STILLWATER, Okla. – Just as Kermit knows what it means to be green, so does the Oklahoma Nursery and Landscape Association. To the ONLA, the green industry means business, and a lot of it.
The Oklahoma Green Industry comprises nurseries, greenhouses, landscape designers and contractors, garden centers and retailers, as well as those who supply all of these companies.
“The green industry is alive and continuing to grow in Oklahoma,” said Mike Schnelle, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension ornamental floriculture specialist. “To help showcase the green industry, the annual ONLA Convention and Trade Show will take place Sept. 20-21 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa.”
More than 60 exhibitors representing nine states and Canada will be on hand to highlight the latest in plant materials, trees, landscaping supplies and business services at the Rock ‘n’ Grow! convention. This event is open to all those who work in a Green Industry business, including retailers, suppliers, Master Gardeners, horticulture educators, Extension educators, parks and recreation employees, landscapers or hobbyists.
Keynote speaker will be Paul James, better known as The Gardener Guy from “Gardening by the Yard.” His clever writing, zany style and commitment to all-natural gardening have endeared him to millions of viewers who understand gardening can be both a joy and a challenge. He will share his humor with the group as he talks about today’s outlook for the horticultural world in Oklahoma.
Educational sessions will take place both days of the convention with topics including rain water capture, pests and their effects on plant materials, choosing and caring for tree and plant materials and water use and conservation.
Schnelle said a statewide irrigation advisory council will meet during the convention and focus on keeping the ONLA informed of irrigation issues and working together to lead the state in water conservation and education.
“One of the ONLA’s priorities is to partner with the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service to offer education to its members and members of the green industry, as well as opportunities for face-to-face networking,” he said. “In our fast-paced online world, it’s nice to take a day or two away from the computers and smart phones to actually see those with whom we work.”
Advanced registration for both days is $10 for ONLA members and $20 for nonmembers. Registration at the door is an additional $5 for everyone. For more information about this convention or ONLA, please visit www.oknla.org, contact the ONLA office at 405-945-6737or via email at [email protected].
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
136 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax
[email protected]
