August 2007

Summertime Fun At The Southeast Greenhouse Conference By Tim Hodson

Captivating containers, enlightening educational sessions, bustling booths, terrific tours and other dazzling displays were all highlighted at the 2007 Southeast Greenhouse Conference.

This year, the Southeast Greenhouse Conference met June 20-23, at the Carolina First (formerly Palmetto) Center, in Greenville, S.C.

More than 350 companies were on hand in Greenville displaying the tools, materials and equipment that growers and garden centers need to do their jobs effectively.

The technical program included eight hands-on workshops along with Focus Tracks that allowed growers and retailers from throughout the region a chance to enhance their greenhouse management and garden center marketing skills.

Attendees participating in the tours had the opportunity to visit the University of Georgia’s trial garden and green “hot spots” in the Atlanta area.

Next year the Southeast Greenhouse Conference is scheduled to meet June 18-21, 2008. It will be the first year the trade show and conference are managed by OFA — an Association of Floriculture Professionals. For more information, go to www.sgcts.org.

1. Creativity was everywhere at the Southeast Greenhouse Conference, like this grill that was used as a mixed container.
2. Goldsmith Seeds’ booth was selected “Best of the Show” in the green goods category.
3. Outdoor living continues to be one of the hottest trends for growers and retailers.
4. The colors in the booths on the exhibit floor were very “striking” this year.
5 and 6. Beauty, creativity and originality were the highlights of the Container Garden contest.