The 2020 Farwest Show, the biggest green industry trade show in the West, was canceled due to COVID-19. However, it just gives us time to pause and reflect on almost five decades of success the show created for thriving businesses here in Oregon Nursery Country. Read on for our history of the show, from its founding in 1973 to the present day, and be sure to check out fun stories from some of the exhibitors and participants! Readers will also get a head start on the upcoming plant trends to hit the marketplace by looking at the special New Varieties Showcase section. Voting is taking place right now, online.

In other coverage, this issue features more options for annuals, perennials, and shrubs, plus the stable sales potential of Nyssa products. Tom Brewer talks about his career in the nursery industry, while another story explores how the economy will change for growers as the COVID-19 pandemic plays out.

In this issue

• Growing with the Industry: A history of Farwest: Discover where it all started and take a walk down memory lane as participants share their trade show stories from throughout the years.
• Growing with the Industry: Farwest memories: A collection of stories from exhibitors and attendees of the show.
• New Varieties Showcase: Boost sales by checking out this special section dedicated to the latest new plants entering the marketplace this coming spring.
• Meet the Leader: Tom Brewer: A staple of OAN leadership, Tom Brewer is one of the strongest voices for advocacy and publicity of the greenhouse and nursery industry.
• Nurseries, COVID-19 and the economy: Despite the uncertainties of Coronavirus, nurseries experience a strong spring saleswise.
• Building the stems of the next generation: The Oregon Nurseries Foundation announces its 2020 scholarship recipients, who represent the green industry’s leaders and managers of tomorrow.
• Reblooming is booming: Consumers are drawn to new annuals, perennials and shrubs offering easy, continuous interest.
• The rise of the tupelo tree: With the steady introduction of new cultivars, Nyssa sylvatica gains prominence in the trade.

Columns

• An important partnership: President’s Message by Jim Simnitt
• Reflections on Farwest: Director’s Desk by Jeff Stone
• Gardening interest enters full bloom: What I’m Hearing by Mike Darcy

Growing Knowledge an ongoing series provided by Oregon State University in collaboration with the USDA and in partnership with OAN.

• Sense and sensor ability: NWREC’s Irrigation Classroom evaluates how to best use soil moisture sensors to improve water use efficiency.

Please send your comments on the issue to editor Curt Kipp at ckipp@oan.org.