ADVISORY/Industry-wide 'Green' Event Kicks Off in DC; Americans Called upon to Come Together & Plant Unity Gardens.

Assignment Desks/Gardening Writers

ADVISORY...Wednesday (April 2)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

National Gardening Association

WHAT:   "Celebrate the Power of Gardening" at the official kickoff
        press conference and reception for National Garden Month.

        --  Industry leaders will address the positive effects
            gardening has on our environment, health, schools and
            communities.

        --  NGA will release the latest statistics on this
            multibillion-dollar industry.

        --  Unity Garden will be launched.

WHEN:   Wednesday, April 2, 1:00 PM

WHERE:  West Gallery, U.S. Botanical Garden

WHO:    Green industry leaders including:
            Valerie Kelsey, President, National Gardening Association
             (event sponsors)
            Katie Moss Warner, President, American Horticultural
             Society
            Robert Dolibois, Executive Vice President, American
             Nursery & Landscape Association
            Bill Smart, National Wildlife Fund
            Christine Flanagan, Manager, US Botanic Gardens
            And sponsors:
                Jeff Gibson, Ball Horticultural
                Steve Hutton, The Conard-Pyle Co.
                Ron Stackland, SoilSoup, Inc.
                Jim Morris, WOLF-Garten

WHY:    In these times of conflict and uncertainty, gardening has
        the power to bring us together as one. The strength of
        gardening was evident in the aftermath of September 11th when
        millions flocked to public gardens to reconnect and to heal.
        We need your help in asking people to use gardening to come
        together, connect with others and plant "Unity Gardens" during
        National Garden Month.

INFO:   Call Rose Getch: [phone], ext. 129 or [e-mail]
             Susan McCoy: [phone] or [e-mail]