Florida Local Horticulture Professional Earns Certification

Mark Templeton of Crawford Landscaping in Naples, Fla., is a member of a group of professionals who are Certified Horticulture Professionals.

This designation was earned by Templeton after passing an exam that measures horticulture knowledge and professional skills through a 4 part exam covering plant identification, disease and insect control, landscape design/management and proper irrigation.

Established by the Florida Nursery, Growers, & Landscape Association Certified Horticulture Professional program has been administered since the mid-80s. The program was designed to increase professionalism among Florida's growers, landscape professionals and retail employees. This is the industry's only standard for measuring horticultural knowledge and has been recognized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and all five water management districts. The program builds upon Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices and Florida friendly principles.

Find New Business Strategies at The Great Southern Tree Conference: Nov. 30 - Dec 2, 2011, Gainsville, FL

Growth, Change, Progress are all key words that will be heard throughout the 2011 Great Southern Tree Conference.  While the industry has certainly changed in the last ten years and is currently being reshaped by the economy, the conference remains committed to educating the entire tree industry and aims to enhance the business knowledge of tree producers throughout the Southeastern United States.  Mark your calendars for November 30 – December 2, 2011 and plan to be in Gainesville, FL.

Known for its strong roots in production techniques, this year’s conference also features marketing and business strategies, growth projections and research on pests, water and tree evaluations.  Attendees will be provided with valuable take-a-ways to use instantly in their businesses.

Link to more information: Great Southern Tree Conference

Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) - January 18 – 20, 2012 in Fort Lauderdale

The Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) starts the business year for buyers and producers of tropical plants and related products. Scheduled January 18 – 20, 2012 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, TPIE is the tropical escape from colder climates to the sunny shores of Fort Lauderdale, FL.  This international event is also a tropical escape to the largest and most diverse marketplace for colorful, exotic and in-demand tropical foliage.  The 2012 TPIE continues with the new Wednesday/Thursday/Friday format which was well received last year.

Link to more information: TPIE Information

Native plant sale good for the environment, good for planters

By CONNOR HOLMES, cholmes@breezenewspapers.com

Native plant sellers towed their trees, shrubs and flowering plants to Rotary Park Saturday morning, hoping to share their horticultural passions with Cape Coral residents during one of the city's periodic native plant sales.

At least 100 or so varieties of native plants, grown and sold by about a half dozen vendors, lined an open expanse of the park typically used for the sales.

"There were fewer (buyers) this time, but there were good deals to buy," said volunteer naturalist 'Botany' Bob Dennis. "The suppliers here have very healthy materials, and that's good."

Dennis said native plants are enticing to Florida residents because they attract butterflies and birds, don't require frequent watering and don't suffer from some of the diseases and problems of non-native plants.

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NBC2 News - New trees could protect state citrus industry

HENDRY COUNTY: Disease-resistant orange trees were planted for the very first time in Southwest Florida and some experts say the trees could save the Florida citrus industry.

Southern Gardens Citrus in Hendry County is one of the largest citrus suppliers in the country despite all of their orange groves being greatly affected by canker and citrus greening - the most deadly and damaging diseases facing the citrus industry.

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NBC2 News - New trees could protect state citrus industry

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