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Research at Work: Ornamental Horticulture

University of Georgia horticulture faculty works to advance sustainable plants and practices for commercial greenhouses, nurseries and gardens. This research improves property values, enhances water conservation practices, reduces the carbon footprint, refines pest management strategies and introduces superior ornamental varieties. 


Rethinking standard plant containers

Alternatives to plastic containers in the horticulture industry are commercially manufactured and available for an extended period of time. Yet the use of biodegradable containers appears limited by the nurseries, greenhouse operators and landscape installation firms. A UGA agricultural and applied economist surveyed the environmental horticulture industry in 2017 about the awareness and performance of biodegradable containers. Results from this will help UGA researchers better equip the industry to improve the economic efficiency of the use of biodegradable containers, and indirectly contribute to a decrease in water and fertilizer use.

 


Horticulture News

CFMG Habitat CAES News
Central Fulton Master Gardeners celebrate 500th Habitat for Humanity landscaping project
On a stormy day in September 2009, a crew of Central Fulton Master Gardeners were nearly knee-deep in mud, installing landscaping on their first house for a partnership with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. It was not how anyone envisioned the project kick-off. More than 14 years later, CFMG has maintained its commitment to the organization, completing its 500th Habitat project — a fitting milestone as the national Extension Master Gardener program celebrates its golden jubilee this year.
Associate Professor Rhuanito Ferrarezi poses with a Gerber daisy grown by students in his 4050/6050 Greenhouse Management class in fall 2023. CAES News
UGA horticulture students join the green industry business
Like proud parents at a recital, undergraduate students in the upper-level University of Georgia “Greenhouse Management” class fussed around the hundreds of daisies, chrysanthemums, Gasteria succulents, snapdragons, dianthus and echinacea they had cultivated for their inaugural plant sale. The October sale, like the rearing of the plants from seedling plugs donated by green industry partners, was entirely student-planned and implemented.
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