Most consumers are familiar with common household bleach containing sodium hypochlorite, such as Clorox. Another common but more stable form of bleach is called calcium hypochlorite, often referred to as swimming pool chlorine. A third but less familiar form of bleach is potassium hypochlorite. Nevertheless, all three forms of bleach have the same active ingredient, hypochlorous acid.

A potassium form of bleach called FloraFresh is being sold to supermarkets for use in buckets and vases to hold, display, and sell cut flowers.

Daniel Klittich, a doctoral candidate at the University of California Davis has been awarded the 2015 Paul Ecke Jr. Scholarship through the American Floral Endowment, according to a news release. The merit-based scholarship honors the late Paul Ecke Jr., who made contributions to the advancement of the floriculture industry.

It is given to M.S. or Ph.D. students studying horticulture or a related field, who intend to pursue a career as a researcher, scientist or educator.

Landon Donovan, retired L.A. Galaxy soccer star, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Southern California Fresh Produce & Floral Council Expo on July 14 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA. The breakfast program will feature a moderated question and answer session between Donovan and L.A. Galaxy reporter Kelli Tennant, according to a news release.

In a couple of months, floral members from across the supply chain (and nation — the world even) will get together to discuss emerging trends, challenges and opportunities that are of importance to the industry. Importers, exporters, retailers, breeders — you name it, they’ll be here — right in my backyard, Miami, FL.

The event, which is the first of its kind in the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Connections series, is designed for floral professionals, by floral professionals. The agenda was crafted with our specific, complex industry needs in mind.

Registration is now open for the American Institute of Floral Designers’ National Symposium, “Journey,” slated for June 30-July 4 in Denver, CO. The event will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the organization and a special celebration is planned.

“Every AIFD member’s journey is different,” said symposium coordinator Marie Ackerman in a news release. “And that’s the beauty of coming together each year and sharing techniques, best practices and inspiring ideas.”

ROBBINSDALE, MN — Mike Heger, owner at Ambergate Horticulture Consulting in Waconia, MN, knows perennials and he impressed close to 60 enthusiastic gardeners, here, with his extensive plant knowledge during his presentation, “Best Performing Perennials for Zones 3 & 4” at the Hennepin County Horticultural Society’s April meeting.