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Floriculture and Horticulture Feed the Soul

© Rena Larranaga

Much of American agriculture feeds the body. But floriculture and horticulture feed the soul, says Thomas Elias, director of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. Considering that, on average, one person in every household claims to be a "gardener," we're a well-fed nation.

Also, Americans are passionate about preserving historical plants and trees - like the stately sycamore that stood during the Battle of Antietam and the Yoshino cherry trees that grace the nation's capitol. During spring, the cherry trees draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the D.C. area.

The 500 trees were propagated from the original lines given to the United States in 1912 by Tokyo mayor Yukio Ozaki. Today, these second-generation trees are 87 years old, more than twice their life expectancy. U.S. National Park Service gardeners are beginning another round of propagation to continue the heritage of these historic trees.

In addition to preserving existing trees, the USDA Agriculture Research Service continues to develop ornamental hybrids for public parks and private landscaping. These new varieties are more resistant to diseases and pests and are more suited to their environments. But why does the U.S. Department of Agriculture spend $7.3 million each year on horticulture and landscaping research?

Consider the following facts from USDA's Economic Research Service and the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census:

• Floriculture and horticulture industries are increasing by $500 million annually in grower cash receipts, making this the fastest-growing segment of U.S. agriculture.

• According to the most recent statistics, the average nursery or greenhouse operator can expect an annual return of $53,589 - more than from any other commodity. A cotton farmer, the runner-up, nets about $42,396.

• In terms of 1990 employment, floriculture and horticulture industries were the second leading employer in U.S. production agriculture, right behind beef.

• Environmental horticulture ranks among the top five agricultural commodities in 28 states. It offers communities a chance for rural development and gives farmers a way to diversify their crops for enhanced profits.

Source: Agricultural Research Magazine

The top five states in greenhouse/nursery production are California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas and Ohio. For more news about home gardening, visit USDA's gardening page at http://www.usda.gov/news/garden.htm

For a special treat, tour the U.S. National Arboretum online at http://www.ars-grin.gov/ars/Beltsville/n...

Happy gardening!