Honoring Legacies, Fostering Growth

New Year, New Growth: A Message from the President

President Shelby French cheering on the Birds while working on the tractor!

President Shelby French rings in the New Year with a mix of cold weather stories, nursery updates, and invitations for members to share their latest propagation projects. From scheduling tasks at The Farm at Doe Run to attending local conferences, she emphasizes continuous learning and encourages everyone to stay connected through upcoming IPPS events. Shelby also reminds members to text their propagation favorites and Super Bowl predictions while thanking the volunteers and committees working to enhance membership value.

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MEMBER UPDATES

Kevin and Claire Zuidervliet

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Octoraro Native Plant Nursery Celebrates 35 in ’25 and Announces New Ownership


As Octoraro Native Plant Nursery marks 35 years in 2025, the nursery has exciting news to share: IPPS members Claire and Kevin Zuidervliet will take on majority ownership beginning in January! Both presented their research at our 2024 Annual Conference in Columbus, and Claire also serves on the IPPS Publicity Committee. Current owners Jim MacKenzie and Mark Gutshall will remain as minority partners to support the transition.


With decades of horticultural experience—and a commitment to Octoraro’s mission of improving and sustaining Mid-Atlantic landscapes—Claire and Kevin are poised to guide the nursery into its next chapter of success. Be sure to visit them at MANTS and other events throughout 2025 to learn more and celebrate this milestone!

Celebrating Bob Geneve’s Retirement from University of Kentucky


Longstanding IPPS member Dr. Robert Geneve, who has significantly shaped horticulture through his work at the University of Kentucky, is retiring after 30+ years of service.


We strongly encourage all IPPS members to contribute photos, video clips, or written messages to celebrate Bob’s achievements. Even if you can’t join the celebration in person, your kind words and memories will help create a truly special send-off.

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Congratulations on a remarkable career, Bob!

Headed to MANTS? Download your IPPS ER Table Card today!


Promote IPPS-ER at your next event! Download our new 7x5 table card, frame it at your booth, and invite fellow plant enthusiasts to join our thriving community. Let’s keep the green passion growing!

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Upcoming Events


Save the Date! October 13-17, 2025 (Tuesday - Friday)

Eastern Region Annual Conference Seelbach Hilton Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Reflections from the White House: IPPS and the Future of Green Industry


IPPS representative Brie attended the Federal Sustainable Chemistry Strategic Planning event at the White House, where government, academia, and industry leaders tackled challenges like PFAS and highlighted the need for stronger collaboration. Discover why IPPS is uniquely positioned to bridge these worlds and shape a more sustainable future for our field.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

DHS Helps Companies Fill More Jobs, Strengthens Worker Protections in the H-2 Programs with Final Rule


Published December 17, 2024


Final Rule strengthens worker protections and program integrity, increases flexibility for workers, and improves program efficiency

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APHIS Establishes Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) Quarantines in Delaware and Pennsylvania


Published December 4, 2024


Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), is adding the entire State of Delaware and Erie County, Pennsylvania to the box tree moth (BTM; Cydalima perspectalis) quarantined area.


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