Oklahoma Gardening School set for March 10

Keith · 02-02-2007, 01:42 PM

Oklahoma Gardening School set to bloom March 10

Event to Feature Renown Oklahoma Horticulturalists

While frosty outdoor temperatures may still evoke a desire for warm firesides and cozy blankets, the staff at the Myriad Botanical Gardens are turning their thoughts to spring and the annual Oklahoma Gardening School, set for March 10 at Stage Center in downtown Oklahoma City.

“This will be a banner year for the event,” said Myriad Botanical Gardens Manager Allan Storjohann. “Each of our speakers lives and works in Oklahoma, and our seminars are all focused on the best landscape techniques and plant varieties for the area.”

Nationally recognized author and renown horticulturalist Dr. Carl Whitcomb will head the line-up of this year’s Gardening School speakers. A former professor at Oklahoma State University, Whitcomb currently resides in Stillwater where he conducts research on plant production and maintenance techniques for new plant varieties.

Susan Gray, an OSU Extension horticulture specialist, lives and works in Tulsa, where she is the co-leader of the Tulsa County Master Gardener program. A former host of the Oklahoma Gardening television show, she consults with home and commercial growers of fruits, vegetables and pecans. Her program will focus on the ins and outs of growing fruit in Oklahoma.

Steve Owens, horticulturalist, writer and host of the award-winning OETA program Oklahoman Gardening will talk about the best and hardiest native plant species used in Oklahoma landscapes. A nursery grower and plant collector, Owens was recently honored with the 2006 George J. Vaclavek Gold Medal from the Oklahoma Horticultural Society.

Myriad Gardens Manager and third-generation horticulturalist Allan Storjohann will round out the day’s line-up of speakers by presenting his take on the best types of water features and pond gardens for Oklahoma landscapes.

“This year’s event is truly unique in that these presentations are not directed at just the local backyard gardener,” Storjohann said. “Landscape and gardening professionals can also benefit greatly from the information this panel of experts will provide.”

The day’s activities will also include gardening inspired giveaways and a book sale. Admission to the daylong event is $30 through March 2. Pre-registration is required, and registration forms are available by calling 297-3611, or visiting the Myriad Botanical Gardens website at Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Proceeds from the Oklahoma Gardening School will benefit the children’s education programs and special exhibits at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. The Myriad Botanical Gardens is maintained and operated by the City of Oklahoma City’s Parks and Recreation Department.