MISSISSIPPI STATE -- More than 80 poinsettia varieties will be on display during Mississippi State University's annual horticulture Christmas open house from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Dec. 6.

The free event will take place in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences' greenhouses behind Dorman Hall. In addition to the poinsettias, the open house will feature educational seminars, displays and door prizes. The student clubs on campus will sell poinsettias, wreaths and garlands.

"New poinsettias are introduced every year, and this is a great chance to see them and give feedback before these plants hit the store shelves," said Richard Harkess, horticulturist with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

Seminar topics include decorating for the holidays, caring for holiday plants and designing a do-it-yourself holiday centerpiece. Displays on holiday traditions from around the world will also be available.

University Florist manager Lynette McDougald will speak at 10 a.m. on the topic, "Through the Eyes of a Child." At 11 a.m., Harkess will offer tips on caring for holiday plants. At 1 p.m., Lynn Johnston, a floral designer from Vicksburg, will demonstrate decorating ideas.

The day will conclude with a hands-on workshop at 2:30 p.m. To ensure a spot in the workshop, those interested can preregister by calling MSU's Plant and Soil Sciences Department at (662) 325-2311, then pay the $10 workshop fee at the door. Additional participants can register and pay at the door as space allows. They will be able to take home a holiday centerpiece from the workshop.

Writer: Linda Breazeale

Released: Nov. 25, 2002
Contact: Dr. Richard Harkess, (662) 325-4556