Down to Earth Summer Conference & Trade Show

attendees at a past summer conference event

Where green industry professionals connect!

Summer is for vacations and all things fun. For green industry professionals, it’s a great time to take stock and learn about new products, trends, and business solutions.

Event resources

David Anderson, MNLA secretary/treasurerEvent speaker: David Anderson, MCA, MCLP, CTSP, Mayer Tree Service
Pruning can be very subjective and there a few key factors that should be determined before you start. Learn to create a plan for each specific plant to yield the best results and minimize mistakes that may cause harm.

Session Handouts:

educational speaker Marianne WillburnSpeaker: Marianne Willburn, author/columnist/speaker
Learn tips and techniques specific to growing tropical plants in containers to get decks, patios, and balconies ready for a fabulous summer season!

Session Handout

educational speaker Marianne WillburnSpeaker: Marianne Willburn, author/columnist/speaker
Many gardeners are hesitant to purchase tropical and subtropical plants, fearing the creation of gaudy Victorian bedding schemes and a houseful of winter refugees. Using four memorable categories from her award-winning book “Tropical Plants and How to Love Them,” Marianne will focus on how to incorporate some spectacular examples in containers and beds and help attendees discern which are the easiest to overwinter for the home gardener.

Session Handout


third annual battle of the container garden designers

Congratulations to all of our contestants and a special thank you to the sponsors of the competition that make the event possible!

1st place Laura Wilson, Garden Endeavors
1st place
Laura Wilson, Garden Endeavors
2nd place Pattie Featherstone, MCH, D. Schumacher
2nd place
Pattie Featherstone, MCH, D. Schumacher
3rd place Nick Cokonis, MCH, Evergreen Trees
3rd place
Nick Cokonis, MCH, Evergreen Trees
4th place Kristen Kimmel, Aqua Terra Designs
4th place
Kristen Kimmel, Aqua Terra Designs

Thank you to our 2024 Down to Earth sponsors!

Educational Sponsor
event sponsor hartney greymont
Educational Sponsor
Educational Sponsor
Educational Sponsor
Ski Lift Sponsor
Ski Lift Sponsor
Ski Lift Sponsor
Plant I.D. Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Container Challenge Sponsor
Event sponsor The Captured Garden
Container Challenge Sponsor
event sponsor Cavicchio Greenhouses Inc.
Container Challenge Sponsor
Event sponsor CobraHead
Container Challenge Sponsor
Event sponsor Crescent Garden
Container Challenge Sponsor
Event sponsor Griffin Greenhouse Supplies
Container Challenge Sponsor
Event sponsor Kennedy's Country Gardens
Container Challenge Sponsor
Event sponsor Prides Corner Farms
Container Challenge Sponsor
Event sponsor Weston Nurseries
Container Challenge Sponsor

Thank you to our 2024 Down to Earth vendors!

Partner programs

Plant Something MA

consumers planting something

Plant Something MA is a project of MNLA which includes professional environmental horticulturists—people who grow, care for, design and install plantings and landscapes in your community.

Growing Wild

Growing Wild: native plants in Massachusetts logo

Growing Wild helps reverse the loss of biological diversity, foster and protect endangered species and add to the natural beauty of our Commonwealth—right in your own backyard.

Not an MNLA member?

annual meeting of the Massachusetts nursery and landscape association

There are many reasons to join MNLA.

MNLA provides access to green industry speakers on the cutting-edge and up-to-date information. Our dynamic community is made up of folks from all walks of life. Colleagues share advice and insights. Passion for the betterment of our community drives member participation in MNLA. Individual contribution is valued. Get involved! Join a committee or volunteer at an event. Make our industry—and your business—better!

annual meeting of the Massachusetts nursery and landscape association