Topiary is the gardener's ancient art form in which plants are trimmed to form living sculptures. Reports the evolution of the art and the source of recent interest in the art form. (MDH)

Focus groups arranged by local Native American Master Gardeners on two Minnesota reservations determined community interest in extension-horticulture programs. Topics of interest included food preservation and historical Native-American uses of plants. (SK)

These skill standards, developed through a consortium of educational and industry partners in Illinois, serve as guides to workforce preparation program providers to define content for their programs and to employers to establish the skills and standards necessary for job acquisition and performance. The skill standards include the following…

In this article, the author describes Liguria Study Center for the Arts and Humanities in Bogliasco, Italy, which offers a stately perch from which a few lucky scholars and artists can gaze at the Mediterranean and gather their thoughts making it so conducive to the study of arts and letters. The center provides scholars and artists midcareer and…

It is very difficult for new Canadians to find work that draws on and recognizes their experience and qualifications. About three years ago the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) established a policy to try to help new Canadians achieve hands-on experience in their field of expertise through a special volunteer program. Since then,…

This 60-minute videotape leads teachers and students step by step through the rewarding world of gardening. It presents successful methods for gardening indoors and outdoors, in the ground, in containers, or in raised beds. Simply by following four fun and easy to understand programs, students learn about: (1) getting a garden started; (2)…

This document provides the information needed to meet the standards for pesticide applicator certification. Section one deals with the identification of pests and the diagnosis of pest damage. Section two provides an introduction to weed characteristics and herbicide usage. The application, formulation, effects and safety of herbicides in general…

This document discusses identification and control of the pests of trees and shrubs. The insects are grouped according to feeding habits and the type of damage caused to plants. Categories include the sucking insects and mites, leaf eating insects, pests attacking trunks and branches, and gall causing insects. (CS)

Based on a survey of 710 randomly selected persons from the Pinellas County (St. Petersburg area), Florida, Cooperative Extension mailing list, 54 of 566 respondents (9.5 percent) were willing to volunteer part of their time to assist the local Extension education program. Most respondents indicated home economics and horticulture as the main…

This agriculture extension service publication from Pennsylvania State University introduces the identification and control of common ornamental insect pests. For each of the insects or insect groups (i.e. aphids) identified in this publication, information on host plants, pest description, and damage caused by the pest is given. Also a calendar…

Reviews efforts undertaken in weed identification field training sessions for agriprofessionals in South Carolina. Data over a four year period (1980-1983) revealed that participants showed significant improvement in their ability to identify weeds. Reaffirms the value of the field demonstration technique. (ML)