New Intros, New Ideas, All About Perennials

Date & Time
June 18, 2024 from 8:30AM to 5PM EDT
Location
Walters Gardens
1992 96th Ave
Zeeland, MI 49464

Come for a day of walking the gardens, speakers, and facility tours in this behind the scenes look at Walters Gardens.

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About the Expo

We are very excited to be able to showcase our products, plants, and programs again this year in a full day. Join us for a full day of speakers, tours, and perennials! Continuously renovated Display Gardens, Proven Winners Perennials, and state of the art greenhouse facilities are just a few of the reasons to attend the 2024 Perennial Expo. Please contact us with any questions about the event. We hope to see you there!

This is a free event to attend.

Schedule

  • 8:00 AM

    Check In Opens

    Pick up your nametag and grab a cup of coffee!

  • 8:45 AM

    Greeting

    Walters Gardens Executive Team, welcoming you to the 2024 Perennial Expo and giving an update about Walters Gardens season and previewing 2024-2025.

  • 9:00 AM

    Keynote: Connecting Perennials, Pollinators, and People

    Steve Foltz, Director of Horticulture for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanic Garden, on his work melding perennials, pollinators, and people in a public space.

  • 10:15 AM

    Get to Know the Walters Gardens New Plant Introductions

    Hans Hansen, Walters Gardens Director of New Plant Development, on some of the top new plants to come to market.

  • 11:30 AM

    Lunch

    Taking Place in our Display Gardens, with opportunity to walk the gardens before resuming sessions.

  • 12:30 PM

    Marketing & Plant Track

    Explore Tips and Tools to Engage with New and Existing Customers

    Jessica DeGraaf, Proven Winners Director of Retail Accounts, reviews tools and programs available through Proven Winners to support IGCs.

  • 12:30 PM

    Grower Track

    Back to the Roots

    In this talk, Walters Gardens growers and inventory managers review our process for growing top quality bare root and liners, before sharing tips and tricks to help you be successful in finished production. Featuring Trials Manager Jessie Carle, Lead Grower Jaclyn Workentine, and Bare Root Inventory Manager Craig Meyer.

  • 12:30 PM

    Display Garden & Field Tours

    Tour Group Departs

    Sign up day of for one of our Display Garden or Field Tours. Tours depart at 12:30pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm.

  • 1:30 PM

    Marketing & Plant Track

    Walters Gardens Marketing Programs

    Marketing Manager Andrew Jager covers EZ Scapes, Summerific® Week, and resources for Walters Gardens customers.

  • 2:00 PM

    Marketing & Plant Track

    In Case You Missed It

    Walters Gardens plant intros we love but may have slipped below your radar

  • 2:00 PM

    Grower Track

    Practical IPM

    Lead Grower and IPM Manager Emily McKay reviews Walters Gardens’ preventative strategy for Integrated Pest Management

  • 2:00 PM

    Display Garden & Field Tours

    Tour Group Departs

    Sign up day of for one of our Display Garden or Field Tours. Tours depart at 12:30pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm.

  • 3:00 PM

    Marketing & Plant Track

    Perennials for Shoulder Season Programs

    Regional Product Manager Laura Robles reviews no hassle perennials to help fill your bench during early and late season.

  • 3:00 PM

    Grower Track

    Greenhouse Automation

    Greenhouse Systems Manager Aren Phillips on technologies and processes we have implemented in our greenhouses.

  • 3:00 PM

    Display Garden & Field Tours

    Tour Group Departs

    Sign up day of for one of our Display Garden or Field Tours. Tours depart at 12:30pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm.

  • 4:00 PM

    Reception

    Join us for a cool beverage and one last chance to enjoy our 2 acres of Display Gardens

RSVP

Event Ended

RSVPs are no longer available.