Rooted in Summer, Growing Toward Louisville | | Dog Days & Conference Days Ahead | |
Your QUIZ question: what plant is Shelby standing next to? Email Shelby with your answer! | | As the dog days of summer settle in, IPPS-ER President Shelby French shares thoughts on managing plants (and people!) in the heat, along with her childhood memories of lemonade and box fans. She also gives us two challenges: invite a colleague to our October conference in Louisville and reach out to a local nursery or supplier to consider sponsoring. Read her full message and get ready—registration opens soon! | | | | Congratulations, Savanah and family! | Welcome back, Margot! We look forward to seeing your smiling face at the Conference this year. | | |
Out on Leave, In Good Hands
As our Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Savanah Tanner, begins her maternity leave on August 1, we are excited to welcome back a familiar face to the IPPS Eastern Region community. Margot Bridgen, who previously served in this role for many years with great dedication, will be returning to manage conference logistics and support the society through the fall. Savanah will be returning in late October.
During her leave, members can continue to email ippseasternregion@gmail.com, which will be monitored by Margot and our President, Shelby French.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Savanah and her family as they welcome their newest addition, and offer our deep appreciation to Margot for stepping back in with such care and commitment. Please join us in wishing Savanah a joyful maternity leave and in warmly welcoming Margot back into the fold!
| | | Rooted in Kentucky: Get Conference-Ready | |
Secure Your Room at The Seelbach Hilton Today!
👉 Book Your Room Now
Planning to attend the IPPS Eastern Region Annual Conference in Louisville, KY this October? Make sure to reserve your room early! We have a block of rooms reserved at the historic Seelbach Hilton Louisville from October 12–17, 2025, but you must book by September 20 to receive the group rate.
Booking is quick and easy—just click the link above and select your arrival and departure dates to check availability. Or you can call the Seelbach Hilton Hotel directly at 800-445-8667 and reference group code "GIPPS".
We can’t wait to see you in Louisville this fall!
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New Plant Forum – Show Off Your Favorites
Have a new plant introduction or exciting selection to share? Participate in our always-popular New Plant Forum! This is your chance to showcase what’s fresh, unique, or trial-worthy in the world of plants. Whether you're a breeder, grower, or enthusiast—we want to see what you've got!
Questions?
Email Rachel Conley at rconley@brokenarrownursery.com
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Silent Auction – Call for Member Donations
Help support IPPS Eastern Region by contributing to our annual Silent Auction at the conference! We’re looking for unique items, horticultural gems, and anything plant lovers would enjoy.
Submit your item details via the button below.
📦 Ship items in advance to:
Paul Cappiello
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
6220 Old La Grange Rd
Crestwood, KY 40014
Let’s make this year’s auction our best yet!
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Poster Session – Students & Members Welcome!
We're inviting all members to participate in our Conference Poster Session, with a special cash prize opportunity for students! Share your research, projects, or propagation trials—anything that helps us seek and share. It’s a great way to gain visibility, connect with others, and contribute to the conversation.
Questions?
Email Lincoln Gillon at the1stplantmaster@gmail.com
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Help Us Grow Our Support!
Know a nursery, supplier, or industry partner that believes in the power of plants and professional growth? Invite them to become a sponsor of the IPPS Eastern Region Annual Conference in Louisville, KY!
Sponsorship helps us keep costs low for attendees, support student participation, and continue offering top-notch programming.
Whether it’s a long-time collaborator or a new business looking to reach engaged horticulture professionals, your outreach makes a big difference.
Download the Sponsorship Packet and share it today!
Questions? Contact Keith Osborne at ippsersponsorships@gmail.com
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Thanks for joining us for the IPPS Happy Hour at Cultivate!
Another joint success for the North American IPPS Happy Hour Hour at Cultivate '25! Thank you to our amazing sponsors: Microplant, Knight Hollow Nursery, Decker's Nursery, Inc, and IPPS Southern Region.
It was great to see many of our IPPS family and toast to another year's past and future in growing! See you next year at the Big Bar on 2.
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Bachman's 140th birthday celebrations maximized milestone moment
Bachman’s Floral, Home and Garden marked its 140th birthday this June with a month of celebrations across Minnesota. Festivities included the launch of a pollinator garden at the Minnesota Zoo, community events at all store locations, and the debut of the Heritage Collection—floral arrangements inspired by Bachman family members. With roots dating back to 1885, Bachman’s remains a beloved name in horticulture. IPPS members will have the opportunity to visit the flagship location during the 2026 International Tour hosted by the Eastern Region.
For more information:
Bachman's Floral, Home and Garden
CustomerService@bachmans.com
bachmans.com/
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Check Out These Opportunities!
Head Grower | Seal Harbor, Maine, US
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Job Postings
As a reminder, IPPS members are invited to submit job openings for inclusion on the IPPS Job Opportunities page. Listings are free and must be submitted as a single PDF (under 500KB) or as a link to the employer’s website. Be sure to include the job title, location, description, contact information, and any other key details. Postings are only accepted through the regional IPPS website with which the member is affiliated. All submissions are subject to approval by the IPPS Executive Committee.
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Bailey Nurseries teams up as official partner of
Minnesota United FC
The partnership blends the Bailey name with its consumer-facing plant brands through in-stadium digital signage at Allianz Field and broader visibility on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
By Lauren Cohen, Intern
Published July 18, 2025

Bailey Nurseries is now an official partner of Minnesota United FC.
The collaboration launches a multi-layered campaign that connects plants, community and professional sports. A fifth-generation family-owned company based in Minnesota for 120 years, Bailey is proud to partner with another homegrown organization to celebrate community connections, shared values and a local presence with national visibility, the company said.

The partnership blends the Bailey name with its consumer-facing plant brands through in-stadium digital signage at Allianz Field and broader visibility on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. The campaign is designed to inspire home gardeners, spark discovery of new plant varieties and guide fans directly to their nearest independent garden center through Bailey’s “Find a Retailer” platform.
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