciting new plant introductions during the symposium in the BBG Auditorium. Selected nurseries, including Bissett and Pleasant Run Nurseries, will describe new plants they will be releasing in 2008.
Seed and plant catalogs will be available for distribution. In addition, visitors will be able to examine vintage nursery catalogs on display in the Rotunda. A fascinating sample from the Garden's holdings, the early catalogs feature botanical illustrations, photographs, hand-colored drawings, and plant descriptions and costs. According to Patricia Jonas, Director of Library Services at BBG, "The catalogs offer a fascinating glimpse into the nursery business in the 1800s and 1900s at both New York metro area nurseries and for-export nurseries in Japan. Some of the catalogs are from nurseries that no longer exist, while some—such as Long Island's Hicks Nurseries—are still thriving," said Jonas. "All the early catalogs on display show the same idyllic garden settings and perfect plants that fill today's catalogs," she added. One of the earliest catalogs is William Prince's 1823 offering from the Flushing Nursery. Also featured is Andrew Parmentier's 1828 list of plants for sale in his Horticultural & Botanic Garden of Brooklyn, located in what is today Prospect Heights, just south of the Atlantic Yards. Most of the featured Japanese nursery catalogs are from Yokohama Nursery, circa 1900, and are illustrated with chromolithographs.
"This year's Plant-O-Rama is inspired by and dedicated to the spirit and vision of Judith D. Zuk, president emeritus of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, who died this past September," noted Bob Hyland, past president of Metro Hort Group and Plant-O-Rama manager. "Judy's enthusiastic and enduring support for this unique event contributed enormously to our success. She loved plants. And she was excited that the metro area community of plant professionals could come together and learn more about plants from each other. Her generosity allowed us to utilize Brooklyn Botanic Garden's wonderful resources for the annual Plant-O-Rama, and so it was fitting that we would dedicate this year's event to Judy."
Green thumbs from all over will enjoy this multi-faceted event, featuring:
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE Exhibits Hall Show in BBG's beautiful Palm House. See exhibits from the metro region's premier specialty nurseries and wholesale growers, horticultural suppliers, botanic gardens, and greening organizations. Exhibitors include: Atlantic Nurseries, Beds & Borders, Landcraft Environments, Long Island Compost Corporation, Pleasant Run Nursery, Scherer Water Gardens, and first time participants Glover Perennials, Womanswork, Capital Garden Products, and many more.
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE Nursery and Seed Catalog Display, offering current plant and seed catalogs for distribution, a display of vintage catalogs, plus other catalogs online in BBG's Gardener's Resource Center.
- Symposium:
- 8 a.m. Registration & Refreshments
- 9 a.m. Symposium Welcome
- 9:15 a.m. Keynote Talk by Brent Heath, co-owner of Brent and Becky's Bulbs: "Expanding Your Summer Bulb Palette," on spectacular summer-blooming bulbs from tropical rain forests, Mediterranean shores, South African veldt, and the slopes of the Andes.
- 10:30 a.m. Exhibitor Showcase: profiles of the incredible plants, products and services offered by over 45 commercial nurseries and non-profits from across the region.
- 1 p.m. Keynote Talk by Elizabeth Lamb, coordinator, NYS Integrated Pest Management for Ornamentals: "The Basics of Alternative Herbicides," on the pros and cons of herbicides derived from corn gluten meal, eugenol oil, acetic acid, and other ingredients.
- 2 p.m. Keynote Talk by Brent Heath: "Long-lasting Lilies and Awesome Alliums," giving the latest information on these fantastic, hardy bulbs that enliven garden borders as spring turns to summer.
- 3 p.m. Raffle Prizes and Book Signings in the Exhibit Hall
- BBG Garden Gift Shop: Offers gardening tools, gifts, plants, seeds, and books—including BBG's renowned All-Region Guides.
- BBG Terrace Café: Offers delicious soups, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages in the lower level of the Steinhardt Conservatory.
The show and nursery and seed catalog display are free to all. The symposium is free for Metro Hort Group members, BBG staff, and BBG volunteers; all others $25 at door. Symposium events take place in the BBG auditorium. No preregistration is necessary, but seating is first-come, first-served and limited to 300 per talk.
For additional information and a full schedule of Plant-O-Rama events, please call 718-623-7227 or visit bbg.org/plant-o-rama.
Metro Hort Group (MHG) is an association of horticulture professionals practicing in the New York area. MHG conducts lectures, field trips and workshops year-round geared to the professional audience, including students of horticulture. MHG operates a free Metro Hort Jobs Online at www.metrohort.org to share part-time and full-time jobs in the horticulture field. For membership information, call 212-877-4433.