April 2020
As the challenges of the current health crisis continue, please take all necessary precautions to keep yourself, your employees and your families safe. All the best for your personal and business health! 
WILL THE IPPS-ER CONFERENCE BE HELD?
From Keith Osborne, 2020 IPPS-ER Conference Program Chair

I hope you are all doing well in this time of uncertainty. It's a much different world than we were expecting this spring and while we are hopeful for a speedy conclusion; the fact is that we are likely just beginning. How this will affect our fall conference is yet to be decided. The IPPS board wants to inform everyone that the situation is being monitored closely and that the 2020 conference planned for late September in Hamilton, Ontario is currently still on track.

A final decision as to whether the event will be held will be made in mid June and we will be following the advice of government / health officials as well as watching the decisions of other trade events. We are a very close knit group which is one of our strengths; although at this time, it may lead to disappointment. In the event that we cannot meet in person; we will consider holding a virtual conference or a series of webinars. While not quite the same; we will continue our tradition of seeking & sharing.

If you have any comments or suggestions; please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
NEW FOCUS FOR PLANT BREEDING IN CANADA

The Canadian Nursery & Landscape Association's New Plant Development Committee (NPDC) is responsible for fostering the development of new landscape plants for the domestic and export marketplaces. The NPDC, best known for their Hardy Rose Breeding program, is looking for input on their plant breeding focus. Is there a particular tree or shrub that, if improved upon, would make an ideal new plant for the industry? Are there certain characteristics in plants that your customers are requesting? Please contact Jamie Albers ( [email protected] ; 647-724-8630) to discuss your ideas.

   

PLANT PEOPLE: A POEM FROM MIKE YANNY

The unofficial poet laureate of the IPPS Eastern Region has for many years been Michael Yanny of J.N. Plant Selections, Inc.. Mike performed his now iconic poem Propagation Nation at this year's conference banquet in Madison, WI to the delight of the audience. Mike is sharing another of his poems with us here. Take a moment to relax and enjoy Plant People in text or video .


Right: Michael sporting his cheese head bus captain hat in Madison.

 
 IPPS-ER FOUNDATION
Growing future horticulturists

Student Scholarship - Apply Now!
June 1, 2020 deadline
The IPPS Eastern Region Foundation is inviting students who are currently working towards a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate level degree in horticulture or a related field to apply for one of two $2,000 scholarships which are being offered for students who have completed at least two semesters (terms) by the end of the Spring 2020 academic year. The deadline for submitting applications is June 1st. Successful applicants will be notified by August 1st. Please share with your friends in horticulture.



The IPPS Eastern Region Foundation was created in 2004 to support research and education in ornamental horticulture.  Support the Foundation with your donation   HERE

JOB & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
FOR EMPLOYEES, EMPLOYERS AND STUDENTS:

Click HERE to see a list of available positions and discover how to post a job opening.
Questions? E-mail us at [email protected].