March 2026

A Message from the President

President Steve Foltz, Director of Horticulture at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, shares his goal for the IPPSER year: "to reinvigorate our membership! To do this we need everyone to pitch in." Steve challenges existing members to invite others to join to grow our ranks and to build relationships. Read on HERE.

Foundation News

IPPSER Foundation Academic Scholarships Available

The IPPS Eastern Region Foundation will be awarding several academic scholarships worth up to $2,000 each for students working towards a degree in a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate program in horticulture or a related field. Students must have completed at least two semesters (terms) by the end of the Spring 2026 semester.

Apply today: IPPS-ER Foundation Scholarship Application .

Please share this opportunity with your friends in horticulture or related fields. The application deadline is June 2, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by August 2026.

Questions? Contact Dr. David L. Sanford, IPPS-ER Foundation Academic Scholarship Chair: DLS30@psu.edu; 610-823-5776

The IPPS Eastern Region Foundation was established in 2004 to support research and education in ornamental horticulture.

IPPS Announces Rebranding

Propagation and SO Much More!

The International Plant Production Society (IPPS), a global network founded in 1951, has announced a major organizational rebrand. Formerly known as The International Plant Propagators’ Society, members voted for the name change to better reflect the diverse and evolving green industry. “Our membership now reflects the full spectrum of plant production, well beyond our propagation roots,” said Tom Saunders, chair of IPPS International. “This rebrand honors our history while embracing the breadth of expertise found across our regions globally.” If you missed the announcement in Nursery Management, you can check it out below.

MORE HERE

Member Updates & Opportunities

IPPS International Tour: 'Midwest Nice'

The IPPS Eastern Region is pleased to host this year's International IPPS Tour which offers behind-the-scenes access to nursery production, along with unforgettable visits to public gardens and cultural sites from the vibrant cities of Minnesota, through Wisconsin and Illinois to the beautiful landscapes of Michigan.

IPPS Past President and Foundation Executive Director Brian Decker shares his thoughts on attending last year's tour and why he won't miss this year's tour HERE. Join fellow plant enthusiasts on an unforgettable journey: Get the tour options and full itinerary and other details HERE.

Man Hand writing We Need Volunteers with black marker on visual screen. Isolated on white. Business technology internet concept. Stock Photo

Bring Your Talent to Our Table

We need YOU to consider joining the IPPS Eastern Region Board of Directors. The Board consists of 10 members (President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Past President and six Directors) and serves as the governing and policy making body of the Region. The International Delegate and Alternate International Delegate are non-voting members of the Board.

The IPPS Eastern Region Board of Directors is responsible for the well-being and future of the organization. The term of service for Directors is three-years. Two new Directors are added to the Board each year as two Directors rotate off the Board. Officers must have previously served as Directors.

Help shape the future of the IPPS Eastern Region: contact Nominations Chair Shelby French for more information: sfrenchdoerun@gmail.com

Mt. Cuba Center Grower Position Open

Mt. Cuba Center, located in Hockessin, Delaware is a renowned botanic garden committed to the conservation of native plants and their habitats. The Grower is responsible for all aspects of the daily care and maintenance of a diverse collection of native plants in the greenhouse and outdoor nursery growing areas. More HERE.

Have an opening? You can submit job openings to our Careers page—completely free!

Whether you're hiring or looking to spread the word, it's easy to participate. Just send a single PDF (under 500 KB) or a link to your job posting, including title, location, description, and contact details. Listings must be submitted to the regional IPPS site you’re registered with and are subject to approval by the IPPS Executive Committee.

Let’s help grow our community—share your opportunities today.

For the Plant Geek in YOU

The blooming of a titan arum, or corpse plant, is a spectacle like none other in the plant world. A pale spike resembling the decaying finger of a buried giant pushes up from the earth until it towers 10 feet above the ground. A massive petal-like structure unfurls to form a blood-red cape around the finger. The smell of rotting flesh fills the air. Then, some 36 hours later, the bloom is over. Seven years or more may pass before it happens again. Find out more about how the corpse flower came to be so weird in this fascinating Scientific American article HERE.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Upcoming Events

International IPPS Long Tour: September 11-25, 2026

International IPPS Short Tour: September 18-25, 2026

All are welcome on the International IPPS Tours- registration open now.

IPPS Eastern Region Annual Conference: September 22-25, 2026
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, Michigan

IPPS-ER Website