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You are here: Home / Archives for Columns

What the OAN means to me

By Patrick Newton — Posted February 24, 2026

The OAN isn’t just an office in Wilsonville or a staff that puts on events. It’s an organization built to support this industry from every angle.

Filed Under: President's Message

Deadline approaching to obtain water right permit extensions

By Steve Shropshire — Posted February 24, 2026

Legislative changes to the state’s water right permitting process modify long-standing timelines and procedures for perfecting water rights.

Filed Under: Legal Access

Labor remains backbone of nursery production

By Jeff Stone — Posted February 24, 2026

Automation has undeniably improved efficiency, reduced waste, and helped growers remain competitive. But our industry still runs on human hands.

Filed Under: Director's Desk

Giddy up for using your voice at the Legislature

By Jeff Stone — Posted January 23, 2026

This is a big month for our industry. The OAN will be active on both coasts in a major effort to help shape our future.

Filed Under: Director's Desk

Don’t make mountains out of molehills

By Patrick Newton — Posted January 21, 2026

How can we reduce some of the stress we run into every day?

Filed Under: President's Message

Olive trees may be perfect for arid Oregon summers

By Mike Darcy — Posted January 6, 2026

The purpose of Neil’s trials is to broaden the palette of plant selections that may be new to our area and perhaps have not yet been readily available locally.

Filed Under: Mike Darcy, Plant Features

Advocacy training matters more than ever

By Patrick Newton — Posted January 6, 2026

Advocacy training helps us learn how to explain what we do, understanding which issues matter most, and get the confidence to tell our story.

Filed Under: President's Message

Retailers are our indicator of economic health

By Jeff Stone — Posted January 6, 2026

Retail nurseries and garden centers often operate as the beating heart — quietly, consistently, and too often underappreciated.

Filed Under: Director's Desk, Retail Garden Centers

What gardeners look for at garden centers

By Mike Darcy — Posted November 24, 2025

With 2025 ending and a new year beginning, it seems like a good time to get some feedback from gardeners on what their vision is for their garden.

Filed Under: Mike Darcy

Two decades in the making

By Jeff Stone — Posted November 24, 2025

I feel deeply honored to have served as executive director for the last 15 years. What is more astounding to me is that this is my 20th year at the OAN.

Filed Under: Director's Desk

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NURSERY NEWS

Terra Gardens owner’s gesture for his mother opens the door to other wheelchair-bound gardeners

OAN announces 2025 Friends of Nurseries award winners

OAN leads grower-driven Japanese beetle solution

AmericanHort president and CEO to step down

In memoriam: Bill Van Belle

Longtime employee buys Heritage Seedlings and Liners

In Memoriam: Melvin John Steffenson

New USDA Census of Hort arriving in mailboxes this month

More Nursery News

From the pages of Digger

March: The Perennials Issue

February: The Greenhouse Issue

January 2026: The Retail Issue

November 2025: The Transportation Issue

October 2025

More issues of Digger

Pests and Diseases

OAN leads grower-driven Japanese beetle solution

Prioritizing nursery pest challenges

New tools in the battle against thrips

Aiming for precision in pest control

Oregon’s nursery licensing program aims to keep the entire industry healthy

More articles

FARWEST SHOW UPDATES

2026 Farwest Show issues calls for speakers

Excitement, optimism prevail at 2025 Farwest Show

Dazzling plants, products garner Retailer’s Choice Awards

Youngblood Nursery wins Best in Show booth honors at the 2025 Farwest Show

Glow Sticks Fescue wins top honors from judges at Farwest Show’s New Varieties Showcase 

More Updates from Farwest

The Value of Membership

AmericanHort president and CEO to step down

OAN honors industry leaders at 2025 Convention

Meet the Leader: Patrick Peterson

More member stories

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