Thought those of you on this forum would be interested in knowing about this new conference coming up in April. See news release below and don't hesitate to contact me with questions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gary Twedt, Iowa State Horticultural Society, (641) 683-6260, gtwedt@lisco.net

Kelly Norris, Iowa State Horticultural Society, (712) 621-5399, pr@kellydnorris.com

Largest All-Iowa horticulture exposition in 100 years to be held in Ottumwa

The largest All-Iowa horticulture exposition in 100 years will be held April 3-4, 2009 in Ottumwa, Iowa at the Bridge View Conference Center. The exposition, billed as the state fair of horticulture, is sponsored and coordinated by the Iowa State Horticultural Society, and supported by over 20 in-state horticulture associations and Iowa State University Extension.

Nearly 100 vendors are expected to exhibit plants, art, garden supplies, and lawn equipment. A wine village featuring Iowa wineries is also planned. Additionally, the Expo will feature three concurrent educational seminar tracks featuring experts from around the state and region. Topics will cover the gamut of horticultural specialties including honey production, growing herbaceous perennials, panel sessions of wine and arboriculture experts, rain gardens, organic lawn care, sustainability in the home garden, childrenÂs gardening, and much more. The Expo will offer anyone, novice to professional to engage in IowaÂs diverse and vibrant horticulture industry.

Bridge View Center is a new 92,000 square foot events center located in the heartland of Iowa. Featuring a 655 seat theater, multiple meeting rooms, and 30,000 square foot multi-purpose exposition hall. Each of the meeting rooms for the breakout sessions will seat up to 300 people. Located along the banks of the Des Moines River, Bridge View Center provides a comfortable and picturesque location. The Center is located at 102 Church Street, Ottumwa, Iowa. For directions, search Google or contact your local county ISU Extension office.

The Iowa State Horticultural Society (ISHS) was founded in 1866 for the purpose of promoting and encouraging horticulture and its related interests in Iowa through the collection and dissemination of information concerning production, marketing, and utilization of horticultural crops. The Iowa Code of Law states support for the ISHS from the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). The ISHS is involved in promoting the horticulture industry as a means of diversifying agriculture in Iowa.

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