We regret to inform you that Dr. Steven Still passed on July 10.  Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.

As many of you know, Dr. Still was the long-time Executive Director of the Perennial Plant Association and Perennial Plant Foundation.  In 1983 Dr. Still, then a young horticulture professor at The Ohio State University, planned a conference in Columbus, Ohio that was focused on perennial plants.  That initial conference was a success and, together with a few other founders, Dr. Still worked to establish the Perennial Plant Association in 1984.  He served the Association and, later, the Foundation too as Executive Director until 2018.

Last year, the Perennial Plant Association was honored to host Dr. Still and Carolyn at the 40^th anniversary celebrations for the Association that he was so instrumental in helping to establish.  During the Symposium, PPA recognized Dr. Still's many contributions with the Director’s Award, presented to the founders of PPA.  The Perennial Plant Foundation announced the establishment theSteven Still Family Scholarship Fund, honoring the legacy of Dr. Still and his impact on the perennial industry. Pictured are Dr. and Carolyn Still with Pierre and Cheryl Bennerup after receiving the Director's Award.

In addition to his significant contributions to the Perennial Plant Association, Dr. Still was a Emeritus Professor of Landscape Horticulture at The Ohio State.  During his 25 year career at Ohio State, Dr. Still mentored and educated countless horticulture students.  He also authored the widely used Manual of Herbaceous Ornamental Plants.  His broader contributions to the perennial plant industry are immeasurable.

To read Dr. Still’s obituary, click here.  To read the history of PPA, click here.

• PPA memberships will run now on a traditional calendar basis from January 1 through December 31. Memberships have the option of being renewed each year.
• Amongst several membership types, PPA has added a new category for Public Gardens. This membership will offer seats for three members at a discounted pricing of $125 for 2024 membership. PPA is an excellent association for those employed at a public garden to connect with perennial plant professionals from all segments of the industry, as well as receive renowned plant education from sources worldwide.
• Several voting membership categories will now receive one additional membership seat. This is an excellent opportunity to include more employees and staff to be able to receive Perennial Plant Association membership benefits. To view the membership categories, and included number of membership seats, please visit https://perennialplant.org/page/MemberTypes
  

The Perennial Plant Association welcomes horticulture professionals and perennial enthusiasts alike to our community where passions for perennials run deep and professional camaraderie is nurtured. The PPA values its role fostering an inclusive community where meaningful connections are established among people, and where quality education and inspiring experiences are held paramount. The PPA offers a level of access to its members not found elsewhere, by pulling the curtain back on exclusive tours, new plants, industry expertise, and the celebrated Perennial Plants of the Year. Several membership benefits include:

• Receive discounted registration to Perennial Plant Association events, including PPA Virtual, Regional and National Symposium events.
• Participate in the renowned Perennial Plant of the Year® program that promotes the use of perennials through the selection of an outstanding perennial each year by voting membership.
• Monthly PPA digital newsletter that keeps members informed of current events within the organization and the perennial industry.
• Take advantage of online member search features, job board, and discussion boards on our website.

Memberships start at just $20 per year for full-time students and $150 for interested persons! All PPA memberships are individual memberships and can be easily renewed annually online or via mail. Find more information here.