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IPPS is a place for both newbies and experts to learn more about plant 
production and propagation. Come in and find your seat!  
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PLANT SHORTAGES?
Propagation Know How is Key. IPPS Has Answers.
By Stephanie Stockton, IPPS Eastern Region Executive Secretary/Treasurer
 
Since I started as IPPS Executive Secretary/Treasurer, It's been great getting to know many of you. Of course, we were hampered by not having our usual conference.
 
What a spring it was! Conversations with many members led to the topic of plant shortages. A few noted they had bought back plants from customers to fulfill other orders. Some have plugs and cuttings to plant but have found difficulty sourcing potting materials, and at increased costs. One nursery mentioned the unique challenge of managing the dramatic cash flow, while also considering the risk in investing in the next crop. Everything that can be done to shorten the production cycle matters, especially in these times. The demand will likely continue for some time, but offering a quality product remains important.

This is an important time for companies to invest in learning propagation techniques, discussing how to manage growth, and gathering with peers to regroup and share strategies. We look forward to that opportunity in September when the IPPS Eastern Region meets in Chicagoland for its 2021 Annual Conference September 28-October 1.
CONNECTING PLANTS WITH CUSTOMERS
June 30 - FREE microMEETING webinar

On June 30, IPPS Eastern Region member, Mark Wessel will share his expertise on the complete process of "Connecting Plants with Customers." As Director of Horticulture Research at Gardens Alive!, Mark will describe how plants are received, growing on or cold storage, taking orders, pulling orders, fulfillment on the line, and shipping. This is an excellent way to get to know another IPPS member and gain new strategies. REGISTER HERE!
IPPS EASTERN REGION TO MEET IN CHICAGOLAND
2021 Annual Conference
September 28-October 1
 
The Morton Arboretum will host the 2021 IPPS ER Annual Conference to include in-person sessions and networking, as well as a virtual experience for those participating remotely. The program committee and local site committee are excited to share the full program in July. We can’t wait to see you again, so please save the date!

Here is a great article about the Morton Arboretum's history.

Interested in sponsoring the annual conference, contact us!
PLANT SHORTAGES

Allan Armitage penned a timely article for Greenhouse Grower titled "Why Plant Shortages Are the Hort Industry’s Biggest Problem Today." Read what IPPS Eastern Region Member, Alan Jones of Manor View Farm in Monkton, Md., shares about the shortages.
ROOTED IN
July 22 - FREE microMEETING webinar

Jeff Kurtz, of Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc., will lead you through the entire propagation process at the nursery. This will include the harvesting of cuttings, the cutting cooler, soil mix, hormone, sticking both manually and robotically and ending with how they manage the booms and their greenhouse environment.

Join Kurtz, an Assistant Propagation Manager and IPPS Eastern Region Member, for this July 22 webinar. REGISTER HERE!
PA ENLISTS CANINE TO FIGHT SPOTTED LANTERNFLY
 
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has enlisted the help of a two-year-old German shepherd to detect spotted lanternfly eggs in businesses such as nurseries, greenhouses, and log yards. Lucky, trained by PennVet's Working Dog Center, is the first canine trained to detect the invasive pest. Full Article.

If you have a story to share about your experience with the spotted lanternfly or if your business is in PA and you've met Lucky, we'd like to hear from you. Drop us a line.