April 2026

WHAT A SPRING WE ARE HAVING!

Steve's Favorite Spring Plants

Despite facing the challenges of foot surgery, Steve Foltz, our esteemed President of IPPS-ER, remains undeterred in his passion for plants, particularly the emerging plants and vibrant blooms of spring. Steve shares a sample of plants that have caught his eye.

Get Ready for the 2026 IPPS Eastern Region Annual Conference!

Excitement is building for the 2026 IPPS Eastern Region Annual Conference at the Amyway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, MI from September 22-25. Join fellow plant production enthusiasts and professionals for unforgettable networking, insightful presentations, and outstanding tours.

Early Bird Registration will open soon! Stay informed for your chance to register early and save by checking the official CONFERENCE WEBSITE for updates on registration and hotel reservations.

Conference Highlight: Full-day Pre-Tour

Tuesday, September 22

Here is a sneak peek of our exciting pre-tour line-up. We invite you to click HERE to explore our conference website, where you can find detailed information on each destination.

MAST YOUNG PLANTS

COUNTRYSIDE GREENHOUSE

WALTER'S GARDEN

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK

Become a Sponsor for the 2026 IPPS-ER Annual Conference!

Showcase your commitment to the horticultural community and gain exceptional visibility by sponsoring the 2026 IPPS Eastern Region Annual Conference.

This premier event offers unique opportunities to connect with industry leaders, decision-makers, and dedicated plant professionals.

Sponsorship opportunities at various levels are available now—secure your spot early for maximum exposure!

Sponsorship Form

STAFF UPDATE

IPPS ER - New Executive Secretary/Treasurer

Please join us in welcoming Lynn Lorio, our new Executive Secretary/Treasurer! With a unique background in both public horticulture and event management, Lynn brings a wealth of experience to the table. She is excited to dive right in to offer high-level administrative expertise to our organization.

INDUSTRY NEWS

PCR & DNA SEQUENCING

are giving growers new tools to improve disease diagnosis and reduce production risk. Find out more in the Greenhouse Growing article HERE.

FOUNDATION NEWS

IPPS-ER Foundation Academic Scholarships Available

The IPPS Eastern Region Foundation will be awarding several academic scholarships worth up to $2,000 each for students working towards a degree in a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate program in horticulture or a related field. Students must have completed at least two semesters (terms) by the end of the Spring 2026 semester.

Apply today: IPPS-ER Foundation Scholarship Application .

Please share this opportunity with your friends in horticulture or related fields. The application deadline is June 2, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by August 2026.

Questions? Contact Dr. David L. Sanford, IPPS-ER Foundation Academic Scholarship Chair: DLS30@psu.edu; 610-823-5776

The IPPS Eastern Region Foundation was established in 2004 to support research and education in ornamental horticulture.

MEMBER UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES

Man Hand writing We Need Volunteers with black marker on visual screen. Isolated on white. Business technology internet concept. Stock Photo

Bring Your Talent to Our Table

We need YOU to consider joining the IPPS Eastern Region Board of Directors. The Board consists of 10 members (President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Past President and six Directors) and serves as the governing and policy making body of the Region. The International Delegate and Alternate International Delegate are non-voting members of the Board.

The IPPS Eastern Region Board of Directors is responsible for the well-being and future of the organization. The term of service for Directors is three-years. Two new Directors are added to the Board each year as two Directors rotate off the Board. Officers must have previously served as Directors.

Help shape the future of the IPPS Eastern Region: contact Nominations Chair Shelby French for more information: sfrenchdoerun@gmail.com

Job Opportunities

Spring Meadow

Hampshire Farms

Summer Intern

Have an opening? You can submit job openings to our Careers page—completely free!

Whether you're hiring or looking to spread the word, it's easy to participate. Just send a single PDF (under 500 KB) or a link to your job posting, including title, location, description, and contact details. Listings must be submitted to the regional IPPS site you’re registered with and are subject to approval by the IPPS Executive Committee.

Let’s help grow our community—share your opportunities today.