NENA Newsline | Page 6

New England GROWS Offers Exceptional Education

At the New England GROWS conference and trade show, November 30 – December 2, 2016 in Boston, horticulture professionals will find inspiration, sharpen their skills and learn new techniques from top experts in their fields. Many thanks to Ed Bemis, Bemis Farm Nursery in Spencer, MA and Mark Hixson, Monvrovia Growers in Granby, CT who represented NENA on the New England GROWS education advisory committee this year.

Nationally respected authors and industry-leading experts such as Tracy DiSabato-Aust, Roger Cook, Claudia West, Larry Weaner, and Keith LeBlanc, FASLA will share their secrets for creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes. Other seminars will address the latest developments in horticulture, soil science, and new plants. Topics include:

Native Wildflower Meadows

Planting for Success

Using Natural Stone Construction

in the Landscape

High Impact, Low-Care Plants

Designing with Color, Texture & Form

Creating Stunning Plant Communities

that Stand the Test of Time

Perspectives on Soil Design:

Opportunities and Challenges

Inspired Residential Gardens

Business management and marketing gurus like Jason Cupp, Ellen Ely, Phill Sexton, Susan McCoy and Katie McCoy Dubow will offer brand-building advice in sessions that include:

How to Hire and Keep Good People

Understanding & Developing

Your Latino Workforce

Snow & Ice Management:

Your Rx for Sustainable Operations

Consumer Trends to Watch in 2017

Optimize Your Sales Strategies

Fast-paced, 15-minute Sprint Sessions on the show floor are led by top Extension experts and address a range of practical topics, including:

Recognizing Invasive Plants in the Landscape

Planting for Pollinators

Backpack Sprayer Calibration

Timing for Turf Establishment

Defoliating Caterpillars

Special safety training will be offered in the new Safety Arena on the GROWS show floor. Experts will share important skills for nursery and landscape professionals in the field, including:

Chainsaw Safety

Health & Wellness for Industrial Athletes

Best Practices for Snow &

Ice Management Safety

Using Electric Lawn Care Equipment