Oklahoma Proven is a program coordinated by faculty in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University. The goal of the program is to recommend plants well-adapted for use across Oklahoma.

Each spring, Oklahoma Proven’s executive committee announces four new plant selections for our region. Throughout the year test sites across the state evaluate the plants based on insect and disease resistance and ability to survive Oklahoma’s climatic conditions with minimal input.

What Are You Planting?

August is the time for planting cool crops like: kale, collards, spinach, cabbage and broccoli. Planting in summer helps crops mature before the first freeze in late fall.

Escape The Summer Heat With a Moon Garden

A Moon garden is a special place designed to be enjoyed in the cool of the evening. Plants are usually selected for rich fragrance and bright white colors that reflect the moonlight. Since I only have time to enjoy my garden after work on most days, a moon garden suits me well. In addition to fragrant white flowers and silver leafed foliage plants, we chose some plants that are known to repel insects or mix cocktails.  We also decided that a water feature was needed - so we added a hot tub!

Insect repelling plants include: Pyrethrum daisy, Citronella Scented Geraniums, Lemon Grass, Wormwood, Tansy, Mint, Rosemary and more. Cocktail plants include: Cucumber, Mohito Mint, Wormwood, Cilantro, Lemon Verbena, Lime Basil, Rhubarb, Elderberry, Lavender, Lemongrass and more!

You can find loads of Moon Garden ideas by browsing our Moon Garden Store.

Moon Garden Butterflies in NE Oklahoma

Farmers Market Fun

Did you know you can try wine's from Oklahoma's Tidal School Winery every Saturday April thru October from 7-11am at Tulsa's Cherry Street Farmers Market 15th and Peoria, Tulsa, Ok.

Nuyaka Creek Winery Spring Wine Festival May 18, 2013

Come out and see the whole winemaking process; learn how we are turning this year's crop of Oklahoma wine grapes into premium vino! You can even pickup some winemaking supplies and advice to create your own wine.

EVENT: Spring Wine Festival
DATE: May 18, 2013 Noon until 7:00 PM
ADMISSION: Buy one $5.00 souvenir wine glass and taste all of the wines
INFORMATION: Call the Winery at 918-756-7568
Print the map before making the trip.  

New: Max Knotts Vintner Award

The Oklahoma State Fair Creative Arts Division is proud to announce a prestigious new award in conjunction with the 2012 annual wine competition. The new award is named after Max Knotts, who pioneered the modern era of grape and wine production in Oklahoma.

Mr. Knotts was a graduate of Oklahoma A&M (now OSU) and served in World War II. He retired from Oklahoma Natural Gas after 36 years as Senior Vice President, Oklahoma City. Mr. Knotts was actively involved with Rotary Club of El Reno, El Reno Chamber of Commerce, El Reno Country Club, Ardmore Rotary Club, Tulsa Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. Knotts was a founding member of the Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association and served as president. He was elected to the Oklahoma State Fair Board of Directors in 1972 and served until his death in 2011.

The criteria for the new winemaker award are as follows:

Each Oklahoma vintner who enters the Oklahoma State Fair and earns a medal for an entry or entries will accrue points (Bronze - 1 point, Silver - 2 points, Gold - 3 points). The Oklahoma Vintner with the highest point total will earn the Max Knotts Vintner Award. The award has been created by local sculptor Jack Nortz.