REGIONAL CONNECTIONS

Members are thrilled to be able to meet in person again and catch up with colleagues. Many recent events have been filled with education, new product introductions and networking. While we are not able to capture every moment, we wanted to highlight how our colleagues have been connecting as things are starting to open back up.

NVNLA kicked off their in-person events with an after-hours walking tour of Historical Mount Vernon, led by Director of Horticulture, Dean Norton. PGMS and VSLD Members joined them for the educational tour and networking time at the wharf.

NVNLA Members led in a tour by Historic Mount Vernon’s Director of Horticulture, Dean Norton

NVNLA Members led in a tour by Historic Mount Vernon’s Director of Horticulture, Dean Norton

CVNLA members were able to get together at Colesville Nursery’s South Anna Farms for their Summer Picnic. Two scholarships were awarded, as they continue to encourage education and youth outreach in our industry.

CVNLA Summer Picnic, Colesville Nursery-South Anna Farm – Front Right, CVNLA President, Elizabeth Fogel, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Scholarship Recipient L – R Rose Austin, David Seward Hort Department Head J. Sargent Reynold’s Community College

Scholarship Recipient L – R Andrew Hynson, David Seward Hort Department Head J. Sargent Reynold’s Community College

Many members traveled to Ohio for AmericanHort’s Cultivate show. From educational opportunities and new plant and product introductions to priceless networking and updates, members felt that it was worth the trip.

(from Cultivate) L – R Robert Saunders, Saunders Brothers Inc; Jay Meadows, Meadows Farms; Art Parkerson, Lancaster Farms Photo courtesy of Doreen Meadows

Cultivate Attendees Pack the House for Keynote Speaker Jon Petz. Photo Courtesy of AmericanHort

VAC held their NOVA Connections Meeting at Locust Hill Farm, in Middleburg, hosted by Delegate Mike Webert and his wife, Rebecca. Members met for industry updates, had a brief farm tour and enjoyed a tasty meal and networking on the beautiful grounds of the farm.

Left – Right: Adria Bordas, Fairfax County Unit Coordinator Extension Agent; Dr. Cindy Smith, GMU Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center / MowCow Lawn and Landscape; Delegate Mike Webert (18th District), Locust Hill Farm; Seana Ankers, VNLA President, Meadows Farms; Delegate Wendy Gooditis (District 10); Brad Copenhaver, Commissioner VDACS; Kyle Shreve, Executive Director VAC.

We love hearing from out members in the different regions, as well as from the organizations that we partner with. With all of these events, the overwhelming feeling seems to be excitement for what is to come for our industry!

VNLA – NVNLA Networking Social and 25th Anniversary VNLA Field Day Location Sneak Peek

On July 28, VNLA joined NVNLA for a Networking Social and 25th Annual VNLA Field Day Sneak Peek, at The Farms Brewery at Broad Run and Community Landscape Services.

This event gave members of both organizations a chance to see all the venue has to offer for our next field day and to catch up with old friends and make new connections. The geography of the property, with CLS and The Farm Brewery adjacent to one another, promises us a spacious and unique experience to celebrate our landmark anniversary. Stay tuned for information on Field Day, as we get closer to next year.

NVNLA – VNLA Networking Social and 25th Anniversary VNLA Field Day Sneak Peek, hosted by Community Landscape Services and The Farm Brewery at Broad Run.

We are very thankful to board members from both associations who did the planning and to our wonderful sponsors who made this event possible:

Event Sponsors

Bennett’s Creek Nursery

Ingleside Plantation Nursery

Saunders Brothers Inc.

South Riding Nursery

Appetizer Sponsor

Landscape Hub

Merrifield Garden Center

Takeoff Monkey

Door Prize Sponsors

Country Springs

Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscape

Waynesboro Nurseries

Williams Brothers

Virginia Cooperative Extension