Oklahoma Horticultural Society annual meetings taking place Feb. 10-11

By Trisha Gedon

Oklahoma State University

Gardening enthusiasts should make plans to attend the Oklahoma Horticultural Society Annual Meetings in February.

Lou Anella, director of The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University and professor in OSU’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, said these meetings are free, open to the public and will be of interest to those of all gardening levels of expertise.

“I want to encourage all gardening enthusiasts to attend one of these meetings to learn more about gardening in Oklahoma,” said Anella, who is also the OHS president. “These meetings are open to the public and attendees will gain a lot of valuable information about all aspects of gardening.”

The first meeting will take place Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Helmerich Horticulture Center, 2435 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa. The second meeting is scheduled on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Oklahoma County OSU Cooperative Extension Office, 2500 NE 63rd St., Oklahoma City.

This year’s keynote speaker is Jason Griffin, director of the John C. Pair Horticultural Center in Haysville, Kansas, and a research scientist at Kansas State University’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources. He will present a workshop titled, “I Kill Plants So You Don’t Have To.”

Griffin directs the research and extension efforts at the Horticultural Center that has been evaluating trees and shrubs in the Wichita, Kansas, area for more than 45 years. His research focuses on the selection, evaluation, production and landscape adaptability of woody plants for the southern Great Plains.

The OHS was formed in 1970 to further the appreciation of gardening and horticulture throughout Oklahoma, as well as recognize and promote excellence in gardening across the United States.

Anella said OHS members enjoy numerous benefits, including gaining knowledge of various plant cultures such as flowers, trees, shrubs, fruits and vegetables. Members also learn more about plants that are specific for Oklahoma’s climate.

“Monthly OHS meetings bring members together for educational presentations and fellowship,” he said. “The OHS hosts a lecture series that brings in world renown horticulturists and authors to Oklahoma for seminars that are free and open to the public. It’s a great way to help spread the word about the benefits of gardening and horticulture.”

For more information about the OHS state meetings or becoming a member, please call 405-696-3079 or email [email protected]. For more information about the OHS, visit the organization’s website at www.ok-hort.org.