Education

During the three-day education conference at Green & Growin’ 23, hosted at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons, more than 1,100 industry professionals earned credits toward state or national licenses and certifications.

The 2023 education conference featured 50 sessions, three hands-on workshops, one training school and two exams. The most popular general sessions included:

• Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management for Ornamental Plants

• Practical Aspects of the Use of Plant Growth Regulators

• Segmental Retaining Wall Basics

In addition to the general education sessions, three workshops were offered:

• Principles of Pruning: Horticulture extraordinaire Bryce Lane focused this workshop on pruning with a blend of scientific principles and artistic creativity. Attendees learned about historical pruning methods, as well as which tools, techniques and timing requirements are ideal for creating and maintaining a variety of landscapes.

• Are All Lighting Systems Created Equal? Unique Lighting’s Jason Shanabarger led a tight group of 16 individuals in a hands-on workshop that covered troubleshooting common lighting issues and learning proper wiring techniques. This was the first half-day lighting workshop Green & Growin’ has hosted, and based on the feedback we received, we look forward to offering similar workshops in the future!

• Designing the Environmentally Responsive Landscape — A Nature-Inspired Approach: Instructors Dr. Richard Ludwig and Bill Slack designed a new course and presented again at Green & Growin’ again this year to lead a hands-on workshop on how to weave ecologically sound concepts into traditional residential design. Their methods focused on hand-drafting plans and translating design ideas onto paper.

This year’s education conference also hosted two keynote speakers, who did not disappoint. The world-renowned Marty Grunder presented our Tuesday keynote on how to be a team player. This session served as a reminder of the instrumental roles ALL team members play, and offered tips on how to get the most out of each workday. Marty emphasized the notion that when you’re part of a great team, you have more than a job — you have a purpose.

Our Wednesday keynote from Kim Eierman challenged conventional perspectives on natural resources and discussed strategies on how to emulate natural environments in our daily work. Kim also signed copies of her book “The Pollinator Victory Garden,” with all sales directly benefiting the NCNLA scholarship fund.

Finally, this year’s education conference would not have been possible without the help of our wonderful attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, vendor partners, board and staff. Thank you to everyone who contributed to its success, and we look forward to seeing everyone again in 2024!