December 2020
IPPS is a place for both newbies and experts to learn more about plant 
production and propagation. Come in and find your seat!  
SO LONG 2020; HAPPY NEW YEAR IS HERE!

We hope your holiday season has been warm and bright and may your new year be filled with great success, joy, and good health.

We are proud to serve a diverse group of green industry experts. Contact us if you have an idea of how we can help you professionally in the new year.
PRESERVING GENETIC DIVERSITY OF RARE SPECIES

At botanical gardens around the world, crowds gather to catch a glimpse (and whiff) when a rare Amorphophallus titanum, aka "Corpse Flower," blooms. Horticulturists at public gardens share plants, pollen, and seeds of unusual species with other gardens and institutions. How do you foster diversity when there are so few specimens?

The New York Times Article, How to Save Phallic Flowers From Being Inbred to Extinction, explores the answer to that question. "To preserve corpse flowers and other rare plants, botanic gardens are borrowing studbooks, an approach used by zoos and horse breeders," the article shares.
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
SUPPORT FOR UNDERGRAD RESEARCH

The International Plant Propagators’ Society-Eastern Region Foundation (IPPS-ERF) is accepting applications for research grants to support undergraduate research in the areas of nursery production and/or plant propagation. Grants are for $2,000 to support research and student wages. Please note, the Foundation does not provide funds for overhead. In addition, successful applicants will be asked to present their research at an annual IPPS-Eastern Region Conference in the form of a poster and provide a one-page manuscript for the IPPS-ER Proceedings. Additional travel grants and reduced conference fees may be available to help support the presenting student. The deadline for submitting the proposal is February 1, 2021. Proposal application forms can be completed and submitted online here. Successful applicants will be notified by March 1.
FREE WINTER GRAFTING PROGRAM
microMEETING JANUARY 21, 2020

Start the new year on a great note learning about winter grafting from an industry expert. Brian Decker of Decker Nursery Company in Ohio, will share an overview of basic grafting procedures for junipers and other species using side veneer grafts. He will share scion preparation, grafting, and post grafting care. Cutting propagation will also be shown.

This virtual microMEETING is FREE for all to attend. Register here.

At the conclusion of Brian's talk, student IPPS members are invited to join a networking discussion to meet other students and to learn about internship programs.
HAVE AN INTERNSHIP TO SHARE?

We'll host student discussion groups after the January 21st microMEETING, with emphasis on industry internships. Have an internship for us to promote? Interested in being a facilitator? Contact us!
APLD SHARES HORTICULTURAL PLASTICS REPORT

The green industry has been discussing ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic pots for several decades. The industry has invested an immense amount of energy and money to research alternatives to plastic pots. A universal solution is difficult to identify.

A recent report published by The Association of Professional Landscape Designers, in partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden, shares what has been learned about production, use, disposal, and environmental impact of horticultural plastics. Read the report here.
CALLING ALL STUDENTS!

The IPPS Eastern Region has more than 800 student members and it's about time we all get together! Join us for a networking discussion for students after the January 21 microMEETING on winter grafting. Students will have a chance to meet through small group discussions, ask questions about IPPS and the industry, and learn about internship opportunities. Students should register for the microMEETING to participate.
FLY THROUGH CHRISTMAS AT LONGWOOD GARDENS

Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year for its Christmas display. With local covid-19 restrictions, the legendary conservatory was shuttered this holiday season and will reopen on January 5. Fly through the gorgeous conservatory display now through drone footage set to festive music. (See Video below.)

You may also take a brief tour with Conservatory Manager Karl Gercens, as he shares his favorite grafted holiday favorites.