Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment calls for proposals

The Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment has invited representatives of California institutions of higher learning and California horticultural organizations to submit proposals for funding from the endowment for the period of July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018. The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2017. Guidelines for submissions and more information can be found on the website.

In December of 2006, the Board of Trustees of the renowned Saratoga Horticultural Research Foundation decided to transform its $1.15 million in assets into a new horticultural endowment at UC Davis.

This gift established the Saratoga Horticultural Research Endowment (SHRE) to support research and educational programs that foster the introduction of new and improved plant materials for California gardens and landscapes.

The endowment has been funding research projects since 2008. A review of these projects can be a helpful tool in assessing whether your project is in line with the goals of the SHRE. The final reports for these projects may be viewed here.

Research and Educational Program Priorities

These current issues have been identified by the SHRE Advisory Committee as needing particular attention from both research and educational programs:

1. Facilitate plant survival during periods of extended drought emphasizing existing/established trees and shrubs
2. Encourage the transition to more water-conserving plant species for ornamental use
3. Develop alternative species recommendations to replace insect and disease prone landscape plants
4. Develop and/or expand the range of available climate-appropriate plants for regional California gardens and landscapes
5. Identify and encourage the use of plants that support native beneficial insects, particularly predators and parasitoids.
6. Develop irrigation guidelines for the landscape plants for the same genera (looking for physiological characteristics that can be attributed to low water use).
7. Develop innovative concepts focused on medicinal gardens such as grown by the Chinese and Native Americans.