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Dec. 1, 2003 Volume 28, Issue 17 |
More than 80 poinsettia varieties will be on display during Mississippi State's annual Christmas horticulture open house Dec. 5.
The 9 a.m.-4 p.m. event will take place in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences' greenhouses behind Dorman Hall. In addition to the poinsettias in shades of red, pink, white, and novelty colors, the open house will feature educational seminars, displays and door prizes. The horticultural student clubs will sell poinsettias, pecans, wreaths, and garlands.
"New poinsettias are introduced every year, and this is a great chance to see them and give feedback before these plants hit the store shelves," said Richard Harkess, horticulturist with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.
Seminar topics include decorating for the holidays, caring for holiday plants and designing a do-it-yourself holiday centerpiece.
Presentations will begin at 9:30 a.m. when Jim DelPrince, associate professor in plant and soil sciences, offers tips for decorating wreaths and garlands. At noon, University Florist manager Lynette McDougald will demonstrate decorating tips and creating centerpieces for the holidays. MSU horticulture students will share advice in seminars throughout the day.
Additional seminars will take place in the afternoon, and the day's activities will conclude with a hands-on workshop on holiday centerpieces at 2:30 p.m.
To ensure a spot in the workshop, those interested in participating may preregister by telephoning the Plant and Soil Sciences Department at 325-2311, then pay the $10 workshop fee at the door. Others may register and pay at the door as space allows. Workshop participants will take home a holiday centerpiece.