Abstracts

ROBINSON, M.L. 1988. Video value. Am. Nurseryman 168(10):94-95, 97.

Extension services offer many programs for urban gardeners and nurserymen. The use of mass media, and television in particular, has become essential to the distribution of Cooperative Extension Service horticulture programs. But before the extension’s programs were picked up by public television, the extension service had to figure out how to deliver them to people. The extension service also faced the challenge of providing continuing education to nursery personnel who infrequently attended workshops given by the extension service. Videos at nursery outlets are quite popular on weekends and during other peak sales times. To evaluate the effectiveness of videos, customers are being surveyed to find out how much they have learned and how much their gardening skills have improved as a result of watching the programs.

SCHROEDER, J.G. and D. GAMSTETTER. 1988. Street smart trees. Am. Nurseryman 168(10):100-105.

If, as a grower, you’ve never considered municipalities an important or significant part of your market, read on. The numbers may surprise you. In a recently published report, Dr. James Kielbaso of Michigan State University’s Forestry Department revealed that the national total of municipal plants is approximately a million trees a year. But why do these eager customers insist on specifying plants that are often unavailable in the necessary size, quality or quantity? The answer is that cities are not willing to part with their tax dollars for just any trees. Many factors determine the composition of each city’s master street tree list. Another factor governing tree lists is the urban environment, which limits the number of acceptable species. Although no one can precisely predict just how big this market may become, the upward growth of tree use is evident. The public is increasingly aware that trees are an important urban asset, and the government’s mandate is to serve its people.

• © 1990, International Society of Arboriculture. All rights reserved.