Michigan is a place where diverse habitats, rich ecology, and a vibrant horticultural community come together.From world-renowned breeders to visionary designers to expansive trial gardens, this region offers a rare blend of ecological richness and innovation. Explore visionary design, ecological insight, cutting-edge horticulture, and the vibrant perennial culture that makes the Great Lakes region so extraordinary. Round out the week by seeing the incredible work leading companies in the industry are undertaking, and learn from top experts in the field, including Jeff Epping, Hans Hesselein, Martha Keen, Dan Hinkley, and Stefano Marinaz.

Each evening of the National Symposium finishes with social events that will leave lasting impressions on all who attend. Kick off the week on a Monday bus tour that concludes at a welcome dinner reception at the family-owned and operated Walters Gardens. Explore the trade show hall and network with attendees and exhibitors on Tuesday at the annual Trade Show Social. After the Trade Show Social, purchase a ticket fro m the Perennial Plant Foundation to participate in their evening of perennial plant trivia at Mash Bar. Cap offWednesday’s tours with a dinner party at Michigan State University’s Horticulture Gardens. End yourSymposium experience by enjoying an inspiring evening at the iconic MSU Broad Art Museum featuring dinner, drinks, and uplifting conversation. Guests at this special event will hear a presentation by MaeveBassett of the Michigan State Horticulture Gardens, offering insights into the beauty and impact of cultivated landscapes.

The 2026 National Symposium offers numerous opportunities throughout the week to meet new PPA members and reconnect with longtime PPA friends. The week follows traditions started more than forty years ago, incorporates something new each year, and is always focused on inspiring perennial plant people! Be sure to visit the link below to check out the full Symposium schedule. The PPA Family looks forward to welcoming you! Don’t forget - the early bird registration deadline is June 16, 2026 and final registration deadline is July 14, 2026. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please visithttps://perennialplant.org/page/NationalSymposium.

This Forum is an invaluable opportunity for breeders and plant dealers from around the world to present their best and brightest in the industry to an audience of influential perennial professionals and enthusiasts. Attendees are always eager to see the line-up of latest plant material and innovative goods featured during this session!

Thanks to Pleasant Run Nursery and its very generous sponsorship of this anticipated event at the 2026 National Symposium, companies and organizations can showcase any combination of plants or products during their selected timeframe in the session. PPA is excited to announce the following featured companies: DeVroomen Garden Products; Plants Nouveau; Darwin Perennials; Walters Gardens; Terra Nova Nurseries; Pacific Plug and Liner; Emerald Coast Growers; Hortech; McHutchison; PanAmerican Seed; and our feature sponsor, Pleasant Run Nursery.

All companies presenting at the Forum will also be featured in an upcoming Perennial Plant Association newsletter and on PPA’s website following the National Symposium. Make sure to become a PPA member to receive this excellent New to Market information. Join PPA at https://perennialplant.org/page/Join.

The early bird National Symposium registration deadline is June 16, 2026, and final registration deadline is July 14, 2026. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please visit https://perennialplant.org/page/NationalSymposium.

At the heart of the symposium is an exceptional week-long learning experience. Hear from industry leaders through a thoughtfully curated lineup of engaging presentations and panels. Enjoy exclusive tours designed especially for horticulture professionals, including visits to private and public gardens, growers, retailers, and more.

The 2026 National Symposium is more than just a conference - it's a celebration of the perennial plant community. Monday will kick off with perennial tours that will all conclude with a tour and casual dinner at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan. Join us for the trade show social on Tuesday where you'll mingle and forge valuable connections with like-minded professionals, students and other plant enthusiasts. Cap off Wednesday’s tours with a dinner party at the charming Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens.

Throughout the event, you'll have the chance to engage with industry vendors during the trade show and explore the latest innovations and developments shaping the world of horticulture. Discover new plants during the New to Market Forum and get a glimpse into award winning landscape design projects.

PPA will also recognize those who have made a significant impact to the horticulture industry with the Special Recognition Awards, offer the opportunity to meet the Perennial Plant Foundation scholarship winners, as well as unveiling the 2027 Perennial Plant of the Year®.

Speaker highlights include:

• Dan Hinkley - plantsman, author, lecturer, nurseryman and horticultural consultant
• Shannan Gibb-Randall - principal of InSite Design Studio
• Stefano Marinaz – director of Stefano Marinaz Landscape Architects
• Jeff Epping – founder of Epping Design & Consulting, former Director of Horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens
• And a breeder spotlight featuring Dave MacKenzie, Brent Horvath, and Justin Lombardoni
  

Tour attractions include:

• Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
• Oudolf Garden Detroit
• Wholesale growers, including Hortech Inc., Opel Growers, Mast Young Plants, and Raker-Roberta's Trial Gardens
• Private home gardens, including Susan Martin, Dale Deppe, Chris Hansen, and more
• And, of course, Walters Gardens and the picturesque Horticulture Gardens at Michigan State University!

PPA’s Board of Directors are eagerly anticipating the upcoming National Symposium and are impressed by the Local Planning Committee’s dedicated hard work to offer top notch education and tours to Symposium attendees. “I’ve had the opportunity to present this year’s symposium to a number of people, and the reaction has been immediate and unmistakable—excitement all around. The moment they see the destination and itinerary, they’re sold. Even before diving into the tour sites and speakers, just knowing it will be held in East Lansing, Michigan says a lot. I encourage you to explore the details—this is truly a must-attend conference.” said Ed Lyon, PPA Board President.

Don't miss your chance to be with PPA this summer! The 2026 National Symposium promises exceptional education, unmatched networking, and unforgettable memories.

The early bird registration deadline is June 16, 2026, and final registration deadline is July 14, 2026. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please visit https://perennialplant.org/event/2026ns.

From tours of public and private gardens to education crafted for diverse industry interests, this is THE event for perennial plant people. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore inspiring botanical gardens, see the incredible work that leading companies are undertaking, and learn from top experts in the field. Comprised of education, tours, socials, dinners and a trade show, attendees can choose to participate in the weeklong experience with PPA hosting “add-on” bus tours on Monday and the Core Symposium (Tuesday-Thursday).

The Midwest’s rich agricultural heritage and thriving horticulture scene provide the perfect backdrop for this immersive learning experience. The symposium is carefully curated to deliver an unforgettable horticultural experience.

Session highlights include:

• The Prairie – Past, Present and Future with Neil Diboll
• Designing Landscapes of Place with Darrel Morrison
• Strategies for a Thriving Fall Perennial Program with a panel of grower professionals
• Innovative Alternatives to Traditional Lawns with Liz Anna Kozik

The Perennial Plant Association would also like to thank the National Symposium sponsors and trade show exhibitors for generously stepping up with both fiscal and in-kind contributions to help provide a high-quality symposium. More than 65 sponsors and exhibitors have supported the efforts to be able to offer a sensational week-long experience for attendees!

The PPA National Symposium follows traditions started more than forty years ago but incorporates something new each year, and is always focused on inspiring perennial plant people! Be sure to visit the link below to check out the full Symposium schedule. The PPA Family looks forward to welcoming you! Don’t forget - final registration deadline is July 15, 2025. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please click here.

Thanks to Pleasant Run Nursery and its very generous sponsorship of this anticipated event at the 2025 National Symposium, companies and organizations have the opportunity to showcase any combination of plants or products during their selected timeframe in the session. PPA is excited to announce the following featured companies: DeVroomen Garden Products; Plants Nouveau; Darwin Perennials; Walters Gardens; Terra Nova Nurseries; Pacific Plug and Liner; Future Plants; Must Have Perennials; Dümmen Orange; North Creek Nurseries; and our feature sponsor, Pleasant Run Nursery.

All companies presenting at the Forum will also be featured in an upcoming Perennial Plant Association newsletter and on PPA’s website following the National Symposium. Make sure to become a PPA member in order to receive this excellent New to the Market information. Join PPA at https://perennialplant.org/page/Join.

Plan on making lasting connections during evening visits and social events, which includes a fun trade show social, Perennial Plant Foundation trivia night, and a dinner party at the Reiman Gardens. Participants will have the opportunity to attend education, tours, socials, dinners and a trade show and can choose to participate in the weeklong experience (Monday-Friday), or a three-day Core Symposium (Tuesday - Thursday). PPA’s National Symposium follows tradition began over forty years ago but incorporates something new each year. The PPA Family looks forward to welcoming you!

The early bird registration deadline is June 10, 2025 and final registration deadline is July 15, 2025. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please visit https://perennialplant.org/page/NationalSymposium.

At the heart of the symposium is an unrivaled educational experience. Learn from industry leaders through a curated lineup of insightful presentations and panels. Gain exclusive access to tours tailored specifically for horticulture professionals, featuring tours of private and public gardens, growers, retailers, and more. The Midwest’s rich agricultural heritage and thriving horticulture scene provide the perfect backdrop for this immersive learning experience.

The 2025 National Symposium is more than just a conference - it's a celebration of the perennial plant
community. Monday will kick off with tours all concluding at The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for refreshments. Join us for the trade show social on Tuesday where you'll mingle with like-minded individuals and forge valuable connections. Cap off Wednesday’s tours with a dinner party at the renowned Reiman Gardens, showcasing one of the Midwest’s vibrant public gardens.

Throughout the event, you'll have the chance to engage with industry vendors during the trade show and explore the latest innovations and developments shaping the world of horticulture. Discover new plants during the New to Market Forum and get a glimpse into award winning landscape design projects. PPA will also recognize those who have made a significant impact to the horticulture industry with the Special Recognition Awards, offer the opportunity to meet the Perennial Plant Foundation scholarship winners, as well as unveiling the 2026 Perennial Plant of the Year®.

Speaker highlights include:

• Neil Diboll - President and Consulting Ecologist at Prairie Nursery
• Heather Holm - Pollinator Conservationist and Educator
• Darrel Morrison - Landscape Architect and Educator
• Wambui Ippolito - Owner & Founder at Wambui Design
• Jeff Carstens – Horticulturist at NCR Plant Introduction Station

Tour attractions include:

• Blank Performing Arts Center
• Ted Lare Design Build & Garden Center
• Hillside Hostas
• Iowa State University Seed Lab
• Swift Greenhouses
• And of course the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and the
  spectacular Reiman Gardens!

PPA’s Board of Directors are eagerly anticipating the upcoming National Symposium and are impressed by the Local Planning Committee’s dedicated hard work to offer top notch education and tours to Symposium attendees. “Plan to join the PPA family reunion in Des Moines this summer—the local planning committee has put together a robust program with great speakers and inspiring tours. I’ll see you there!” said Richard Hawke, PPA Board President.

Don't miss your chance to be with PPA this summer! The 2025 National Symposium promises exceptional education, unmatched networking, and unforgettable memories.

The early bird registration deadline is June 10, 2025 and final registration deadline is July 15, 2025. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please visit https://perennialplant.org/event/2025ns.

• Exploring Southern Appalachian Flora with Tom Ranney
• Cultivating Community and Ecological Stewardship at Brooklyn Bridge Park with Rashid Poulson
• Designing for the Experience: Composition in Practice with Preston Montague
• From Test Tube to Garden Center: The Role of Plant Tissue in Bringing New Perennials to Market with Kelly Elsworth
  
• Favorites from Plant Trials with Elliott Duemler, Paul Westervelt, and Dr. Mark Yelanich

The Perennial Plant Association would also like to thank the National Symposium sponsors and trade show exhibitors for generously stepping up with both fiscal and in-kind contributions to help provide a high-quality symposium. Nearly 65 sponsors and exhibitors have supported the efforts to be able to offer a sensational week-long experience for attendees!

The PPA National Symposium follows traditions started forty years ago but incorporates something new each year, and is always focused on inspiring perennial plant people! Be sure to visit the link below to check out the full Symposium schedule. The PPA Family looks forward to welcoming you! Don’t forget - final registration deadline is July 15, 2024. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please visit https://perennialplant.org/page/NationalSymposium.

Thanks to Pleasant Run Nursery and its very generous sponsorship of this anticipated event at the 2024 National Symposium, companies and organizations have the opportunity to showcase any combination of plants or products during their selected timeframe in the session. PPA is excited to announce the following featured companies: DeVroomen Garden Products; Plants Nouveau; Darwin Perennials; Walters Gardens; Green Hill Farm, Inc.; Terra Nova Nurseries; Pacific Plug and Liner; Future Plants; Must Have Perennials; and our feature sponsor, Pleasant Run Nursery.

Are you afraid you may miss important information given during the New to the Market Forum? All companies presenting at the Forum will also be featured in an upcoming Perennial Plant Association newsletter and on PPA’s website following the National Symposium. Make sure to become a PPA member in order to receive this excellent New to the Market information. Join PPA at https://perennialplant.org/page/Join.

Plan on making lasting connections during evening visits and social events, which includes a celebratory 40th Anniversary dinner at Highland Brewing Event Center and a “North Carolina night to remember” at the Governor’s Western Residence . PPA’s National Symposium follows traditions started forty years ago but incorporates something new each year. The PPA Family looks forward to welcoming you!

Participants will have the opportunity to attend education, tours, socials, dinners and a trade show and can choose to participate in the weeklong experience (Monday-Friday), or a three-day Core Symposium (Tuesday - Thursday).

The early bird registration deadline is June 17, 2024 and final registration deadline is July 15, 2024. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please visit https://perennialplant.org/page/NationalSymposium.

PPA will recognize those who have made a significant impact to the horticulture industry with the Special Recognition Awards, offer the opportunity to meet the Perennial Plant Foundation scholarship winners, and provide the chance to see the unveiling of the 2024 Landscape Design Awards as well as the 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year®. And with an incredible lineup of speakers, you'll leave feeling inspired and energized.

Speaker highlights include:

• Tom Ranney - Exploring Southern Appalachian Flora, JC Raulston Distinguished Professor of Horticultural Science at NC State University
• Kelly Elsworth – From Test Tube to Garden Center, Founder and President of Next Stage Labs
• Rashid Poulson – Cultivating Community and Ecological Stewardship, Director of Horticulture at Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation
• Bobby Mottern – Gardening for Climate Resilience, Director of Horticulture at Sarah P. Duke Gardens
  

Tour attractions incorporate:

• Botanical Gardens at Asheville
• B.B. Barnes Garden Center
• Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Center
• Reems Creek Nursery
• New this year - Hiking Tour to the waterfalls in the Pisgah Forest!

Plan on making lasting connections during evening visits and social events, which includes a special dinner at Highland Brewing and a ticketed-only event at the North Carolina Governor’s Western Residence, overlooking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. PPA’s National Symposium follows traditions started over forty years ago but incorporates something new each year. The PPA Family looks forward to welcoming you!

PPA’s Board of Directors are eagerly anticipating the upcoming National Symposium and are impressed by the Local Planning Committee’s dedicated hard work to offer top notch education and tours to Symposium attendees. “What better way to celebrate the PPA’s 40th anniversary than meeting up with old friends and making new connections in beautiful Asheville! Thanks to the PPA Southern Region Director and local planning committee for putting together a solid program with great talks and inspiring tours” said Richard Hawke, PPA Board President.

The early bird registration deadline is June 17, 2024 and final registration deadline is July 15, 2024. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please click here.

• Escape to Reality: How the World is Changing Gardening and Gardening is Changing the World with Ben and Mark Cullen
• The Road That Got Us Here: Old, New and Along the Way Perennial Favorites with Dr. Allan Armitage
• The Complete Talk on Ground Covers: Plants that reduce maintenance, control erosion, improve the environment, and beautify the landscape with Gary Lewis
• Wildscaping: Explorations in Naturalistic Planting Design with Tony Spencer

The Perennial Plant Association would also like to thank the National Symposium sponsors and trade show exhibitors for generously stepping up with both fiscal and in-kind contributions to help provide a high-quality symposium. A special thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, the Royal Botanical Gardens, who will be hosting our largest event of the week on July 26th, with an inspiring visit complete with tours and an unforgettable evening cocktail reception. Nearly fifty sponsors and exhibitors have supported the efforts to be able to offer a sensational week-long experience for attendees!

The PPA National Symposium follows traditions started over thirty years ago but incorporates something new each year, and is always focused on inspiring perennial plant people! Be sure to visit the link below to check out the full Symposium schedule. The PPA Family looks forward to welcoming you! Don’t forget - final registration deadline is July 12, 2023. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please visit here.

Thanks to Pleasant Run Nursery and its very generous sponsorship of this anticipated event at the 2023 National Symposium, companies and organizations have the opportunity to showcase any combination of plants or products during their selected timeframe in the session. Once again, entries to the Forum quickly sold out this year, and PPA is excited to announce the following featured companies: DeVroomen Garden Products; Plants Nouveau; Darwin Perennials; Walters Gardens; Must Have Perennials; Terra Nova Nurseries; Pacific Plug and Liner; Future Plants; and our feature sponsor, Pleasant Run Nursery.

Are you afraid you may miss important information given during the New to the Market Forum? All companies presenting at the Forum will also be featured in an upcoming Perennial Plant Association newsletter and on PPA’s website following the National Symposium. Make sure to become a PPA member in order to receive this excellent New to the Market information. Join PPA at https://perennialplant.org/page/Join.

Plan on making lasting connections during evening visits and social events, which include the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Rock Garden for a special tour and dinner. PPA’s National Symposium follows traditions started over thirty years ago but incorporates something new each year. The PPA Family looks forward to welcoming you! Participants will have the opportunity to attend education, tours, socials, dinners and a trade show and can choose to participate in the weeklong experience (Monday-Friday), or a three-day Core Symposium (Tuesday - Thursday).

The early bird registration deadline is June 14, 2023 and final registration deadline is July 12, 2023. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please visit https://perennialplant.org/page/NationalSymposium.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend education, tours, socials, an evening garden dinner, plus a trade show, and can choose to participate in the weeklong experience (Monday-Friday), or a three-day Core Symposium (Tuesday-Wednesday).

Speaker highlights include:

• Mark and Ben Cullen, Expert Garden Communicators

• Gary Lewis of Phoenix Perennials

• Dr. Allan Armitage, Renowned Horticulturist, Researcher and Speaker

• Tony Spencer of The New Perennialist

• Patrick Cullina of Patrick Cullina Horticultural Design and Consulting

Tour attractions incorporate:

• Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory

• Sheridan Nurseries

• Terra Watertown

• Kayanase Nursery and Ecological Restoration

• Watering Can Flower Market

Plan on making lasting connections during evening visits and social events, which include the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Rock Garden for a special tour and dinner. PPA’s National Symposium follows traditions started over thirty years ago but incorporates something new each year. The PPA Family looks forward to welcoming you!

PPA’s Board of Directors are eagerly anticipating the upcoming National Symposium and are impressed by the Local Planning Committee’s dedicated hard work to offer top notch education and tours to Symposium attendees. “This will be a can’t-miss immersion into the fantastic horticulture scene in and around the Niagara Falls area. We are so grateful to our PPA Canada Region Director and site committee for making this unique opportunity possible!” said Holly Scoggins, PPA Board President.

The early bird registration deadline is June 14, 2023 and final registration deadline is July 12, 2023. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, please visit https://perennialplant.org/page/NationalSymposium.

Are you afraid you may miss important information given during the New to the Market Forum? All companies presenting at the Forum will also be featured in an upcoming Perennial Plant Association newsletter and on PPA’s website following the National Symposium. Make sure to join as a PPA member in order to receive this excellent New to the Market information. Join here.

After a hiatus of our in-person annual Symposium, PPA is thrilled to be heading to Lancaster, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area for a week designed to highlight the wonders of perennial plants. From tours of public and private gardens to education crafted for diverse industry interests, this is THE event for perennial plant people. Participants will have the opportunity to attend education, tours, socials, dinners and a trade show and can choose to participate in the weeklong experience (Monday-Friday), or a three-day Core Symposium (Tuesday-Wednesday).

Health and safety measures will be implemented for the protection of all participants at the National Symposium. PPA is planning the event with mitigation strategies in mind and encourages you to visit the Safety & FAQ page to learn more. The early bird registration deadline is June 24, 2022 and final registration deadline is July 22, 2022. Read more information on the National Symposium, a full roster of speakers and session topics, and register today!

The educational sessions will be presented by PPA, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), Morris
Arboretum, and the Penn State Extension Master Gardener program. The speakers and topics are designed with the public in mind, and everyone from garden enthusiasts to gardening professionals, are encouraged to attend!

Participants who attend education sessions will engage in lectures by five speakers with lunch included.
Information is centered around the theme Native Friendly Gardening and Supporting Pollinators and
includes:

• Plants for Pollinators: the Ecological Value of Perennial Garden Flowers, presented by Emily Erickson,
  Postdoctoral Research with Tufts University
• Have you Thought of Growing Clematis for Pollinators? What We Know About Their Ecosystem
  Functions, presented by Jeff Jabco, Director of Grounds and Coordinator of Horticulture with Scott
  Arboretum at Swarthmore College
• Champions or Chumps? Perennial Plant of the Year® Winners in Review, presented by Stephanie
  Cohen, Author, Gardener, also known as the “Perennial Diva”
• Containers that Create Spaces, presented by David Mattern, Horticulturist with Chanticleer Garden
• Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gardens: Flourishing through Sustainability, presented by Andrew
  Bunting, Vice President of Public Gardens and Landscapes with PHS

The other option of Perennial Plant Education Day is designed for horticulture industry professionals to attend one of two bus tours for a hands-on approach to learning, while navigating through the beautiful countryside of the piedmont region of Pennsylvania. All tours include snacks and lunch.

At the Lancaster & Local Tour, attendees will be able to visit garden centers, greenhouses, and a unique
production facility for the entertainment industry. These tours include:

• Penn State Trial Gardens
• Briar Rose Greenhouses
• Black Creek Greenhouses
• Esbenshade’s Garden Center
• Rock Lititz
• Stauffers of Kissel Hill

At the Northwest & York Tour, attendees will have the opportunity to explore greenhouses and private
gardens located in this region of Pennsylvania. These tours include:

• Quality Greenhouses
• Millbourne
• Fears Private Home Garden
• Brister Private Home Foodscape Garden

The early bird registration deadline is June 24 and final registration deadline is July 22. Full details and
registration for the Perennial Plant Education Day can be found here.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend education, tours, socials, dinners and a trade show and can choose to participate in the weeklong experience (Monday-Friday), or a three-day Core Symposium (TuesdayWednesday).

Speaker highlights include:
• Paul Redman of Longwood Gardens
• Jourdan Cole of Mt. Cuba Center
• Claudia West of Phyto Studios
• Jared Hughes of Groovy Ranch Plants
• Melissa Lowrie of Terrain

Tour attractions incorporate:
• Rock Lititz in Lititz, PA
• A Private Home Foodscape Garden in Kingsville, MD
• Stoneleigh Garden in Villanova, PA
• Donald Pell Gardens in Phoenixville, PA
• Quality Greenhouses in Dillsburg, PA

Plan on making lasting connections during evening visits to Longwood Gardens; Chanticleer, a pleasure
garden; and North Creek Nursery, who are hosting tours with a picnic at your pleasure dining experience –
plus some surprises! This event follows traditions started over thirty years ago but incorporates something new each year. The PPA Family looks forward to welcoming you!

PPA’s Board of Directors are eagerly anticipating the upcoming National Symposium and are impressed of the Local Planning Committee’s dedicated hard work to offer top notch education and tours to Symposium
attendees. “This Symposium will BRING IT: all the fabulous tours, talented speakers, and networking fun
you've come to expect from the National! We cannot wait to reconvene with our PPA friends, both old and
new!” said Holly Scoggins, PPA Board President.

Health and safety measures will be implemented for the protection of all participants at the National
Symposium. PPA is planning the event with mitigation strategies in mind and encourage you to visit the Safety
& FAQ page to learn more. The early bird registration deadline is June 24, 2022 and final registration deadline is July 22, 2022. For more information on the National Symposium and to register, click here.

Brainstorming for the event began in June of this year and Diane and Gail have been collecting data, reviewing research and compiling it into an amazing presentation. Attendees will be blown away by some of the statistics and findings - including over 30 new trends and how they relate to the horticulture industry! Blue Zone Living? K-Pop-? Boomer Tech? These topics and more have made the list!

The Connecting with Consumers webinar will take place online on Wednesday, December 8 from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Eastern. Registration includes the live webinar and access to the recording. A resource guide and handouts of the presentation will also be shared after the event. Register here.

PPA and NGB hope to see you there!

Leading off of the heels of the well-received Winter Virtual Symposium that focused on the same theme, join six industry-leading professionals, all located in the Canadian and U.S. Great Lakes area, as they explore popular current topics in perennial professionals’ careers and then dive in for a more personal connection when they share favorite aspects of their private home and work gardens. Attendees can participate in chats, polls, and ask questions throughout the event to stay engaged. A huge bonus to this event is a top 10 perennials plant list from each presenter!

PPA believes it’s unique to the green industry that most pros can work all day with plants and then go home and play with plants and is thrilled to announce the following speakers for the Winter Virtual Symposium:

• Jon Peter – Curator and Manager of Plant Records, Royal Botanical Gardens
• Todd Boland – Research Horticulturist, Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Gardens
• Stacey Hirvela – Marketing Manager, Spring Meadow Nursery
• Scott Beuerlein – Botanical Garden Outreach Manager, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
• Rodger Tschanz – Trial Garden Manager, University of Guelph
• Elliott Duemler – Native Perennials Manager, Taylor Creek Restoration Nurseries

The Fall Virtual Symposium will take place online on Friday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern. Registration for this event is now open. Reduced rates are available for members of PPA, Landscape Ontario, Cincinnati Zoo, and Royal Botanical Gardens.

Each day of the three-day educational event will consist of hour-long opening and closing sessions, mini sessions, tour talks and traditions such as the Landscape Design Awards and the New to the Market Forum.

"Attending the New to the Market Forum is one of the highlights of the National Symposium,” said Holly Scoggins, President-elect of the Perennial Plant Association. “What a fantastic opportunity - a front-row seat as the next wave of terrific perennials is unveiled. I know our attendees are equally excited to see what’s new!”

Throughout the event, attendees will participate in polls, trivia, and Q&A with presenters, as well as be engaged beyond education for some fun surprises! Sponsors are crafting daily mindfulness breaks and sponsors are hosting a refreshing happy hour session and a custom PPA virtual tea tasting by Drink Good Tea.

The PPA Virtual National Symposium will take place online July 27-29 from 1–5 p.m. ET with additional happy hour events on July 27 and 28.

The final registration deadline is July 23, 201. Click here to register.

Click here for updated information on all of the 2021 PPA Hybrid National Symposium plans.

Thanks to BASF and its very generous sponsorship of this anticipated event at the Virtual National Symposium, companies and organizations have the opportunity to showcase any combination of plants or products during their selected timeframe in the session. This year, entries to the Forum quickly sold out, and we are excited to announce the following featured companies: DeVroomen Garden Products; Plants Nouveau; Pacific Plug and Liner; Darwin Perennials; Green Leaf Plants, a division of Aris Horticulture, Inc.; Walters Gardens; Emerald Coast Growers; and our feature sponsor, BASF.

Are you afraid you may miss important information given during the New to the Market Forum? All companies presenting at the Forum will also be featured in an upcoming Perennial Plant Association newsletter and on PPA’s website following the Virtual National Symposium. Make sure to join as a PPA member in order to receive this excellent New to the Market information.

Inspiration for the Virtual National Symposium program and session topics is drawn from the theme “Celebrating Perennials: People, Place & Purpose,” as speakers join us from places such as Italy, Britain, Brooklyn, Denver and beyond. View the full roster of speakers and session topics.

Each day of the three-day educational event will consist of hour-long opening and closing sessions, mini sessions, tour talks, and traditions such as the New to the Market Forum and Landscape Design Awards. Those who register by June 18 will receive a welcome box including items to participate in a happy hour and a custom PPA virtual tea tasting hosted by Drink Good Tea and sponsored by Darwin Perennials.

Early-bird registration rates run through June 18.

The Virtual National Symposium is part of PPA’s 2021 Hybrid National Symposium showcasing online education days as well as in-person, smaller, outdoor PPA Pop-Up events held at various locations around the U.S. Learn more about the Pop-Up events.

Panayoti Kelaidis is a plant explorer, gardener and public garden administrator associated with Denver Botanic Gardens where he is now Senior Curator and Director of Outreach. Panayoti will address attendees at the Symposium with a lively discussion titled Reinventing a Western Landscape Aesthetic. He will share some of the heroes--both people and plants--who have created the transformation of Western landscapes from “English style” into something far more sustainable and appropriate to a Western setting, as well as discussing its relevance and impact on other regions. Follow him on Instagram at @panayotikelaidis.

Horticulturist, landscape designer, lecturer and writer, Jason Reeves, joins the PPA Virtual Symposium with a tour of his private home garden in Western Tennessee. Jason received his Master’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In 2002, he became a research horticulturist and curator of the University of Tennessee Gardens located at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson. Jason’s colorful plant combinations and unique garden art, made by recycling everyday objects, draws several thousand people each year to the Center’s annual lawn and garden show, Summer Celebration. Jason influences others to be creative and challenges true plants people to always continue to learn. You may be familiar with some of his famous displays at the University of Tennessee Gardens in Jackson but now he is showing us his personal garden showcase. You can follow Jason’s design journey on his Facebook page In the Garden.

Scott McMahan, Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Manager of International Plant Exploration will offer final remarks as the closing speaker at the Virtual National Symposium with the session titled Plant Exploration with a Purpose. Scott’s lecture will focus on photos and stories from 20 years of plant exploration in Southeast Asia and how that has prepared him in his current role at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. In particular, Scott will speak on the work he and his colleagues have been doing in the wilds of China, Vietnam and India. Scott oversees plant collection and evaluation at ABG as well as the creation of a visiting scholar program to promote the exchange of knowledge and plants with other botanical institutions around the world. Follow Scott’s adventures at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on Instagram at @atlbotanical.

Each day of the three-day educational event will consist of hour-long opening and closing sessions, mini sessions, tour talks and traditions such as the New to the Market Forum and Landscape Design Awards. Throughout the event, attendees will participate in polls, trivia, Q&A with presenters as well as be engaged beyond education for some fun surprises! Sponsors are crafting daily mindfulness breaks and those who register by June 18th will receive a welcome box including items to participate in a happy hour and a custom PPA virtual tea tasting by Drink Good Tea.

The Virtual National Symposium is part of PPA’s 2021 Hybrid National Symposium showcasing online education days as well as in-person, smaller, outdoor PPA Pop-Up events held at various locations around the U.S. Learn more about the Pop-Up events.

The PPA Virtual National Symposium will take place online July 27-29 from 1–5 p.m. ET with additional happy hour events on July 27th and 28th. View the schedule of events and register here.
Early-bird registration rates run through June 18.