In this issue:
  • A Reminder That Nature Works
  • Digging Deeper: Little Bluestem
  • Searching for Grasses with Notable Features
  • High School Students Explore Horticulture at New Event
  • Substrate Connection
  • Raleigh Adopts Policies to Promote Green Stormwater Infrastructure
  • Buffalo's $30M Bond Leads to More Green
We are open and shipping plants. See our COVID-19 update .
Nurturing with Nature
A Reminder That Nature Works

Twenty minutes experiencing nature in a park, street, or even your backyard can significantly reduce stress levels. And can't we all use a little stress reduction right now? This article from The Dirt is a welcome reminder that nature is necessary.

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dirt.asla.org
Be sure to follow federal, state, and local restrictions on being outside your home and maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
Focus on Grasses
Digging Deeper: Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium, most commonly called Little Bluestem, is one of our favorite grasses. It's beautiful, resilient, and currently getting a lot of attention from plant breeders. See why this fantastic native grass is one you'll want to grow.

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hoffmannursery.com
Grasses with Notable Features
Did you know at hoffmannursery.com/plants you can search our plants by notable features like drought tolerance or being outstanding in containers?

Click the video to see how it's done.

Our advanced search lets you focus in on the functions and cultural conditions that best suit your project. With over a 140 grasses and sedges on our availability, we know it's helpful to narrow the choices. Once you've got the list, check out the individual plant profiles for in-depth information.
Click on the video above to see how to search for outstanding container grasses.
Education Connects with Hoffman Nursery
High School Students Explore Horticulture at New Event

The inaugural North Carolina High School Landscape Competition (NCHSLC) was modeled on the annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC). High school and college horticulture students in central N.C. got a glimpse of rewarding careers.

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hoffmannursery.com
For more on the organizers and the purpose behind for the North Carolina High School Landscape Competition, see this story from NCSU Horticultural Science.
Substrate Connection
Our connections to NC State's Department of Horticultural Science go way back and continue to provide mutual benefits. Last month when visiting was still happening, Dr. Brian Jackson and master's student Brian Schulker visited the nursery to discuss substrates. They toured the coldframes and greenhouse, looking at crops and sharing information.

Dr. Jackson's research on substrates, especially work with pine bark, has led him to consult all over the world. He familiarizes us with the latest technology and helps us troubleshoot if problems arise. We've been using wood-fiber amendments to help speed rooting in some of our crops, and it's been quite successful. We also use rice hulls to inhibit moss growth on crops that stay moist. Big thanks to NC State for their continuing support!
Dr. Brian Jackson (far right) and graduate student Brian Schulker (3rd from left) visited the nursery to discuss substrates with the Hoffman Nursery team.
Going with Green Infrastructure
Raleigh Adopts Policies to Promote Green Stormwater Infrastructure
It's happening in our back yard, and we couldn't be more pleased. Late in 2019, the city of Raleigh adopted changes to their unified development ordinance that would make it easier for developers to include green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) in their projects. It's a way to help protect streams and lakes by reducing the impact of development.

Among other changes, the new policies will allow project plantings to fulfill both the landscaping and stormwater management requirements. That can decrease the costs of both requirements and allows for greater flexibility. The city has made it easier and more affordable for developers to include GSI features. We're already having great conversations with Raleigh's stormwater group and contractors interested in doing more. Three cheers for Raleigh's GSI initiative!

Buffalo's $30M Bond Leads to More Green
Buffalo, NY has put green infrastructure at the forefront of its planning. They're using a new approach to funding high-impact projects that will improve the city's capacity to deal with stormwater. They're issuing Environmental Impact Bonds (EIBs), which help pay for projects based in part on their effects on environmental, social, and economic outcomes.

At $30 million, it's the largest EIB in the country. Buffalo is also the first city in the U.S. to use an EIB to provide incentives for green infrastructure on private properties. It's a step toward reducing the effects of development and creating a more resilient city. With more projects going green, we can't wait to see more plants in Buffalo.

Upcoming Events
Given the current restrictions and event cancellations throughout our industry, we expect this list to shrink. You can see what's still planned at the link below. Check back for updates.
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