Everything Nac

Dr. David Creech, Stephen F. Austin State University professor emeritus of agriculture and director of SFA Gardens, received the Southern Region of the International Plant Propagators’ Society Fellow Award during a virtual conference held in October.

The award honors individuals for ongoing contributions to the nursery industry and plant propagation in the Southern region.

Creech has been a member of the International Plant Propagators’ Society form more than 30 years and previously received the Sidney B. Meadows Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the organization.

“While I’m a member of several societies, there is no doubt the International Plant Propagators’ Society is my favorite, simply because it is a blend of academics and industry,” Creech said.

According to Creech, the organization has long served SFA students through professional development and employment opportunities offered during the organization’s annual conference.

“Many students have made great contacts and found jobs with some of the most progressive nurseries and landscape firms across the Gulf South,” Creech said. “Because of our students, we put SFA on the map, and the friendships I made in the organization have lasted for decades.”

The International Plant Propagators’ Society is a global network of plant production professionals that aims to improve the knowledge, skills and professionalism of its members through educational conferences, field days, seminars and a vast library of horticultural knowledge.

Story by Sarah Fuller, outreach coordinator for Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. Contact information: fullersa@sfasu.edu or (936) 568-1185.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s horticulture program will host an annual fall plant sale from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the SFA Plantery, located at 1924 Wilson Drive.

Plants available for purchase include a variety of winter annuals, such as pansies, violas, wallflowers, sweet alyssum and snapdragons. All plants are winter hardy and grow well in East Texas. Plants are $2 per pot or $32 for a tray of 18 plants.

“The students are so excited to sell great plants to our community,” said Dr. Jared Barnes, associate professor of horticulture and steward of the Plantery. “More and more research has shown that people have turned to gardening this year to relieve stress and anxiety, and we are happy to provide plants that enrich people’s lives.”

The plant sale will be held outdoors and follow university protocols for physical distancing and safety. All attendees must wear masks and are encouraged to bring exact change or a check.

Attendees also may opt for in-car pick up. Those who wish to do so are encouraged to email the Plantery for a list of available plants. Pick-up orders will be accepted until 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5.

For more information, contact Barnes at sfahorticulture@gmail.com. To learn more about SFA’s horticulture program, visit www.horticultureisawesome.com/the-plantery or follow @sfahorticulture on Instagram.