Resource Book on Horticulture Nursery Management

Unit 8: Ornamental Horticulture Nursery
Index
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Content
8.2.1 Selection and Collection of Regional Ornamental Plants
8.2.2 Regional Demand and Supply Situation in Ornamental Plants
8.2.3 Ornamental Plants Mass Production System and Operations
8.2.4 Nursery Plant Branding, Exhibition and Marketing.
8.2.5 Economics of Ornamental Plant Nursery
8.3 Glossary
8.4 Point to Remember
8.5 Self Check Questions
8.6 Do It Your Self
8.1 Introduction
The Indian culture is intrinsically tied to its flora, a fact that is reflected in the
prominent role that gardens play in Indian society. A wide variety of ornamental plants
are native to India due to its diverse geography. Many ornamental plants have been
cultivated for their beauty and symbolic value in gardens around the country for hundreds
of years. The native ornamental trees and plants of region evolve over long periods of
time and adapt themselves to the local climatic conditions, water availability, pest
resistance etc. Native plant species require little watering other than during the initial
years of establishment. Selecting the proper plants is one of the most important elements
when creating your ornamental nursery, keeping in mind the principle “Right Plant at the
Right Place.” This will determine the level of maintenance, water, fertilizer and
pesticides. The native ornamental trees and plant also play a major role in supporting a
large number of birds, insects, animals etc. for food and habitat requirements. When
native ornamental trees and plants get increasingly replaced by exotic plant species, the
ecological balance will shift in unfavorable directions for the existence of other
dependent species and can result in ecological damages that cannot be reversed back.
At the end of this unit, you will be able to know and understand:
� Native plants in the region which are used for ornamental purposes.
� Identification of regional plant species used for ornamental purposes.
� Demand and supply situation of ornamental plants.
� Strategies for mass production of ornamental plants.
� Nursery plant branding, exhibition and marketing.
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