Contact: Maridith Geuder
A Dec. 6 open house at the Mississippi State University greenhouses will include a seasonal plant and wreath sale accompanied by professional advice on holiday design and plant care.
The 9 a.m.-4 p.m. public event at the Dorman Hall greenhouses on Stone Boulevard is co-sponsored by the University Florist, plant and soil sciences department, MSU Extension Service, and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day.
More than 80 varieties of poinsettias involved in plant research will be on display. In addition, a large variety of poinsettias, wreaths and garlands will be sold by students in the campus chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers and the MSU Horticulture Club.
For expert assistance in plant care, the participating organizations are offering a series of educational displays and one-hour seminars. The presentations will include:
--10 a.m., "Through the Eyes of a Child," by Lynette McDougald, manager of University Florist and retail floristry management program instructor.
--11 a.m., "Caring for Holiday Plants," by Richard Harkess, an associate professor of ornamental horticulture.
--1 p.m., "Decorating for the Holidays," by Lynn Johnston of Serenity Floral in Vicksburg.
--2:30 p.m., "Design Your Own Holiday Centerpiece," also by McDougald. This workshop requires a $10 fee and advance registration.
For more information on the open house or to register for McDougald's concluding course, telephone (662) 325-2311.