What's new?
Easing of water restrictions in South East Queensland
Recent rain in South East Queensland means the region's water storages have exceeded more than 50% capacity. Under the Medium Level Restrictions announced by Premier Anna Bligh, efficient irrigation systems can now be used on garden beds for the first time in more than three years. Queensland Water Commission is encouraging consumers to look out for the Smart WaterMark when purchasing irrigation products.
Nursery & Garden Industry Awards 2010
New awards, reduced submission requirements, simplified entry criteria, greater winner benefits
Entries for the 2010 Nursery & Garden Industry Awards open June 1, 2009 and close July 26, 2009. The Nursery & Garden Industry Awards give businesses the opportunity to promote themselves as leaders in the industry. By entering the Awards you are inspiring others to strive for excellence and are making a strong statement about your organisation’s commitment to the professionalism of the industry .
Savewater Awards
The Savewater® Alliance is celebrating the launch of its 7th national Savewater® Awards. This program is dedicated to recognising and rewarding outstanding achievements in water conservation. Regarded as the nation’s leading water sustainability awards, the program showcases water saving innovation in businesses and local communities across a number of categories.
New recruit in NGIA marketing & communications team
There is a new recruit in the NGIA marketing & communications team. Natalie Walker has begun as Events & Industry Marketing Coordinator.
Certified Nursery Professional – special membership deals expire soon!
If you have been considering CNP membership, or if you have considered joining up a member of your team to this valuable recognition program – then now is the time to act.
Nursery Papers & Clippings
Supporting and Advancing Australian Plant Breeding
In this Nursery Paper...
Australian plant breeders have developed many improved native trees and shrubs that are widely sold in Australia and planted in gardens. A small number of companies are exporting the intellectual property of innovative native plants suitable for seasonal potted colour and bedding to overseas markets and reversing the traditional flow of royalties. A few have had international success with exotics such as proteas, petunias and Madeira daisies. Other organisations are hoping for international sales.
While there are some great success stories, the breeders and marketers we surveyed signposted numerous difficulties in breeding and marketing new plants. In this Nursery Paper, the second of a two-part series on plant breeding, horticultural writer Helen Moody examines a number of issues that could be addressed to give greater support to Australian plant breeding.
