Ornamental Grower’s Association of Northern Illinois Welcomes New President

The Ornamental Grower’s Association of Northern Illinois President Becky Thomas passed the torch today to the new incoming President, Paul Guzzetta from Kaneville Tree Farms. What an honor to serve this great group of nursery professionals. OGA has such a rich history of growing in Illinois and some of the finest people you will ever meet!

The Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois is an organization of nurseries in northeastern Illinois. The association was founded in the early 1940’s with the desire to work together to provide quality nursery stock acclimated to the Midwest and northern states.

Now, 65 years later, the organization still meets monthly with the same goals and traditions in mind.

The OGA is distinguished from other organizations with the true diversity of its membership. Our members produce quality material ranging from the staples of the landscape to trend-setters in the market. This material is produced on land that exceeds 6,500 acres. You can find plant material from liners to 20′ specimens; including Perennials, Evergreens, Deciduous Trees, and Shrubs. OGA is a partner in the Chicagoland Grows program.

Chicagoland Grows Plant Introduction Program

Chicagoland Grows® is an innovative plant introduction program developed to promote and encourage the use of new and recommended plant cultivars that are well adapted to growing conditions in the Upper Midwest.

Goals of the Program

To develop and introduce to the landscape industry, a variety of groundcovers, perennials, trees and shrubs which are specifically recommended for northern climates. Breeding programs have been established at Chicago Botanic Garden and The Morton Arboretum to develop new cultivars that exhibit excellent hardiness and ornamental characteristics.

Program Structure

The Chicago Botanic Garden, The Morton Arboretum, and the Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois are responsible for the development and operation of the program. These organizations work in conjunction with a network of industry professionals to select, evaluate, and produce potential new plants for introduction. The Chicago Botanic Garden serves as program coordinator.

Contact Chicagoland Grows®

Visit www.chicagolandgrows.org, or call (847) 835-8309 for general information or source lists.