FNGLA’s field days tell the story of how plants get their start
FNGLA’s field days tell the story of how plants get their start
As spring emerges, the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association begins preparations for Floriculture Field Days. While many breeders trial plants across the nation, FNGLA offers a unique two-day opportunity to see a cross-section of breeders’ latest releases and how they perform in three distinct central Florida landscape venues — Walt Disney World Horticulture, Harry P. Leu Gardens and the University of Florida’s Orange County Extension Service.
On May 13-14, 68 flowering plant varieties were trialed and will continue to be evaluated until the plants are no longer performing in the landscapes. Participating breeders include Ball FloraPlant, Bates Sons & Daughters, Benary, Classic Caladiums, Greenfuse, Hem Genetics, Pan American Seed, Sakata, Selecta, Suntory and the University of Florida.
FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days participants view the Walt Disney World Horticulture trial garden, featuring 68 new flowering plant varieties being evaluated for their performance in Florida’s unique climate.Day one focused on Walt Disney World Horticulture, its trial garden and in-field learning from its staff’s experiences. Eric Darden and Heather Will-Brown co-manage Disney’s nursery and shared their unique perspectives. Eric is also the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival manager and Heather is Disney Hort’s top color expert. Melissa Shepherd managed the trial plants from seed (or cutting) and shared her evaluations with the group.
Following the backstage experience, all 120 conference participants were given access to explore the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Walking through the park, it was easy to spot some of the breeders’ latest plants. We were impressed by the creativity and the lifestyle integration.
The next morning there was breakfast with the sponsors at Harry P. Leu Gardens, followed by a Breeder’s Showcase featuring many of the 68 trialed varieties, but also many more new and soon-to-be-new offerings from the breeders. Attendees headed to the garden to see the trial plants and explore some of Leu’s 55 acres — from the trial gardens to the rose garden to the camellias Leu is known for.
After a 20-minute bus ride, the group arrived at the University of Florida’s Orange County Extension office and the site of the last of three trial gardens. The afternoon included Jeffrey Scott’s talk on learning from and empowering your staff, Brienne Gluvna Arthur’s talk on Foodscaping 101, the final tour and an inspiring talk by John Kennedy focused on moving your business forward.
While it’s always a tough decision to leave your business behind for enrichment opportunities, FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days was a great mix of traditional learning, in field learning from experts, and hands-on plant evaluations mixed with many opportunities to interact with industry peers. We’re already looking forward to 2016’s event next May and hope you’ll consider joining us. For more information, visit www.fngla.org.
Jennifer Nelis is director of communications and public relations at FNGLA. She can be contacted at [email protected].
