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You are here: Home / Archives for Columns

Government behind the scenes

By Jeff Stone — Posted September 26, 2024

It is true — government is like a mighty river or an aircraft carrier. These things are not nimble and take time to turn, but in the end, policy decisions do matter and directives from elected officials are eventually implemented.

Filed Under: Director's Desk

Thanks for the memories

By Amanda Staehely — Posted September 26, 2024

It is hard for me to believe that a year has already gone by since I wrote my first President’s Message. What an incredible year it was!

Filed Under: President's Message

Nursery owner creates special iris to celebrate Olivia Newton-John

By Mike Darcy — Posted September 26, 2024

Thomas Johnson became hooked on Olivia Newton-John at an early age and after her death from cancer, he created a special iris to honor her.

Filed Under: Mike Darcy

The sprint to November begins now

By Jeff Stone — Posted September 10, 2024

Every four years, we hear from the political pundits that “this election is the most important one in our lifetime” or “our nation and its survival is at stake.” Alternatively, we might get a pervasive feeling of dread that our vote won’t matter in the end. Well, this election is very important. The direction (not […]

Filed Under: Director's Desk

Excited for a new season and a new year

By Amanda Staehely — Posted September 10, 2024

Fall is almost here, and I can feel the change happening. To me it is always the most obvious that seasonal change is upon us first thing every day. There is nothing like that cool, crisp morning with a beautiful sunrise and a light layer of fog covering the ground. I thoroughly welcome that change […]

Filed Under: President's Message

Little doubt about it

By Jeff Stone — Posted July 29, 2024

Recently the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistical Service (USDA NASS) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) released the Top 20 Commodity List for the State of Oregon. Our industry remains the shining example of resilience and once again is the “King of the Crops.” Despite punishing weather events, increased production costs levied […]

Filed Under: Director's Desk

Farwest has value now, and for future generations

By Amanda Staehely — Posted July 29, 2024

I believe many of us who were lucky enough to grow up within this industry have a few special memories or events that stand out to them. For me, and I am sure many others, the Farwest Show is almost nostalgic for that reason. Getting to work in the Simnitt Nursery booth was a highlight […]

Filed Under: Farwest Show, President's Message

Farewell to a great man who inspired optimism

By Mike Darcy — Posted July 23, 2024

If ever there was an optimist, it was Garden Gallery Ironworks founder Don Sprague.

Filed Under: Mike Darcy Tagged With: obituary

A pledge to America and a call to action

By Jeff Stone — Posted June 24, 2024

I find myself sentimental toward our nation and its promise to the world. I feel pride and apprehension for our daring experiment of a form of government, which is powerful and yet at the same time fragile every four years as we pick a new president. Elections matter. You as voters matter even more. While […]

Filed Under: Columns, Director's Desk

Helping others succeed distinguishes our industry

By Amanda Staehely — Posted June 24, 2024

One of my favorite things about this association and this industry in general, is everyone’s willingness to help and guide one another. As my husband, Wayne, started Columbia Nursery, he called countless people — truly too many to mention. There was always someone to answer his questions on grafting, business planning, where to buy nursery items, […]

Filed Under: Columns, President's Message

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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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