Nationally Known Gardener, TV Host and Magazine Publisher to Speak at UMaine
Contact: Aimee Dolloff, (207) 581-3777; Stephanie Burnett, (207) 581-2937
ORONO, Maine — University of Maine graduate, best-selling author and TV host Paul Tukey, a nationally recognized landscaper and gardener, is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 at UMaine’s Wells Commons.
Tukey is best-known as the founding editor and publisher of “People, Places & Plants” magazine, and as host of a television show he started by the same name. Tukey also appears regularly on radio and television, including spots on “Martha Stewart Living” and “Good Morning America.”
Tickets to hear Tukey speak about his passion, organic lawn care, are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. An informal gathering will begin at 6:30 p.m. featuring complimentary appetizers and a cash bar, followed by Tukey’s appearance at 7 p.m.
Proceeds from the event will help a group of UMaine landscape and horticulture students attend a national undergraduate conference and competition hosted by PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network. The international association includes about 4,000 member firms representing lawn care professionals, landscape management contractors, design/build/installation professionals, and interior plantscapers.
Each year, PLANET holds Student Career Days, which is a three-day event among students enrolled in horticulture programs from colleges and universities across the country. The students have the chance to compete in events that are directly related to the skills necessary for a career in the green industry. The event also offers a Career Fair which gives the students the opportunity to meet prospective employers in the industry and discuss employment opportunities.
This year, eight students from UMaine’s PLANET Campus chapter are planning to attend the conference at California’s Cal Poly Pomona, but first need to raise about $1,600 per student for airfare and registration fees.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Professor Stephanie Burnett at (207) 581-2937 or sburnett@maine.edu, or e-mail PLANET Campus President Meghan McPhee at Meghan_McPhee@umit.maine.edu.