Digger magazine

Written to make you a nursery industry expert.

USDA releases new emerald ash borer detection map

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USDA has released an updated version of its emerald ash borer (EAB) map (PDF). It shows the counties in which authorities have detected the destructive, invasive beetle that is responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of ash trees in the United States. The pest was first detected in the United States in Michigan […]

August 2019 — Digger: Farwest Edition

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The August issue of Digger is your guide to the Farwest Show. You’ll find details on exhibitors, seminars, social events, trade show floor features, tours and much more! Meet us there, August 21­­–23! Also in this issue, our writers share some unexpected picks for ornamental shrubs and creative solutions for ground covers. OAN members Kelleygreen […]

Get ‘em while they’re hot: New cultivars from OSU

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The Ornamental Plant Breeding Program at OSU is beginning to hit its stride and new cultivars are hitting the market – carrying the hopes of making a positive impact on the industry. Established in 2010, the Ornamental Plant Breeding Program at Oregon State University has worked to develop plants that work in production for landscapers […]

Exciting, unusual and underused shrubs

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Trees frame the garden, perennials clothe it, but shrubs give it the bones that bring everything together. Yet so many of these essential plants never make it into the landscape. Shrubs like the exquisite Camellia × williamsii ‘Night Rider’ from New Zealand with its deep maroon red flowers and brilliant, reddish-purple new growth or vibrant, […]

Growing our tomorrow

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  The Oregon Nurseries Foundation announces its 2019 scholarship recipients, who represent the green industry’s leaders and managers of tomorrow. We know our nation can’t be prosperous without young people showing the initiative to learn, grow and enhance agricultural production. That’s why the Oregon Nurseries Foundation (ONF) rewards students for working towards their goals. In […]

Moves to make while the economy is still good

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Market fluctuations and shifting consumer trends can create economic complications for businesses across industries. However, even though an economic downturn may be looming, the nursery industry’s current strength provides a sturdy foundation for making informed business decisions that could position companies for stability and growth, regardless of outside influences. Following are three steps your nursery […]

Growing at the right pace

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  Marred by the recession, nursery growers are evolving along with the industry Over the past few years, Minnesota-headquartered Bailey Nurseries worked on breeding a new addition to its Endless Summer® brand of hydrangeas. Called Summer Crush®, the plant erupts in raspberry red or neon purple flowers, hues that are much bolder than the standard […]

Member profile: Kelleygreen Nursery

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When wholesale plant buyers drive across the wooden, one-lane bridge to access Kelleygreen Nursery, they typically don’t do it by accident. The grower of containerized Japanese maple varieties is situated on 22 acres of gently sloping ground that is nestled between forested Coast Range hills, about a three-hour drive from Portland, or about 45 minutes from Eugene. “If somebody comes here, we know they’re serious,” said cofounder Jan Kelley, who owns and operates the nursery together with his son, Kevin.

Green from the ground up

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  Whether the customers are landscapers or retailers, the most sought-after characteristics in ground cover plants for pathways and walkways are the same. People want low-growing, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, evergreen, flowering, noninvasive, deer-tolerant, durable and — gaining in popularity — rabbit-resistant plants. And it would be nice if they could also help with the dishes! Customers […]