Join the OLCA Central Oregon Chapter on April 18th!

 It Is All About Plant Health Care

Presented by Gary English

 April 18, 2023
6:00 - 8:00 PM

City of Bend Utilities Department
62975 Boyd Acres Rd
Bend, OR 97701

No registration fee or RSVP needed to attend this meeting. 

About the Presentation:

Why Do Plants Care About Soil?
Soil nutrients and amendments are essential for plants' growth and development. Plants need the right balance of nutrients to thrive, and soil is their primary source of these vital nutrients. We will discuss why plants care about soil, including soil texture and porosity.

Soil amendments can improve fertility, texture, and drainage of the soil. Many amendments are available, including compost, manure, gypsum, lime, organic matter, peat moss, and more. We will discuss what to use and when.

The Life of a Root
Roots are an essential part of a plant’s health and survival, as they provide vital support and transport of water and nutrients to the rest of the plant. Roots also help anchor plants to their environment and act as a barrier to protect them from soil-borne diseases.
Roots also play an essential role in aerating the soil, helping to break up compacted layers, which can restrict a plant’s growth. Healthy roots are necessary for overall plant health.

Impacts of Water and Sunlight 
The amount of sunlight and water a plant receives significantly impacts its overall health. We will discuss ways to avoid plant stress in our changing climate.

Microclimates
Microclimates are areas of the landscape that have their own unique set of environmental conditions. These microclimates can influence the types of plants that thrive in a given area and how much care they need.

Inappropriate pruning practices
Pruning your plants is a great way to keep them healthy and looking their best. Pruning incorrectly can lead to stunted growth and weak branches and even kill the plant. We will review proper pruning techniques to remember.

About the presenter:
Gary English is the owner of Land systems Nursery in Bend and has more than 40 years of experience in landscape design, landscape construction and horticulture in Central Oregon. Gary has a degree in landscape architecture and horticulture from Oregon State University.