Register as an attendee on or before Friday, January 31, 2025 and save $50 per registration.
The MNLA Winter Forum has been pre-approved for Workforce Training Fund Express reimbursement!
The Express Program reimburses eligible Massachusetts businesses with 100 or fewer employees for some or all of the cost of training, helping companies respond to change with fast, simple access to training grants. Read the Program’s guidelines and apply in 15 minutes or less at commcorp.org/express.
Course # C-12630
For course description approved; please go to: https://commcorp.my.site.com/GrECr/s/expresscoursedetailpage?id=a0sPl000001beltIAA
Reserve a room at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel on or before January 11, 2025 for the great discounted rate of only $109/night!
Click here to check room availability.
This year's theme emphasizes strength, diversity, and innovation within the horticulture field, highlighting topics that push boundaries and encourage new ways of thinking about plants, people, and ecosystems. It embraces the power of plants in tough environments, the growing role of diversity in the green industry, and the importance of sustainability and ecological resilience.
QuickBooks for Landscape Pros 101 with Ed Jaworski, Siegel Solutions, Inc.
Learn about QuickBooks Online business accounting software in this introduction. We will discuss general features, including invoicing, expense tracking, profitability reporting and other features to help you run your business more efficiently. Location: Seminar
Badass Trees for Piss Poor Places with Scott Beuerlein, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The trees in this talk are survivors. They laugh at incorrect planting technique, scoff at mulch volcanoes, mock bad pruning cuts, and smirk at poor maintenance practices. They ask for poor soil and they taunt droughts. Sure, some of the usual suspects but many are trees you probably don't know or didn't realize. This talk uses some of the subjects to go sideways and discuss and even challenge tree selection concepts. Enjoy this romp through trees so ornery they'll resist the worst that is hurled at them and be there to shade your children’s, children’s children. Location: Salon C, D & E
Pesticide Laws & Regulations with Laurie Manning, Pesticide Inspector II. Massachusetts WPS Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
This session will cover new things that have come up in the Pesticide Program, trends the program is seeing while weaving in the laws and regulations that are applicable to the issues in the green industry including nursery, greenhouse and landscape. Location: Salon A & B • Pesticide credits requested
The Future of Beech Trees: Addressing Beech Leaf Disease and Other Threats with Beth Brantley, Ph.D., Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories
This session will explore the various threats facing beech trees, including phytophthora, beech bark disease, wood decay pathogens, foliar-feeding arthropods, and the emerging issue of beech leaf disease. We will delve into the history, life cycle, and symptoms of the nematode responsible for beech leaf disease, as well as its impact on tree health. Current management strategies will be reviewed, alongside findings from recent research trials, providing valuable insights for landscape professionals dealing with these challenges in beech tree care and preservation. Location: Salon A & B • Pesticide credits requested
Wine and Chocolate in the Garden with Deborah Trickett, MCH, MCLP, The Captured Garden
Wine and chocolate aren’t just indulgent treats—they can also enhance your garden design. Join Deborah Trickett, owner of The Captured Garden, as she explores the impact of deep, rich tones in the landscape. In this session, Deborah will highlight her favorite wine and chocolate-colored plants, demonstrating how these hues can add drama and sophistication to both garden beds and containers. Learn how to incorporate these striking colors into your designs for a bold, refined aesthetic, and discover how these plants can elevate the overall mood and texture of your outdoor spaces. Location: Salon C, D & E
Phenology: Nature’s Timely Indicators with Warren Leach, Tranquil Lake Nursery
Understanding the role of phenology (the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals) in predicting climate change and guiding plant care will add another tool to your professional arsenal. The bloom sequence of flowering plants is subject to environmental triggers such as extremes in temperature, such as heat and cold, as well as soil moisture and drought. Landscape Horticulturist Warren Leach will examine some characteristics of woody plants and herbaceous perennials that show resilience to erratic climate extremes. He will also illustrate planting techniques and floriferous landscapes that can withstand meteorological fluctuations successfully. Location: Salon C, D & E
Women in Horticulture: Challenges and Opportunities with Beth Brantley, Ph.D., Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories
This session will celebrate the role of women in horticulture and landscaping, focusing on leadership, innovation, and career development. Join us for an engaged discussion on challenges and opportunities for women in horticulture and be ready to participate! Location: Salon A & B
QuickBooks for Landscape Pros 102 with Ed Jaworski, Siegel Solutions, Inc.
In this second session of QuickBooks Online business accounting software we will dig a bit deeper into the “how to” of the special features for contractors, including the job center, job costing, progress billing, and other features to make you more efficient and get the most out of this accounting software. Location: Seminar
Embracing the Winter Garden: Design Ideas with Warren Leach, Tranquil Lake Nursery
Winter gardens offer a unique opportunity to create low maintenance, yet vibrant landscapes that provide year-round interest. With no weeding, watering, or dead heading required, the winter season allows for a peaceful, yet visually striking garden. In this session, landscape horticulturist Warren Leach, author of Plants for the Winter Garden (Timber Press), will showcase garden designs that celebrate winter’s beauty. He will share planting ideas that highlight colorful berries, twigs, stems, and even winter-blooming flowers, offering practical design tips to bring life and cheer to your landscapes during the colder months. Warren will also sign copies of his new book, providing additional insights for creating stunning winter gardens. Location: Salon A & B
Engaging the Next Generation: Attracting and Retaining Millennials and Gen Z in Your Garden Center with Jeff O’Brien, MBA, Brands in Blooms
As Millennials and Gen Z reshape the way brands connect with consumers, garden centers have a unique opportunity to become hubs of inspiration, education, and community. Join Jeff O’Brien of Brands in Blooms, for a deep dive into effective branding, immersive experiences, and engagement strategies designed to turn new gardeners into loyal brand advocates. This session will provide actionable insights on how to position your business to thrive in this evolving market, creating lasting relationships with the emerging generations of garden enthusiasts. Location: Seminar
The Middle Ground: A Practical Approach to Creating Better, More Sustainable Landscapes with Scott Beuerlein, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The goal for most landscape professionals is clear: create more inspiring, beautiful gardens and landscapes that support both human enjoyment and a healthy ecosystem. However, the landscape industry is full of conflicting perspectives—some well-informed, others not; some experienced, many less so; and many offering extreme ideas about how to achieve these goals. This session aims to bridge those divides by focusing on practical solutions drawn from various schools of thought, while aligning them with the capabilities of today’s green industry infrastructure. By combining the best ideas from different approaches, we will explore how to design landscapes that are not only biodiverse and ecologically sound but also affordable, functional, and maintainable for clients. Location: Salon C, D & E
Healthy Soils for High Functioning Landscapes with Sebastian Gutwein, Regenerative Design Group Cooperative
This presentation will explore how implementing the 2023 Healthy Soils Action Plan (HSAP) can transform our approach to landscape design, installation, and maintenance. We’ll discuss the impacts of current development practices on soil health and present practical, evidence-based recommendations for improving soil functions before, during, and after construction. Case studies will highlight successful applications of these practices, demonstrating how they can ultimately contribute to carbon drawdown, healthier soil, and lower cost, less extractive landscapes. Location: Seminar
Massachusetts Prohibited and Invasive Plant List Update with Jennifer Forman Orth, Ph.D., Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Join Jennifer Forman Orth, Ph.D., from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, for an important update on the latest changes to the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List. This session will cover new additions, such as Japanese black pine and Callery/Bradford pear, and discuss proposed changes that could affect which species can be sold and planted in the state. Additionally, we will review plants currently under evaluation by the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group, including Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis), and explore their potential for invasiveness. This session is crucial for professionals looking to stay informed about evolving plant regulations in Massachusetts. Location: Salon A & B • Pesticide credits requested
Professional Insights into Trial Gardens in Massachusetts with Kerri Stafford, Cavicchio Greenhouses, Inc.
Join Kerri for a comprehensive overview of the trial garden setup process, from initial planning to sourcing plant material. This session will also present the findings from the 2024 trial garden, with a focus on the performance of new plant varieties in New England's growing conditions. Additionally, we will highlight key trials for 2025, featuring hundreds of upcoming annual and perennial introductions at the Cavicchio trial garden. Gain valuable insights into how these plants are evaluated under real-world conditions and learn how this data informs future plant releases. Location: Seminar
You are the Pro Luncheon Round Tables
Take this opportunity to learn from the experts within our industry. YOU! Our luncheon round table discussions will range from labor, human resources, water bans, certifications, CDL training, native plants, plant shortages, quarantines, new introductions, plus… everything is on the table! You are the expert in your own business. Be dynamic and authentic as we join our round table of professionals to dig deeper into our successes and failures as we explore new ideas and opportunities for 2025 & beyond! Location: Salon C, D & E
Gardening with Native Woody Vines with Jen Kettell, BCMA, MCH, Radiant Leaf Consulting
Have you always believed that Boston ivy is really from Boston? Not so! This Asian vine has traveled far to take residence on many of the city’s brownstones, but there are plenty of beautiful native vines that can take residence in your garden. Come explore the ornamental characteristics of climbers like honeysuckle, wisteria, clematis, and some lesser-known North American species. In this lecture, you will learn how vines climb, the support structures needed for each type of vine, best planting practices, and pruning care. Location: Salon C, D & E
Soil Lab FAQs: Classics and Emerging Trends with Sam Corcoran, Ph.D., UMass Extension Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Lab
Discuss both classic and newly emerging FAQs. Topics will include: assessing soil health, understanding different soil preparations (Mehlich versus Modified Morgan), understanding and managing over-fertilized soils, integrating cover crops, filling and testing raised beds, assessing the impact of Asian jumping worms, testing soil for lead and pesticide runoff and retention. This session will provide valuable insights for pesticide applicators seeking to improve soil management practices and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Location: Salon A & B • Pesticide credits requested
MDOT: Safety & Compliance for Landscape Fleets with members of the Massachusetts State Police
Join Massachusetts State Police for this educational program focused on ensuring your vehicles meet legal and operational standards. Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections improve road safety and ensure that vehicles meet legal and operational standards to help prevent accidents and promote public safety on Massachusetts roadways. Bring your questions! Location: Seminar
Invasive Insects and Diseases: Early Detection and Management Strategies with Elizabeth Barnes, Ph.D., Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Invasive pests often go unnoticed until their damage is already widespread, affecting a wide range of plants, from basil to beech and roses to birches. Early detection is key to minimizing their impact and preventing further spread. Join Elizabeth Barnes, Ph.D., from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, as she covers the signs and symptoms of key invasive pests, including spotted lanternfly, box tree moth, beech leaf disease, Joro spider, and Asian longhorned beetle. This session will focus on how to identify these pests, the damage they cause, and the most effective management strategies to protect both garden and forest plants in New England. Location: Salon A & B • Pesticide credits requested
Register on or before Friday, January 31, 2025 and save $50 per registration!
One day pass for February 12, 2025
Education begins at 1:00 pm and ends at 6:00 pm. Your registration includes the networking social beginning at 4:30 in our vendor showcase.
One day pass for February 13, 2025
Education begins at 8:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm. Included with this ticket is the annual meeting breakfast at 8:00 am followed by our keynote address at 9:00 am.
Two day all access for February 12–13, 2025
See above for details.
All access two-day program
Your ticket includes: February 12 lunch and social gathering, February 13 breakfast and lunch, two-day education and trade show, and a special MNLA swag bag
MNLA member $245 ($295 after 1/31/25)
MCH non-member $255 ($305 after 1/31/25)
Non-member $295 ($345 after 1/31/25)
Single day program
Your ticket includes: either February 12 lunch and social gathering or February 13 breakfast and lunch (depending on which day you choose to attend), one-day education and trade show
MNLA member $155 ($205 after 1/31/25)
MCH non-member $165 ($215 after 1/31/25)
Non-member $205 ($255 after 1/31/25)
Book signing opportunity
Keynote speaker and author Warren Leach will be available to sign copies of Plants for the Winter Garden! Pre-order your book when registering online until January 15, 2025. Please note, registering in advance is to reserve a copy of the publication and you will not be charged $35 until receiving the book at the Winter Forum.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to register online.
Connecticut Mulch Distributors, Inc.
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
New vendors will be added as they register.
Interested in showcasing your products and services? Click the Vendor Options block below to learn more and scroll down this page to register online and reserve your booth space today!
All vendor booth registrants will receive:
*What does a vendor only registration mean? This is for staff at the table during our event and does not include attendance in our education and/or meal programs. Upgrade these to FULL registrations for only $100 per day/per person (limit 4).
MNLA Member: $500 for standard booth
Non-member: $700 for standard booth
Book signing opportunity
Keynote speaker and author Warren Leach will be available to sign copies of Plants for the Winter Garden! Pre-order your book when registering online until January 15, 2025. Please note, registering in advance is to reserve a copy of the publication and you will not be charged $35 until receiving the book at the Winter Forum.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to register online. Click here for a mail-in registration form for vendors.
All sponsorships will include signage & recognition at the event. Sponsors will also be highlighted on MNLA's website and social media platforms.
Keynote Sponsor $2,500
Includes a vendor booth and four (4) full, two-day Winter Forum event registrations. Special signage noted at the MNLA Annual Meeting. Sponsor is invited to say a few words at the annual meeting on February 13.
Educator Sponsor $1,500
Includes a vendor booth and (2) full, two-day Winter Forum event registrations. Special signage noted in each educational room. Sponsor is invited to select an education program to introduce their company/services.
Networking Social Sponsor $500
Includes one (1) single day Winter Forum event registration for Wednesday, February 12. Special signage noted at our social networking event and the option to have a table within the same area.
Student Engagement Sponsor $500
Includes one (1) single day Winter Forum registration for Thursday, February 13. Special signage noted at student registration. Sponsor is invited to participate on the "Go Team" with students on February 13.
Book signing opportunity
Keynote speaker and author Warren Leach will be available to sign copies of Plants for the Winter Garden! Pre-order your book when registering online until January 15, 2025. Please note, registering in advance is to reserve a copy of the publication and you will not be charged $35 until receiving the book at the Winter Forum.
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 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.
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!
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