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www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation April 2015 9 INDUSTRY NEWS Thousands attend GROWS in Boston On February 4-6, 2015, New England GROWS attracted thousands of com- mercial horticulture professionals for an industrywide conference in Bos- ton. Taking a break from what has been described as an epic winter in Boston, participants visited vendor displays, learned from cutting-edge educational sessions, and participated in hands-on workshops and demon- strations. A quick GROWS recap can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=fawrKvPazq0. More than 450 exhibiting companies drew horticulture pros throughout the three-day event, as they made buying decisions for the spring market. Many attendees took advantage of "GROWS- only" show discounts while getting to know leading vendors and discovering innovative newcomers. The New England GROWS' educa- tion sessions were packed with attend- ees eager to learn new techniques from leading national experts, including Doug Tallamy, Jan Johnsen, Karen Bus- solini, Cliff Sadof, Kelly Norris and Ed Gilman. Topics included the latest ap- proaches to turf management, battling tree diseases and insects such as the Em- erald Ash Borer, using native plants to enhance landscapes, harvesting rainwa- ter, managing retail operations, choos- ing the best new perennials, and better team building. The Women in Horticulture event was a highlight of the conference. Taylor Johnston, horticulturalist at Boston's Is- abella Stewart Gardner Museum, shared her career insights and the inspiration for her line of workwear for women in the trade, Gamine Co., Inc. GROWS was also thrilled to launch the new Future Leaders program designed to mentor young people who are learning about the horticulture profession. Sprint Sessions on the Common Ground stage gave attendees the oppor- tunity to get their questions answered by university faculty and other experts. The Live Patio Build with permeable pavers and granite walls was a favorite stop for landscape professionals. Show floor Learning Hubs offered hands-on experiences with commercial compost- ing, a mobile app App Bar, and Houzz — the home remodeling and outdoor design networking site. Another Learn- ing Hub made quite a buzz with demon- strations of safe chain saw maintenance and operation. The popular GROWS after Dark pro- grams included a sold-out gathering at Laugh Boston comedy club on Opening Night. Boston's burgeoning waterfront continues to add many fine restaurants and great pubs. It's no surprise that har- dy GROWS attendees braved the cold weather to attend networking events around Boston, including a neighbor- hood Pub Crawl & Dine Around. Traditionally scheduled in February, New England GROWS moves to the week immediately following Thanks- giving beginning with its next event on December 2-4, 2015. With this change, GROWS moves from the last conference on the green industry's winter trade show schedule to one of the first. For the latest information follow New England GROWS on Facebook, Twitter, and Pin- terest, go to NewEnglandGROWS.org, or call 508-653-3009. to install plants in any area where there is water runoff. The NALP also organizes Legislative Day on the Hill, which is a grassroots advocacy day on Capitol Hill. "We have long been focused on advocacy issues, and we part- ner with dozens of affiliated organizations to affect change," said Hickman, "but it is something that requires constant attention and vigilance to move the needle, so we will commit more time and resources to protecting our members' businesses." For years, landscape and irrigation professionals have strug- gled with those operators who are unlicensed, not well trained or qualified, and who underbid companies who do put time into education and training. The NALP is working to increase the level of professionalism in the industry through certification and best practices. It also provides safety education through its STARS Safe Company Program. "It is important to set the bar for professionalism in this indus- try, and then provide the education, training, and encouragement to help companies attain it," said Jamieson. "We see a really bright future for our industry, which creates healthy sustainable landscapes," said McCutcheon. "We know there are water issues in some parts of the country and other pres- sures on the industry, but we also know that people really value their backyards, parks and ball fields, and other landscaped public spaces. Now is the time to raise awareness about the benefits this industry provides, and make sure people continue to make wise investments in their lawns and landscapes by hiring qualified pro- fessionals." In celebration of the new branding, the association is offering new contractor members a special introductory deal. Visit bit.ly/ landirrmag to learn more and to join. More than 450 exhibiting companies drew horticulture pros throughout the three-day event, as they made buying decisions for the spring market.