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. Dec. 5.

The free event will take place in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences' greenhouses behind Dorman Hall. In addition to poinsettias in shades of red, pink, white and novelty colors, the open house will feature educational seminars, displays and door prizes. The horticultural student clubs will sell poinsettias, pecans, 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.

Presentations will begin at 9:30 a.m. when Jim DelPrince, associate professor in plant and soil sciences, offers tips for decorating wreaths and garlands. At noon, University Florist manager Lynette McDougald will demonstrate decorating tips and creating centerpieces for the holidays. MSU horticulture students will share advice in seminars throughout the day.

Additional seminars will take place in the afternoon, and the day's activities will conclude with a hands-on workshop on holiday centerpieces 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. Everyone will be able to take home a holiday centerpiece from the workshop.

Contact: Dr. Richard Harkess, (662) 325-4556