News

Ohio develops method for assessing invasive species
A science-based effort is underway to identify invasive plants from other regions and reduce their impact in Ohio, according to the Ohio Invasive Plants Council (OIPC).

A 22-question assessment protocol was developed in 2012 by the OIPC and other stakeholder groups. A five-person assessment team of researchers and botanists will evaluate potential invasive plants and establish a new list of primary offenders.

Concurrently, the assessment team will provide a list of alternative plants suitable for recommendation to nurseries, garden retailers and homeowners. The team will initially evaluate 27 problematic invasive plants. The team will address a second group of plants within a year, including those produced and sold in Ohio nurseries, such as ornamental pear, Japanese barberry and burning bush.

USDA proposes updates to plant import regulations
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to make several amendments to update and streamline its regulations involving the importation of plants for planting.

Some of these proposed changes include requiring permits for the importation of certain coated or pelleted seeds, and providing for an alternate additional declaration on phytosanitary certificates that accompany plants from countries known to have potato cyst nematodes. The proposed regulations also change provisions specific to certain countries, to ensure they reflect the latest information regarding quarantine pests detected in various places.

These improvements will make the existing regulations current, provide a faster and simpler process for industry, and maintain the existing level of protections for U.S. agriculture.

Southern live oak named urban tree of the year
The Society of Municipal Arborists, composed of 1,400 urban forestry professionals worldwide, has chosen Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) as its 2013 Urban Tree of the Year.

The selection must be adaptable to a variety of harsh growing conditions and have strong ornamental traits. The Tree of the Year program has been running for 17 years. Past honorees include Accolade elm (2012) goldenraintree (2011), redbud (2010), Chinkapin oak (2009) and black tupelo (2008).

Proven Winners partners with AIB on Philadelphia Flower Show
The Philadelphia Flower Show, which takes place March 2 to March 10, is the largest and oldest indoor flower show in the country. It was founded in 1829 and has more than annual 270,000 attendees. This year’s display theme, “Brilliant,” will use Proven Winners shrubs to highlight the culture, design, landscapes and gardens of Great Britain. Display designers from Longwood Gardens, Jim Sutton and Laura Culver, developed the 15-foot by 20-foot design of the garden as a gift to America in Bloom.

Yerba Buena Nursery moves
Yerba Buena Nursery, a California retail nursery business specializing in native plants and ferns, has moved from its Skyline location to Half Moon Bay. It grows more than 600 species of plants from seeds, cuttings and divisions.

UConn sponsors Perennial Plant Conference
The University of Connecticut is sponsoring the Perennial Plant Conference – A Conference for the Landscape and Horticultural Professional, March 21. For program and registration, visit www.2013perennial.uconn.edu.