NARGS Rocks: Plant Propagation - From the Ground Up- BUY a Ticket

We will start with a brief introduction on the various ways to propagate conifers and then a more in-depth discussion of grafting techniques. I will be showing photos of various conifers with an emphasis on the more dwarf cultivars and a look at some of the native conifer selections Bill Journeay and I have found.

Bob Osborne, owner of Corn Hill Nursery, New Brunswick Canada, has written extensively on horticulture, with publications ranging from scientific papers in the International Plant Propagator’s Society Proceedings to several books. 

How to propagate a diverse range of specialty plants on a limited budget using cost-effective equipment and repurposed materials? I'll cover outdoor propagation techniques, including cold frames, as well as minimally heated indoor frames located in an unheated space. The presentation will include construction tips and showcase the year-round propagation results from both cuttings and seeds.

His work experience includes a term at Memorial University Botanical Garden in St. John's, NL, a stint at Jack Drake's Alpine Nursery in Scotland, and Landscape Horticulture Technology Program at NSCC.

Covering a wide range of species suitable for the collector, hobbyist and rock garden enthusiast, this talk delves into the intricacies of propagating bulbous plants and geophytes in the broader sense. Mark will share his tips and tricks as well as cultivation guidance from 18 years of professionally growing a wide range of bulbs at his Salem, Oregon Nursery-illahe Rare Plants, a craft nursery specializing in rare bulbs, alpine, rock garden and xeric plants for a changing climate.

Mark has been a specialist grower of flower bulbs for over 18 years and has over 25 years of experience as a professional horticulturist.

Jay will share his sometimes-unorthodox approaches, as well as the best practices of highly skilled friends across the rock gardening world, for successfully propagating species commonly found in the NARGS Seed Exchange.

Despite not having a greenhouse in recent years and facing challenges such as frequent business travel and seedling-chomping wildlife in rock gardens spanning five USDA zones, Jay now produces plants for his current diverse rock gardens almost exclusively from seed – and he’ll show you how.