Greenhouse workshop slated June 11 in Stillwater

Thursday, May 14, 2015

If you are a greenhouse or garden center professional, or simply a plant hobbyist, who is interested in learning more about ornamental plant production and marketing, make plans now to attend the first workshop in the Shackelford Lecture Series.

Slated June 11, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wes Watkins Center on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater, the Current Challenges in Floriculture workshop will provide attendees with information about current challenges and solutions as they pertain to ornamental plant production and marketing, said Mike Schnelle, OSU Cooperative Extension floriculture specialist.

“This workshop will feature knowledgeable state and industry specialists who will share their expertise on a variety of topics,” Schnelle said. “We’re excited about the great information that will be shared in this first Shackelford Lecture Series. We believe the Shackelford Lecture Series will be at least an annual event to honor Charles and Linda Shackelford, previous owners of TLC Garden Center in Oklahoma City, and their many contributions over the years to the Oklahoma greenhouse industry.”

Schnelle, along with Jen Olson, assistant OSU Cooperative Extension specialist, will discuss troubleshooting in the greenhouse and garden center for various diseases, including rose rosette disease.

Chad Miller, a floriculture specialist with Kansas State University, will be on hand to share his knowledge on ornamental bulbs with commercial potential for Oklahoma and beyond.

Recognized as one of the top 100 garden centers in the United States, the owners of Southwood Nursery in Tulsa, Joe Schulte and Margaret Schulte, will discuss strategies for embracing change in the green industry.

If you are interested in plants, edible and ornamental, you are in luck because LeeAnn Barton of Dave Wilson Nursery in California will be on hand to share this information.

Rodd Moesel, owner of American Plant Products and Services in Oklahoma City, will serve as the keynote speaker during lunch.

“This lecture series is chocked full of tips, strategies and general information that is beneficial to greenhouse and garden center professionals,” Schnelle said. “We’re looking forward to a great turnout for this first of many Shackelford Lecture Series workshops.”

Registration is $25 and due by June 2. No late registrations or walk-ins can be accepted. Participants may register online at https://secure.touchnet.com/C20271_ustores/web/index.jsp. Select Horticulture/Landscape and then click on Conference Registration. For additional information, please contact Stephanie Larimer at 405-744-5404.