BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:2026ppa
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com 2026 PPA National Symposium//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260727T110000Z
DTEND:20260727T130000Z
SUMMARY:Grab & Go Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:If you are on a PPA tour this morning we invite you to grab some light breakfast items\, coffee\, and tea before boarding your bus!
CATEGORIES:MONDAY TOUR
LOCATION:Red Cedar AB\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:04593dd1b9cfb55610f861bc014fbe7e
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/04593dd1b9cfb55610f861bc014fbe7e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260727T113000Z
DTEND:20260728T003000Z
SUMMARY:Grand Ideas Tour
DESCRIPTION:Tour stops:\nGrand Ideas Garden\nCalvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens\nFrederick Meijer Gardens & Lunch\nGreat Garden Plants at Spring Meadow Nursery\nWalters Gardens\nClick here for more information on each stop.\nDesigned with accessibility in mind\, this tour is a great option for participants with mobility considerations.
CATEGORIES:MONDAY TOUR
LOCATION:East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:325e5d28300183f7175a3cd3f1ac9968
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/325e5d28300183f7175a3cd3f1ac9968
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260727T120000Z
DTEND:20260728T003000Z
SUMMARY:Insiders Only Tour
DESCRIPTION:Tour stops:\nIce/Lynch Home Garden\nSusan Martin's Home Garden\nDale Deppe's Home Garden\nLunch at Spring Meadow Nursery\nWindmill Island Gardens\nChris Hansen's Home Garden\nWalters Gardens\nClick here for more information on each stop.
CATEGORIES:MONDAY TOUR
LOCATION:East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c826475555f8a79db576d082098652a7
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/c826475555f8a79db576d082098652a7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260727T130000Z
DTEND:20260728T003000Z
SUMMARY:Great Growers West Tour
DESCRIPTION:Tour stops:\nHortech & Lunch\nGarden Solutions\nOpel Growers\nWalters New Greenhouse\nWalters Gardens\nClick here for more information on each stop.
CATEGORIES:MONDAY TOUR
LOCATION:East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:589bd361eb62829a292c82c48dbe40a6
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/589bd361eb62829a292c82c48dbe40a6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260727T160000Z
DTEND:20260728T003000Z
SUMMARY:Short and Sweet Tour
DESCRIPTION:This is a half day tour and does not include lunch.\nTour stops:\nHorrocks\nGrand Ideas Garden\nMast Young Plants\nWalters Gardens\nClick here for more information on each stop.
CATEGORIES:MONDAY TOUR
LOCATION:East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0d0c0b0e5d7bd05c13552164d03f76ae
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/0d0c0b0e5d7bd05c13552164d03f76ae
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T120000Z
DTEND:20260728T121500Z
SUMMARY:Welcome
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to the 2026 National Symposium!\nThanks to our Platinum Sponsor: Walters Gardens\, Inc.\nThanks to our Gold Sponsors: Twixwood Nursery\, BASF\, New Moon Nursery\, and Great Garden Plants\nSpecial thanks to our local planning committee!
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:55f089cb6513f14ca1c1dd0ba30bf16f
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/55f089cb6513f14ca1c1dd0ba30bf16f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T121500Z
DTEND:20260728T131500Z
SUMMARY:In the Center of the Great Lakes\, Why Michigan’s Flora is Special
DESCRIPTION:Michigan is central in the Great Lakes region and stretches over broad climate and vegetation zones from Eastern Deciduous Forest to Boreal Forest. But this only tells a small part of the story of Michigan’s botanical richness. For example\, although Michigan is largely forested\, most native upland plants in the flora are not plants of forest understories. Many of the habitats that make Michigan and the Great Lakes region special are open\, sunny habitats including dunes\, Great Lakes shorelines\, rock & sand Barrens\, prairies\, and prairie openings in open woodland. In these small areas of open habitats occur a substantial proportion of our flora\, and many of our rarest plant. Most especially\, Great Lakes region endemics (plants found nowhere else except the Great Lakes region)\, are almost entirely in these open habitats\, their evolution presenting interesting problems. Another group of species again almost entirely confined to the northern Great Lakes shores\, especially Lake Superior\, are plants occurring as rare outliers from their continuous distribution in subarctic and arctic habitats far to the north. These are species that became stranded in special microsites\, surviving in these special sites as the flora and vegetation changed around them. Conversely\, in the southwest of Michigan occurred a plant community\, once extensive\, now almost extinct in Michigan – eastern outliers of tall grass prairie\, which community especially is a source of many favorite cultivated plants.\n\n
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e4d7cb65800847e883554e1bf658f972
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/e4d7cb65800847e883554e1bf658f972
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T131500Z
DTEND:20260728T141500Z
SUMMARY:Native Plants: Designing at the Intersection of Human Preferences and Ecological Integrity
DESCRIPTION:Landscape architect and principal of InSite Design Studio Shannan Gibb-Randall has been designing with native plants for over 28 years and has been working towards the sweet spot of design to honor both human and ecological needs. She will share her journey of many hard-won lessons and guidance so that others can engage more deeply with native plant design with success.
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1da6d5ad5047d9afd85235bf361a3431
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/1da6d5ad5047d9afd85235bf361a3431
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T142000Z
DTEND:20260728T150000Z
SUMMARY:Trade Show & Break
DESCRIPTION:Visit our Trade Show Exhibitors!\nCoffee\, Tea and Snacks Available.
CATEGORIES:TRADE SHOW
LOCATION:Big Ten BC\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7bb94187cd7fa6361ee563bf1b68d659
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/7bb94187cd7fa6361ee563bf1b68d659
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T150000Z
DTEND:20260728T153000Z
SUMMARY:Scholarship Winners and Perennial Plant of the Year®
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:434a9251847c36a59f6cf390ed8d8006
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/434a9251847c36a59f6cf390ed8d8006
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T153000Z
DTEND:20260728T164500Z
SUMMARY:Ornamental Perennial Plant Breeding & Breeder Spotlight
DESCRIPTION:Moderated by Laura Robles\n\nAs we move into the third education session of our Tuesday program\, we look to another influential part of Michigan horticulture\, the plant breeding work that has and continues to emerge from this geographic area.\n\nFirst we’ll consider the importance of ornamental breeding and how advances in perennial breeding have impacted our industry over the recent decades. Wayne Gruber will walk us through this brief “journey in time\,” as he discusses how the efforts of perennial plant breeders have impacted the broader industry - from growers to design to retail.\n\nNext\, we’ll shift to the work being done today in plant breeding. Dave MacKenzie\, Brent Horvath\, and Justin Lombardoni will each discuss their current work. By focusing on a particular genera\, each will delve into their work\, sharing their goals and vision for how these new introductions will continue to move the perennial plant industry forward.\n\nDave&nbsp\; MacKenzie will be talking about three genera of grasses that he works with\, and the surprising amount of bio-diversity that has arisen from his crosses and selections. Andropogon\, Panicum and Schizachyrium are widespread in nature and important ecologically\, but aren’t always a good fit in the constructed landscape—perhaps too large\, too floppy\, or simply not the right shape or color. Dave has endeavored to develop “nativars” that fit the constructed world in terms of architectural qualities with the hope that they will bring the same ecosystem benefits to the constructed landscape as they do the natural landscape.
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6a974837e7f8b6959434ab73b629b417
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/6a974837e7f8b6959434ab73b629b417
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T165000Z
DTEND:20260728T182000Z
SUMMARY:PPF Young Professionals Lunch
DESCRIPTION:This casual networking event will be held at the cafeteria\, so if you purchased the meal plan\, you already have your ticket! &nbsp\;If not\, you can purchase a ticket on site. &nbsp\;This gathering is a great opportunity to connect with fellow emerging professionals\, meet industry leaders\, and build relationships during the PPA Symposium.\nAdditional details will be announced during the PPA Symposium.
CATEGORIES:FOUNDATION EVENT
LOCATION:East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5fb7b339c0c76777582b25713a867086
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/5fb7b339c0c76777582b25713a867086
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T165000Z
DTEND:20260728T182000Z
SUMMARY:Trade Show & Lunch Break
DESCRIPTION:The meal ticket available for purchase during registration can be used at Brody Square\, across the street from the Kellogg Hotel. If you did not purchase a meal ticket\, we encourage you to visit the State Room at Kellogg for lunch.
CATEGORIES:TRADE SHOW
LOCATION:Big Ten BC\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3e8e96bd988fc2668066463096e5a15d
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/3e8e96bd988fc2668066463096e5a15d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T182000Z
DTEND:20260728T193500Z
SUMMARY:New to Market
DESCRIPTION:Get the scoop on new introductions from the following companies:\nPlants Nouveau\, LLCWalters GardensTerra Nova Nurseries IncPacific Plug & LinerDarwin PerennialsMcHutchisonDeVroomen Garden ProductsEmerald Coast GrowersHortechPanAmerican Seed
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7a66366cede5e23e0fa12b926435abc5
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/7a66366cede5e23e0fa12b926435abc5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T193500Z
DTEND:20260728T200500Z
SUMMARY:Trade Show & Break
DESCRIPTION:Visit our Trade Show Exhibitors!\nCoffee\, Tea and Snacks Available.
CATEGORIES:TRADE SHOW
LOCATION:Big Ten BC\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5c4ea8150b7c96256bbc45c16582b033
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/5c4ea8150b7c96256bbc45c16582b033
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T200500Z
DTEND:20260728T210500Z
SUMMARY:Layered Landscapes: Designing with Time\, Texture and Ecology in Mind
DESCRIPTION:Gardens are not static compositions — they are living systems shaped by time. This talk explores how designing with layered planting\, seasonal succession and ecological awareness creates landscapes that grow richer\, more resilient and more immersive each year. Through a range of residential and experimental landscapes\, we examine how matrix planting systems\, multi-stem trees and carefully composed pathways establish structure while allowing dynamic plant communities to thrive. Lawns give way to biodiverse perennial layers\, while microclimates are shaped through canopy\, enclosure\, planting density\, material choices and gentle changes in level. Gravel\, steel\, water and terracotta interact with planting to build depth and textural contrast. By embracing self-seeding\, habitat creation and year-round interest — from winter scent to late-season seedheads — these landscapes are conceived as evolving ecological tapestries rather than fixed compositions. &nbsp\;This lecture invites a shift in perspective: to see landscape as a long-term\, living framework — where time\, texture and ecology are fundamental to creating meaningful and enduring design.
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8a587107dd1aed4645b520eb1eb31a81
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/8a587107dd1aed4645b520eb1eb31a81
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T210500Z
DTEND:20260728T223000Z
SUMMARY:Trade Show Social
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the trade show floor for networking and refreshments.
CATEGORIES:TRADE SHOW
LOCATION:Big Ten BC\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8692547e95e646441758f8c53ba7ecd3
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/8692547e95e646441758f8c53ba7ecd3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260728T230000Z
DTEND:20260729T010000Z
SUMMARY:PPF Trivia Night
DESCRIPTION:Get ready to put your plant knowledge to the test at this summer’s Perennial Plant Foundation Trivia Night! Whether you’re a perennial expert or simply enjoy a great night out\, Trivia Night is the perfect opportunity to connect with others in the industry while supporting the Foundation’s educational programs and scholarship initiatives.\n\nGather your team (you’ll register the team at Trivia Night)\, bring your appetite\, and prepare for an entertaining evening! Food and drinks will be available for purchase. We will have servers to assist with orders this year! This year’s event will take place at Mash Bar\, a short walk from the PPA Symposium hotels\, on Tuesday\, July 28th. Tickets are available for purchase here: https://www.perennialplantfoundation.org/event-registration/\n\nLocation:\nMash Bar\n212 Albert St\,East Lansing\, MI 48823
CATEGORIES:FOUNDATION EVENT
LOCATION:Mash Bar\, 212 Albert Ave\, East Lansing\, MI 48823
SEQUENCE:0
UID:562b56717fc23e8847f8d626fd555fe6
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/562b56717fc23e8847f8d626fd555fe6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260729T110000Z
DTEND:20260729T130000Z
SUMMARY:Grab & Go Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:If you are on a PPA tour this morning we invite you to grab some light breakfast items\, coffee\, and tea before boarding your bus!
CATEGORIES:WEDNESDAY TOUR
LOCATION:Lincoln Room\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:750ab613962c56b3d29292b14b59638e
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/750ab613962c56b3d29292b14b59638e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260729T113000Z
DTEND:20260730T001500Z
SUMMARY:Destinations by Design Tour
DESCRIPTION:Tour Stops Include:\nOudolf Garden Detroit\nDorothy H. Turkel House and Garden\nUM Matthaei Botanical Garden & Lunch\nKC Runciman Landscapes\nMSU Horticulture Gardens\n\nClick here for more information on each stop.\nDesigned with accessibility in mind\, this tour is a great option for participants with mobility considerations.
CATEGORIES:WEDNESDAY TOUR
LOCATION:East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3fbb528dd819bafac5a3c40491953c3a
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/3fbb528dd819bafac5a3c40491953c3a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260729T123000Z
DTEND:20260730T001500Z
SUMMARY:Ideas & Inspiration Tour
DESCRIPTION:Tour Stops Include:\nVan Atta's Greenhouse & Flower Shop\nWojos Greenhouse & Lunch\nfleurdetroit\nCranbrook Gardens\nLynne O'Shaughnessy Private Garden\nMSU Horticulture Gardens\n\nClick here for more information on each stop.
CATEGORIES:WEDNESDAY TOUR
LOCATION:East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5e680d221012b13208bc5339b639caf1
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/5e680d221012b13208bc5339b639caf1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260729T124500Z
DTEND:20260730T001500Z
SUMMARY:Way to Grow Tour
DESCRIPTION:Tour Stops Include:\nWildtype Native Plants\nRaker-Roberta's & Lunch\nBlair Butterfly Garden & Prairie\nGee Farms Nursery & Greenhouse\nMSU Horticulture Gardens\nThank you to Raker-Roberta's for sponsoring lunch!\n\nClick here for more information on each stop.
CATEGORIES:WEDNESDAY TOUR
LOCATION:East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9e8d93699caab5612556f26657266520
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/9e8d93699caab5612556f26657266520
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T120000Z
DTEND:20260730T123000Z
SUMMARY:PPA Business Meeting
DESCRIPTION:All members welcome to attend to learn more about board activities and association financials.
CATEGORIES:MEETINGS
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:00ae95f965e3dab1374368acb56416ce
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/00ae95f965e3dab1374368acb56416ce
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T123000Z
DTEND:20260730T133000Z
SUMMARY:Design Track | Manifesto Destiny
DESCRIPTION:Apiary Studio is driven by the challenge of giving disused spaces and recycled materials a second life through thoughtful craft and experimentation. Despite being in business for more than a decade\, we find that we are still figuring out who we are\, and that our portfolio of built work serves as a physical manifestation of our evolving ideas about design. This presentation will focus on how our daily confrontation with waste and excess in construction has informed our values around affordability and sustainability\, as well as our commitment to ensuring that all of our projects are both good and weird.
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Auditorium\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2050ac616876df89f9fe058dcf6b6e4f
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/2050ac616876df89f9fe058dcf6b6e4f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T123000Z
DTEND:20260730T133000Z
SUMMARY:Grower Track | The Power of Light: Controlling Flowering and Height in Perennial Production
DESCRIPTION:In this talk\, Dr. Lopez will highlight how light quality\, intensity\, and duration can be strategically managed to control flowering time and plant height in herbaceous perennials. Attendees will learn the latest behind spectral manipulation\, and how these factors interact with temperature and plant genetics. Practical examples will demonstrate how growers can use LEDs to improve crop uniformity\, reduce chemical growth regulator use\, and hit market windows more precisely. The session will translate MSU research into actionable production strategies\, helping perennial producers optimize growth\, flowering consistency\, and overall crop quality while improving sustainability and profitability goals.
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0bd80564509b7e806f9961f84c6ce1ae
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/0bd80564509b7e806f9961f84c6ce1ae
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T133000Z
DTEND:20260730T143000Z
SUMMARY:Design Track | Sustainable Public Gardens and Landscapes at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
DESCRIPTION:Together with partners\, PHS helps to build beauty in key public spaces across Philadelphia by managing landscapes and gardens using environmentally and ecologically responsible methods\, plants and approaches. Join Andrew Bunting\, PHS’s Vice President of Horticulture\, for a deep dive into how PHS designs and maintains some of Philadelphia’s most iconic gardens including the &nbsp\;Logan Square’s Swann Memorial Fountain\, The Rodin Museum\, The Navy Yard\, Eastern State Penitentiary\, the campus of Subaru of America and the innovative work at Meadowbrook Farm as well as others all while using sustainable practices.
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Auditorium\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:12e06b68b6282fadc3c2c9d23bdf9378
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/12e06b68b6282fadc3c2c9d23bdf9378
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T133000Z
DTEND:20260730T143000Z
SUMMARY:Grower Track | Technology Advances for Weed Identification + Diagnosing Herbicide Injury
DESCRIPTION:This session brings together two unique services from MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics: plant identification and herbicide injury diagnosis. Smartphones can be powerful tools for plant ID—but when should you trust plant identification apps\, and when should you be cautious? After eight years of reviewing these technologies\, we’ll share the essential “dos and don’ts.” In addition\, we’ll showcase real-life examples of herbicide injury to help you protect your crops and ask the right questions when problems arise.
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3f364d730c4db74cf35d8c287ddde781
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/3f364d730c4db74cf35d8c287ddde781
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T143500Z
DTEND:20260730T152000Z
SUMMARY:Trade Show & Break
DESCRIPTION:Visit our Trade Show Exhibitors!\nCoffee\, Tea and Snacks Available.
CATEGORIES:TRADE SHOW
LOCATION:Big Ten BC\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:52b1ba8805e59648ca307cb96a56f7f4
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/52b1ba8805e59648ca307cb96a56f7f4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T152000Z
DTEND:20260730T162000Z
SUMMARY:Design Track | Building Pollinator Gardens: Collaboration\, Design\, and Impact
DESCRIPTION:Pollinator gardens are a hot garden design concept. But what does this really entail and how do you get designers\, suppliers\, organizations\, and consumers all working together to create these places? From my first small pollinator garden design in 1995\, to working on a grant with the Ohio State University and the University of Michigan for the past two years and creating templates for pollinator gardens across the state of Ohio\, a lot has changed. Collaboration\, connection\, and a different aesthetic are essential for creating and managing these gardens. Let’s talk…
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Auditorium\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f579536020f725009f8acd72fe5b66a0
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/f579536020f725009f8acd72fe5b66a0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T152000Z
DTEND:20260730T162000Z
SUMMARY:Grower Track | Making Biostimulants Work for You: Tips for Success
DESCRIPTION:Biostimulants can be used to promote plant growth and enhance stress tolerance\, but do these products do all that they claim? What type of biostimulants are available and what should you consider before choosing a product? In this seminar you will learn about the types of biostimulants and how their efficacy may be affected by growing environment\, substrate properties\, plant species\, and fertilizer applications. Learn about successes\, challenges\, and the importance of conducting in-house trials.\n\n
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9eb4fc9045e9059c1ccf5443e5fee20a
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/9eb4fc9045e9059c1ccf5443e5fee20a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T162500Z
DTEND:20260730T180000Z
SUMMARY:Trade Show & Lunch Break
DESCRIPTION:The meal ticket available for purchase during registration can be used at Brody Square\, across the street from the Kellogg Hotel. If you did not purchase the meal ticket\, we encourage you to dine at the State Room at Kellogg.\n\nLast chance to check in with exhibitors before the trade show closes!
CATEGORIES:TRADE SHOW
LOCATION:Big Ten BC\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9e573d73d59c7de5d619ce7aa23d08b1
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/9e573d73d59c7de5d619ce7aa23d08b1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T180000Z
DTEND:20260730T190000Z
SUMMARY:Growing Ecological Literacy
DESCRIPTION:Refugia Design\, based in Greater Philadelphia since 2015\, embraces the ethos of designing landscapes that support native ecosystems to create biological corridors of refuge for plants\, people and wildlife. Join founder Jeff Lorenz and Sarah Leaskey (RLA) to learn more about their award-winning design-build-stewardship approach and the potential for high impact\, low input landscapes in building connectivity\, restoring natural systems and growing ecological literacy in neighborhoods. Passionate about planting a new paradigm and educational opportunities that pique curiosity\, find out how an awareness of sound\, movement\, responsibly sourced materials and the built environment can create immersive\, expansive outdoor spaces in which to explore\, learn and unwind.
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8b536d49819b8b8a2e4a44dca97288e2
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/8b536d49819b8b8a2e4a44dca97288e2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T190000Z
DTEND:20260730T193000Z
SUMMARY:Landscape Design Awards
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b75824fe2fc997dcc1d83c9553ffcd4c
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/b75824fe2fc997dcc1d83c9553ffcd4c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T193000Z
DTEND:20260730T200000Z
SUMMARY:Break
DESCRIPTION:Coffee/tea available.
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:326e78f15bdf7a0d037bf006b3882b02
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/326e78f15bdf7a0d037bf006b3882b02
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T200000Z
DTEND:20260730T201500Z
SUMMARY:Outgoing Board & 2027 National Symposium Announcement
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5fe92f4b5ab6718d3d24aecfe81ed9e4
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/5fe92f4b5ab6718d3d24aecfe81ed9e4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T201500Z
DTEND:20260730T203000Z
SUMMARY:Special Recognition Awards
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:14c59832eb04f2ac73cc924fe8dbf246
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/14c59832eb04f2ac73cc924fe8dbf246
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T203000Z
DTEND:20260730T213000Z
SUMMARY:Designing with Perennials for Beautiful Gardens in a Changing Climate
DESCRIPTION:As climate conditions grow more challenging\, gardens must do more than look good—they must function with less\, adapt over time\, and support the complex web of life that’s still around us. In this lecture\, Jeff Epping explores how herbaceous perennials\, combined with trees and shrubs\, form the foundation of living landscapes that balance beauty\, adaptability\, and ecological performance.\n\nHis presentation examines how perennials are integrated into mixed borders\, naturalistic meadows\, and gravel gardens to create landscapes that thrive with limited irrigation and reduced chemical and energy inputs. Examples are drawn from residential\, municipal\, and commercial projects he designed and consulted on throughout southern Wisconsin\, including his work with the City of Madison and healthcare giant Epic Systems.\n\nRather than viewing gardens as static compositions\, this session frames landscapes as living systems designed to evolve. Attendees will gain insight into how perennials can serve as long-term design partners—creating resilient\, responsive gardens capable of thriving amid climatic uncertainty.\n\n
CATEGORIES:CORE EDUCATION
LOCATION:Big Ten A\, East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d4814e768c2e212a490c3b67a9cb3d00
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/d4814e768c2e212a490c3b67a9cb3d00
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260730T220000Z
DTEND:20260731T020000Z
SUMMARY:The Broad Perspective: Art\, Plants\, & People
DESCRIPTION:Separately ticketed dinner. Tickets are $145 per person and include the full dining and program experience.\n\nEnjoy an inspiring evening at the MSU Broad Art Museum featuring dinner\, drinks\, and inspiring conversation. Guests will hear a short presentation by Maeve Bassett of the Michigan State Horticulture Gardens\, offering insights into the beauty and impact of cultivated landscapes.\n\n"Bizarre Botany: The Drunken\, Deadly\, and Delicious"\nJoin Maeve Bassett\, Applied Ethnobotanist and Education Director of Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum\, for a deep dive into the scandalous\, intoxicating\, and downright weird history of the plants we think we know. This presentation examines the profound cultural and chemical impact of our favorite flora\, from the high-stakes world of boozy botanicals and the seductive secrets of chocolate to the lethal legacy of the nightshade family. From ancient myths to modern vices\, unearth the strange stories hidden in every leaf and petal.\n\nThe Broad Art Museum is located on the edge of Michigan State University’s campus in an iconic building designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid.&nbsp\;The building was even featured in the Batman v. Superman movie!\n\n
CATEGORIES:TICKETED DINNER
LOCATION:Broad Art Museum\, 547 E Circle Dr\, East Lansing\, MI 48824\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4f1e80e3437d68d432c1b5a24791a213
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/4f1e80e3437d68d432c1b5a24791a213
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260706T123637Z
DTSTART:20260731T080001Z
DTEND:20260731T080001Z
SUMMARY:Suggested Local Events
DESCRIPTION:PPA attendees who are traveling home on Friday should check out these Friday events! &nbsp\;Several Michigan area companies and organizations plan to host Open Houses for PPA members on Friday. &nbsp\;These are planned and organized by the host location\; please reach out directly to them with questions.\n\nTwixwood Nursery & Stonehouse Nursery Open House\nFriday July 31\, 2026\n10 AM - 3 PM\nBerrien Springs\, MI\nArrive at your leisure. Guided tours will be offered on the hour\, with the last tour starting at 2 pm. Lunch on your own with area suggestions offered.\nRegister here - In lieu of charging an admission fee for this open house\, Twixwood and Stonehouse Nurseries\, both enthusiastic supporters of the Perennial Plant Foundation\, invite attendees to make a voluntary donation to the Foundation.\n\n\nOudolf Garden Detroit\nPPA visitors are welcome to visit Oudolf Garden Detroit throughout the day on Friday\, July 31st. Arrive early to enjoy sunrise and evening sweet light photo opportunities or stop by between 9am and 4pm to chat with horticultural staff and volunteers about this amazing garden. &nbsp\;Learn more about Oudolf Garden Detroit here.\n \nFor those wishing to extend their time in Detroit\, we encourage you to check out Belle Isle Conservancy as well as our pdf of local recommendations here.\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:East Lansing\, MI\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:afad790e6bd85d66d776ebad6804ec49
URL:http://2026ppa.sched.com/event/afad790e6bd85d66d776ebad6804ec49
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR