July 7, 2015
Ruether honored by horticulture industry magazine
Horticulture research associate Robin Ruether has been named to the 2015 Class of "40 Under 40" by horticulture industry magazine, Greenhouse Product News. Honorees were nominated by horticulture and floriculture industry peers for their leadership, creativity, innovative thinking and accomplishments within and outside the horticulture field.
Based at K-State's Horticulture Research and Extension Center in Olathe, Ruether is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Prairie Star and Prairie Bloom flower trial programs, which evaluate annual and perennial flowers for their ability to adapt to the Kansas climate. The trials provide information to flower breeders and the regional horticulture industry, as well as to Kansas home and business owners looking for flowers best suited to grow in the state's sometimes challenging growing conditions.
In addition to managing the plant trials and rating the entries, Ruether maintains a website and writes the popular Prairie Star blog. She also serves as an All-America Selections judge and contributes to the National Plant Trials Database.
"The 40 individuals in this year's class represent all facets of horticulture, but they all have one thing in common," said Tim Hodson, Greenhouse Product News editorial director, in the announcement. "They are the pioneers for the future of our industry."
Greenhouse Product News is a leading business publication for horticulture professionals.