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2025 PPA National Symposium
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Thursday, July 31
 

8:00am CDT

PPA Business Meeting
Thursday July 31, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
All members welcome to attend to learn more about board activities and association financials.
Thursday July 31, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Meetings

8:45am CDT

Design Track | Welcome
Thursday July 31, 2025 8:45am - 8:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Attendees can choose to attend either session in the two tracks throughout the day on Thursday. No need to select a track in advance.

Special thanks to our local planning committee!
Aaron Harpold, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Kara Hetrick, Reiman Gardens
David McKinney, Iowa Arboretum and Gardens
Kelly Norris, Author and Plantsman
Aaron Steil, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Ed Lyon, Spellbound Garden Writing & Consulting

Sponsors
avatar for New Moon Nursery

New Moon Nursery

Eastern native perennial plant material for landscape professionals, container production, storm water management, and restoration. New Moon grows all plant material in a deep plug. Our DP50 plug measures 2" x 4.5", 50 count per tray. The DP50 liner is suitable for planting directly... Read More →
avatar for Twixwood Nursery

Twixwood Nursery

Twixwood Nursery is one of the country’s premier wholesale growers of groundcovers, perennials, carex, and ornamental grasses. Located in the village of Berrien Springs, off the shore of Lake Michigan, Twixwood is conveniently located within 200 miles of Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 8:45am - 8:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education, Thurs Design Track

8:45am CDT

Grower Track | Welcome
Thursday July 31, 2025 8:45am - 8:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Attendees can choose to attend either session in the two tracks throughout the day on Thursday. No need to select a track in advance.

Special thanks to our local planning committee!
Aaron Harpold, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Kara Hetrick, Reiman Gardens
David McKinney, Iowa Arboretum and Gardens
Kelly Norris, Author and Plantsman
Aaron Steil, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Ed Lyon, Spellbound Garden Writing & Consulting
Sponsors
avatar for New Moon Nursery

New Moon Nursery

Eastern native perennial plant material for landscape professionals, container production, storm water management, and restoration. New Moon grows all plant material in a deep plug. Our DP50 plug measures 2" x 4.5", 50 count per tray. The DP50 liner is suitable for planting directly... Read More →
avatar for Twixwood Nursery

Twixwood Nursery

Twixwood Nursery is one of the country’s premier wholesale growers of groundcovers, perennials, carex, and ornamental grasses. Located in the village of Berrien Springs, off the shore of Lake Michigan, Twixwood is conveniently located within 200 miles of Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 8:45am - 8:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education, Thurs Grower Track

8:50am CDT

Design Track | Sowing Resilience: Research on Directly Sown Vegetation for Urban Green Infrastructure
Thursday July 31, 2025 8:50am - 9:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Directly sowing custom seed mixes is an affordable, efficient, and sustainable approach to establishing vegetation in urban areas. However, empirical studies on direct sown vegetation systems in urban contexts are limited, especially in semi-arid climate regions. Despite having access to a wide variety of plants due to the relative ease of obtaining seeds compared to potted or rooted plants, establishing vegetation from seed is often viewed as having limited feasibility because of perceived low aesthetic value, challenges in maintaining optimal conditions for seed germination, and management issues. Michael will present experiments and case studies that evaluate the feasibility of installing vegetation systems from seed, specifically examining seed mix parameters, site preparation, and soil conditions necessary to support highly-diverse, ecologically valuable vegetation.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Guidi

Michael Guidi

Director of Horticulture Research, Denver Botanic Gardens
Michael Guidi is a horticulture researcher based in Denver, Colorado. One of his primary interests is the benefits of green infrastructure for urban biodiversity and the ecological patterns that emerge in these novel systems. His previous work has focused on how the unique conditions... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 8:50am - 9:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education, Thurs Design Track

8:50am CDT

Grower Track | Accessing Plant Genetic Resources
Thursday July 31, 2025 8:50am - 9:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Struggle to find unique genetics for breeding? Looking for specific provenances that might be the key to that next amazing cultivar or have potential to tolerate drier environmental conditions? Come hang out with horticulturist Jeff Carstens, curator for the horticulture project at the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station to learn how to access the endless opportunities through the Germplasm Resources Information Network. Jeff is responsible for maintaining a diverse collection of woody and herbaceous plants. If you’re lucky, you might be the first to hear about a new perennial plant species that has yet to be named!
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Carstens

Jeff Carstens

Horticulturist, USDA North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station
Carstens works as a horticulturalist for the USDA North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station in Ames, Iowa, where he works with a team of scientists to expand the diversity of plant genetic resources collections in order to facilitate their conservation and utilization in... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 8:50am - 9:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education, Thurs Grower Track

9:50am CDT

Design Track | Innovative Alternatives to Traditional Lawns
Thursday July 31, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
The session idea is built around a look at the low-maintenance lawn alternatives that our consumer base has been begging for - that happens to have an elevated aesthetic! Learn about diverse native grasses and sedges, explore the prairie/meadow lawn option and hear research-backed answers to give our consumers the environmental satisfaction they are hoping for - while also creating beautiful spaces.
Speakers
avatar for Liz Anna Kozik

Liz Anna Kozik

Research Scientist, Chicago Botanic Garden
Dr. Liz Anna Kozik (Phd Environment and Resources, UW Madison, MFA Design Studies, UW Madison, BFA Rhode Island School of Design) is a Research Scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden whose research is focused on lawn alternatives. As one of the founding members of the Rethinking... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education, Thurs Design Track

9:50am CDT

Grower Track | Propagating Native Prairie Plants
Thursday July 31, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Across the fields and prairies, along the roadsides and wooded streams of Nebraska, grow native wildflowers, whose beauty rivals that of anywhere in the world. Join horticulturist Bob Henrickson on a guided pictorial tour across Nebraska to showcase these prairie gems.  Learn about propagating these native perennial wildflowers from seeds. From collecting, processing, storing and stratifying seeds, to germination and plant production.
Speakers
avatar for Bob Henrickson

Bob Henrickson

Horticulture Program Director, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum
Bob is the Horticulture Program Coordinator with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Inc., a private, non-profit organization and program of the Nebraska Forest Service. His responsibilities include assisting affiliated arboretum sites across Nebraska with plant collections and to acquire... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education, Thurs Grower Track

10:50am CDT

Trade Show & Break
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:50am - 11:30am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Visit our Trade Show Exhibitors!
Coffee and snacks available in the Exhibit Hall.
Sponsors
avatar for GET Group, Inc.

GET Group, Inc.

We have been providing premium quality perennial and grass liners to the growing industry since 2002.  With  over 120,000 square feet of growing and propagation facilities, we produce over 400 varieties in 32 and 72 cell trays .
avatar for Gro 'n Sell

Gro 'n Sell

Break SponsorWe grow wholesale plants for independent garden centers, retail/wholesale greenhouses, landscapers, industry breeders, and cut flower growers. Our large product line is made up of thousands of varieties and several tray sizes so that we can cater to your specific needs... Read More →
avatar for Midwest Groundcovers

Midwest Groundcovers

Break SponsorAlthough Groundcovers are our specialty, Midwest Groundcovers’ plant offerings include Evergreens and Broadleaves, Deciduous Shrubs, Perennials, Ornamental Grasses, Vines and Native Prairie, Wetland and Woodland species. We are leaders in the Green Industry in partnering... Read More →
avatar for Plantworks Nursery

Plantworks Nursery

Break SponsorPlantworks is exlusively a wholesale supplier of herbaceous plants to the industry.  We offer a wide range of annuals, combos, daylilies, ferns, groundcovers, herbs, hosta, ornamental grasses, perennials, succulents, tropicals and vines. Plantworks is growing neonicotinoid... Read More →
avatar for Unex Inc.

Unex Inc.

Break SponsorUnex Inc. exports high quality flower bulbs and perennials, which are grown and cultivated in The Netherlands. As one of the leading Dutch exports, we specialize in high quality products for the North American, European and Asian market.We supply wholesale growers, garden... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 10:50am - 11:30am CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Trade Show

11:30am CDT

Design Track | Panel: Effective Maintenance Strategies for Meadows and Prairies
Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Join us for an engaging panel discussion focused on the maintenance of meadows and prairies, where experts from diverse regions share their insights and experiences. This session will explore the unique challenges and strategies involved in maintaining these vital ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of understanding different ecosystem scales, modes of maintenance, and tools used in various settings.  
Speakers
JM

John Mark Courtney

Owner, Kind Earth Growers
avatar for Ryan Drake

Ryan Drake

McCausland Natural Areas Manager, Morris Arboretum and Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania
Ryan Drake is the McCausland Natural Areas Manager at the Morris Arboretum and Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania. There he manages 110 acres of the arboretum property from constructed wetlands, streams, forests, meadows, as well as, the Bloomfield farm property including community... Read More →
T
Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education, Thurs Design Track

11:30am CDT

Grower Track | Panel: Strategies for a Thriving Fall Perennial Program
Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Join our expert panel for an in-depth session focused on developing a successful fall perennial growing program. This session will cover essential strategies and best practices that can help growers maximize their yields and ensure the health of their plants while leveraging the selling power of retail-ready fall perennials. Topics of discussion will include plant lists, scheduling, fertilization, lighting and more.
Speakers
avatar for Bryan Benner

Bryan Benner

Head Perennial Grower, Quality Greenhouses & Perennial Farm Inc.
Bryan is Head Perennial Grower at Quality Greenhouses and Perennial Farm in Dillsburg, PA, for the Perennials, Shrubs and Tree division.Bryan attended Delaware Valley University and graduated with a BS in Ornamental Horticulture. He is passionate about plants of all kinds and grows... Read More →
avatar for Chris Fifo

Chris Fifo

Perennial Products Representative, Darwin Perennials & Pan American Perennials
Chris Fifo is perennial products representative for both Darwin and Pan American Perennials. All things perennial. This is a natural role for him considering his background. Chris comes to Darwin and Kieft with 30 years of experience working with Swift Greenhouses in Iowa as Senior... Read More →
TK

Thad Kohlenberg

Grower Manager, Willoway Nurseries, Inc.
LR

Laura Robles

Regional Product Manager, Walters Gardens, Inc.
Thursday July 31, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education, Thurs Grower Track

12:30pm CDT

Trade Show & Lunch Break
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Sponsors
avatar for GET Group, Inc.

GET Group, Inc.

We have been providing premium quality perennial and grass liners to the growing industry since 2002.  With  over 120,000 square feet of growing and propagation facilities, we produce over 400 varieties in 32 and 72 cell trays .
avatar for Gro 'n Sell

Gro 'n Sell

Break SponsorWe grow wholesale plants for independent garden centers, retail/wholesale greenhouses, landscapers, industry breeders, and cut flower growers. Our large product line is made up of thousands of varieties and several tray sizes so that we can cater to your specific needs... Read More →
avatar for Midwest Groundcovers

Midwest Groundcovers

Break SponsorAlthough Groundcovers are our specialty, Midwest Groundcovers’ plant offerings include Evergreens and Broadleaves, Deciduous Shrubs, Perennials, Ornamental Grasses, Vines and Native Prairie, Wetland and Woodland species. We are leaders in the Green Industry in partnering... Read More →
avatar for Plantworks Nursery

Plantworks Nursery

Break SponsorPlantworks is exlusively a wholesale supplier of herbaceous plants to the industry.  We offer a wide range of annuals, combos, daylilies, ferns, groundcovers, herbs, hosta, ornamental grasses, perennials, succulents, tropicals and vines. Plantworks is growing neonicotinoid... Read More →
avatar for Unex Inc.

Unex Inc.

Break SponsorUnex Inc. exports high quality flower bulbs and perennials, which are grown and cultivated in The Netherlands. As one of the leading Dutch exports, we specialize in high quality products for the North American, European and Asian market.We supply wholesale growers, garden... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 12:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Trade Show

2:15pm CDT

New to Market Forum
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Join us for this rapid fire session on NEW PLANTS from ten companies!
Sponsors
avatar for Pleasant Run Nursery

Pleasant Run Nursery

New to Market Forum SponsorNew plant introductions and unusual containerized Woody Ornamentals, Vines, Perennials, Grasses, and Ferns are featured at Pleasant Run Nursery. Our focus is on native plants and hard-to-find solutions to site problems such as deer, shade and moist or dry... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education

3:30pm CDT

Break
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:30pm - 3:50pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Coffee available in the Exhibit Hall.
Sponsors
avatar for GET Group, Inc.

GET Group, Inc.

We have been providing premium quality perennial and grass liners to the growing industry since 2002.  With  over 120,000 square feet of growing and propagation facilities, we produce over 400 varieties in 32 and 72 cell trays .
avatar for Gro 'n Sell

Gro 'n Sell

Break SponsorWe grow wholesale plants for independent garden centers, retail/wholesale greenhouses, landscapers, industry breeders, and cut flower growers. Our large product line is made up of thousands of varieties and several tray sizes so that we can cater to your specific needs... Read More →
avatar for Midwest Groundcovers

Midwest Groundcovers

Break SponsorAlthough Groundcovers are our specialty, Midwest Groundcovers’ plant offerings include Evergreens and Broadleaves, Deciduous Shrubs, Perennials, Ornamental Grasses, Vines and Native Prairie, Wetland and Woodland species. We are leaders in the Green Industry in partnering... Read More →
avatar for Plantworks Nursery

Plantworks Nursery

Break SponsorPlantworks is exlusively a wholesale supplier of herbaceous plants to the industry.  We offer a wide range of annuals, combos, daylilies, ferns, groundcovers, herbs, hosta, ornamental grasses, perennials, succulents, tropicals and vines. Plantworks is growing neonicotinoid... Read More →
avatar for Unex Inc.

Unex Inc.

Break SponsorUnex Inc. exports high quality flower bulbs and perennials, which are grown and cultivated in The Netherlands. As one of the leading Dutch exports, we specialize in high quality products for the North American, European and Asian market.We supply wholesale growers, garden... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:30pm - 3:50pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Trade Show

3:50pm CDT

2026 National Symposium Announcement
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:50pm - 4:00pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Thursday July 31, 2025 3:50pm - 4:00pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education

4:00pm CDT

Special Recognition Awards
Thursday July 31, 2025 4:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Thursday July 31, 2025 4:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education

4:15pm CDT

Session 4
Thursday July 31, 2025 4:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Norris

Kelly Norris

Author and Plantsman
Kelly D. Norris is one of the leading horticulturists of his generation. In his practice, he explores the narrative of place through site-specific plantings and landscape interventions. An award-winning author and plantsman, Kelly’s work in gardens has been featured in The New York... Read More →
Thursday July 31, 2025 4:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education

4:45pm CDT

Closing
Thursday July 31, 2025 4:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
See you at another PPA event soon!
Thursday July 31, 2025 4:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  Core Education

6:30pm CDT

PPA Dine Around
Thursday July 31, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm CDT
TBA
Join other PPA folks for dinner Thursday night at one of the area restaurants and close out the week with friends new and old!

Sign ups will be onsite at the registration desk. Limited availability, so be sure to secure your spot for one of the dinner locations!

Exact dinner locations and group reservation times will be available onsite at registration.

Thursday July 31, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm CDT
TBA
 
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