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The Rise of Grasses and Native Plants
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Eco-Conscious Landscapes Drive Demand
A recent article in
Greenhouse Grower outlines a growing preference by consumers for eco-conscious landscapes. They say consumers are recognizing that native plants and grasses are part of the solution to problems such as decreasing biodiversity, vanishing wildlife habitats, and drought.
The publication interviewed folks from growing operations who focus on native plants and grasses. Our own Shannon Currey spoke with them:
"This is the next big market," says Shannon Currey, marketing director at Hoffman Nursery. "We need to think ahead about how to meet the increased demand for natives and grasses that green infrastructure will bring to the market."
Hear from other growers and read about the rise of grasses and native plants
in the article.
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The High Line in New York blends 210 species of perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees in a primarily native, low-maintenance landscape.
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Magan Agee Named to GPN's 40 Under 40
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| Magan Agee, our Director of Sales, named to GPN's 40 Under 40. |
Big news this month for our Director of Sales, Magan Agee. She's been named to Greenhouse Product News' 40 Under 40. Each May, GPN recognizes 40 industry professionals under age 40,
"...who are helping to determine the future of the horticulture industry. These individuals are today's movers and shakers who are already setting the pace for tomorrow...before their 40th birthday."
A Big Part of Our Success
Magan has been with Hoffman Nursery since 2009, and she's become integral to our success. Starting as a Sales & Customer Service Representative, she learned the ropes and now leads our Sales Team. Magan has a great relationship with our customers, and she takes the time to get know everyone. She's a fun colleague who's always game for trying something new and making it her own. We look foward to her Halloween costumes every year!
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| One of our favorite Halloween costumes from Magan--the taco. |
Always Moving Forward
While working at the nursery, Magan is pursuing a degree at North Carolina State University in Agricultural Business Management. She manages to do a superb job here while acing her studies. She's looking forward to applying her knowledge to make further improvements to our sales and customer service department.
 Magan is also active in her life outside the nursery. She's a member and volunteer of the Roxboro Jaycees (Junior Chamber) chapter, and is very involved in supporting their programs. She loves trying out new recipes in the kitchen and is an avid dancer. She also enjoys sampling craft beer and trying out undiscovered, up-and-coming breweries.
We are extremely proud of Magan and feel privileged to have her with us. The next time you talk with her, be sure and tell her congratulations.
Read more about Magan and the rest of this year's 40 Under 40.
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Stories from the Nursery Grower Business Coalition
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The Big Picture with Nursery Management
In October of 2014, Hoffman Nursery co-owners John and Jill Hoffman attended a meeting of growers sponsored by
Nursery Management. The gathering was dubbed the Nursery Grower Business Coalition, and it included green industry representatives from across the country. Participants discussed many of the major issues facing the industry.
The editors combined feedback from the meeting and their conversations with attendees afterwards into a summary in the May edition of
Nursery Management
. It makes compelling reading, as they tackle the big issues and share information.
You can find Hoffman Nursery in articles throughout the edition:
- "Don't Compete on Price" (pp. 20-23)
- "Finding a Niche" (pp. 36-38)
- "Labor from Around the World" (p. 60)
Don't miss this fascinating read.
Check out the digital edition of
Nursery Management.
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A New Director and a New Horticulturist
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New Director of US National Arboretum
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| John Hoffman always enjoys meeting up with Richard Olsen, newly appointed Director of the US National Arboretum. |
In early May, the US National Arboretum in Washington, DC named Dr. Richard Olsen as their new Director. We think they've made an outstanding choice.
Olsen spent several years at North Carolina State University, and we got to know him well during his time in our area.
We've stayed in touch and continue to be impressed with his expertise, vision, and drive. It makes us very optimistic about the future of the US National Arboretum. C
ongratulations, Richard!
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Going Back to School in Horticulture
Our nursery continues to support and be encouraged by local horticultural education programs. This month, we give a big shout-out to Alamance Community College in Graham, North Carolina and their
Horticulture Technology program. Horticulture student Jeff Webster was profiled recently in a local paper for his achievements.
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Credit: www.thetimesnews.com
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He went to work right out of high school, and held a range of jobs for the next 20 years. Through a series of fortuitous turns, he wound up back in school. His story is an interesting one, and it has a happy ending.
Read Jeff's story.
Hoffman Nursery is proud to help support the Horticulture Technology program at the college, and our hats are off to the college, the program, and to Jeff.
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Upcoming Trade Shows and Presentations
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Cultivate'15:
July 12-14, 2015 
We love going back to Columbus, Ohio for this invigorating summer trade show. With the spring rush behind us, all attention goes to bringing the latest and best to Booth 2522.
Don't miss Shannon Currey on Monday, July 13, 1:30pm and learn about the new market for grasses and sedges for green infrastructure.
On Monday, July 13, attend all three green infrastructure educational sessions:
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Putting Green into Green Infrastructure
Debbie Hamrick, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Woody Plants for Managing Stormwater Green Infrastructure
Emily McCoy, Andropogon Associates & Nina Bassuk, Cornell University
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Perennials & Grasses for Green Infrastructure
Shannon Currey, Hoffman Nursery & Claudia West, North Creek Nurseries
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SNA 2015 - July 22-23, 2015
 Three days packed with events in Atlanta, Georgia! We will be in Booth 605 at the SNA Marketplace. Come on by and pick up a copy of our new catalog.
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Perennial plant growers, breeders, enthusiasts, and more get together in Baltimore, Maryland for a grand time. The agenda includes tours, lectures, and lots of networking.
Our own John Hoffman, a former PPA President, will be there in Booth 309. While you're visiting, grab a copy of our new catalog!
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Zax Milkereit wrote the grant application and led the project.
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Grasses & Sedges for School Rain Garden
They were dealing with a barren slope that erodes more with every rain storm. So a student decided to do something about it. He applied for a local grant, which sparked a fund-raising effort to put in a rain garden and other landscape features.
Hoffman Nursery was happy to donate grasses and sedges for the project. We consulted on site to help decide which selections made the most sense and delivered the plants in person. We can't wait to see how the garden matures.
The project was written up in the local paper by the student who got it all started.
Read their story.
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 Party in the Garden
We look forward every spring to the
JC Raulston Arboretum's Gala in the Garden. With all proceeds going to support the Arboretum, of course it's one of our favorite events!
Hoffman Nursery served as a Platinum Sponsor this year. We are always happy to support the Arboretum and its mission.
See photos from Gala
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We'll Be in Touch
It's the height of the season, with tens of thousands of liners shipping each week. If you're receiving plants from us, you may have noticed we call or email you at least twice during the process.
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Download Combined Availability & Order Form
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Copyright ? 2015. All Rights Reserved.
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