Released April 9, 2008
LINCOLN, Neb. —- Every year thousands of new plants make it into the nursery trade. At Spring Affair alone, more than 200 new plants are offered annually. How did that new plant you just purchased make it into your hands? The path from a plant with "potential" to a plant that is promoted, available and widely grown may surprise you.
Spring Affair 2008 invites attendees into the hidden lives of plants, from potential to purchase, from tiny seedling to the focal point in one's backyard. The 22nd annual Spring Affair plant sale is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday, April 26, in Agricultural Hall at Lincoln's State Fair Park. Admission to the sale is free.
"There's a plant for every garden and a topic for every gardener," says Spring Affair representative Susan Budler. The 2008 theme is "From Greenhouse to Your House." Newsletter articles will cover plant introductions, transition into the home garden, recommendations on woody florals and plants for difficult spots.
Presenters include Bluebird Nursery's Harlan Hamernik, who will tempt gardeners with new plants, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor David Lambe, who will offer his ideas for attention-getting floral arrangements. Vendors of garden art, sculptures, furniture and other items will be at the event. A tour of the State Fair gardens will take place at noon.
Plants are provided by Bluebird Nursery of Clarkson and are chosen by local horticulture experts for their suitability to the local climate, their uniqueness or because of popular demand.
With more than 1,000 plant varieties available, Budler says gardeners will find "just the right plant," whether they're looking for a perennial, shrub, grass, drought-tolerant plant or temperennial (tropical plants used as annuals outside or brought inside for the winter).
Spring Affair is sponsored by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, State Fair Park and the UNL Botanical Garden and Arboretum. Proceeds help support the educational efforts of these organizations.
For more information or to get a copy of the newsletter, call (402) 472-2679. The complete plant list will be available online at Spring Affair, http://springaffair.unl.edu/.
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http://ianrnews.unl.edu/static/0804090.shtml
Contacts: Karma Larsen, (402) 472-2971
Dan Moser, (402) 472-3007
