BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
Did you know? Bamboo can grow up to
40 inches a day and is structurally as
strong as steel.
Colorful Collaboration
Horticultural and architectural worlds will converge with the celebration of the San Fran- cisco Orchid Society's 60th annual Pacific Orchid Exposition (POE) and the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge. Themed "A Salute to the Golden Gate," the POE will display more than
150,000 orchid flowers from around the world
Many varieties of orchids are surprisingly hardy and adaptable to outdoor living spaces where they lend a touch of the exotic.
Feb. 23 at the Fort Mason Center. Because of its diverse microclimates, the Bay Area is widely acknowledged as one of the best orchid growing regions and is home to hundreds of exotic species. Attendees can participate in educational exhibits from orchid grow- ers, learn cultivation tips as they tour a virtual wonderland of orchids and purchase unique, rare varieties. For more information, visit orchidsanfrancisco.org.
DIGGING SAFELY
Watch how to prevent underground utility damage with Common Ground Alliance's (CGA) "5 Steps to Safer Digging" video for professionals: vimeo.com/29501568. By fol- lowing the steps shown in the video, the CGA estimates damages caused from digging could be reduced 30 percent. They also offer a video on safe digging for your clients and other non-professionals: vimeo.com/29620323. The CGA is behind the "Call Before You Dig" phone number, 811.
February 2012 / TOTAL LANDSCAPE CARE 11
