Overview (All sessions)

Marketing to Millennials: A Labor of Like

In today's dynamic market landscape, millennials wield significant purchasing influence. Join Garden Media Group's resident millennial gardener Aubrey Olson as she unpacks the core values driving this demographic. Discover actionable insights on how Green Industry brands can effectively engage with and appeal to millennials. Leverage these strategies to ensure that your business thrives and remains at the forefront of relevance.

Great Gardens of the Great Lakes

From the rushing waters of Niagara Falls through the turquoise shores of Lake Michigan, we are blessed to work in a community adjacent to the modern wonder that is The Great Lakes.  In addition to being known for amazing boating, agriculture production, and recreation, the Great Lakes Region spans an incredibly diverse growing region with some truly amazing gardens.  Explore some of Canada and America’s most impactful horticultural displays and a few hidden gems.  We will explore over 20 gardens and parks that you’ll definitely want to add to your Botanical Bucket List!

Thistles, Skyscrapers and Other Unusual Perennials

An introduction to some new and unusual perennials that can be used in the landscape. Homer will cover plant characteristics, growth habits, and care needs, as well as his experiences growing them at the nursery. Most of the plants covered are varieties coming out of Europe and favored by Piet Oudolf-style gardens. Some examples of the plants include Eryngium, Echinops, Thalictrum, Saponaria, Dedecatheon, etc.

Innovative Storm Water Solutions: Landscape Engineering Beyond Grading and Drainage

One of the most significant areas of concern in designing climate resilient landscapes is storm water management. Conventional drainage systems designed to capture water and pipe it to municipal systems or daylight are being replaced or enhanced by a more holistic, intergrated approach to managing storm water.  We are mandated by federal, state and local regulations to contain and infiltrate rainfall/storm water on site. While this may seem like an impossible task there are many methods, systems and technologies available to make this happen.

Foliage, Foliage and More Foliage!: Using Leaves to Light Up the Landscape

One of the most popular trends in gardening is using plants with colorful foliage to accent and highlight the landscape. Whether they are woody, herbaceous perennial, or annual there are some fantastic plants whose leaves add color, texture, and boldness to the landscape. This talk focuses on specific foliage plants that one might consider adding to the landscape, and combinations of plants that will knock any garden lover’s Crocs off! 

The Layered Garden

Join Mardi for inspiration and tips on how to create a layered garden with beautiful time-tested plant combinations. You will also come away with creative ideas for using hardscape elements, art and ornament, and enclosed spaces to tie the garden together!

Hiring the Next Leaders: Create Leaders for Generations

Join us for an insightful session tailored for leaders and HR professionals in the Green Industry who are committed to shaping the future of their organizations. Explore innovative strategies to attract, hire and nurture top talent, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of leaders for generations to come. In today's competitive landscape, hiring and retaining skilled professionals is crucial for organizational success.

Every Business Needs a Number 2

We all live in a world with many challenges, both personal and professional. But who has your back through all of this? When you are working and living your best life, you have someone to bounce off ideas and help make dreams come true. Having the right “Number 2” person (also called a "second in command") at your side will help expand your thinking and raise morale. You need a second in command to help carry the weight and get more done at work.

Jeffrey will share how you can make (any) partnership flourish in order to achieve more than you ever thought possible.

Playing the Game in a Multilingual Company

In this session, participants will learn how Open Book Management and Business Transparency can be a “Game Changer” in the horticulture industry. Even among seasonal employees and employees who speak other languages, Engagement, Education, Communication, and Winning can be used as common themes to rally everyone around the same goal. If you are looking for a creative way to improve the culture and profitability of your Green Industry business, attend this session to learn practical techniques that you can implement immediately.

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