New Perennials, New Ideas, All About Perennials

Date & Time
August 5, 2026 from 8AM to 6PM EDT
Location
Walters Gardens
1992 96th Ave
ZEELAND, MI 49464

Come join us for a day of walking the gardens, speakers, and a behind the scenes look at Walters Gardens.

Celebrating 80 Years of Walters Gardens

2026 is our 80th year in business. Join us for a special Perennial Expo as we reflect on our 80 years and how we've evolved through them to become the company we are today.

About the Expo

  • <p>What to Expect</p>

    What to Expect

    Choose your own experience with multiple tracks including walking tours of the display gardens, educational sessions, and panels featuring independent garden centers.

  • <p>Meet Our Expert Team</p>

    Meet Our Expert Team

    Meet and hear from our passionate team of experts, who are eager to share their knowledge and insights on everything from plant care to greenhouse management. Gain valuable tips and inspiration for your own business, and learn about our latest plant introductions and trialing processes.

  • <p>Attend Educational Classes and Presentations</p>

    Attend Educational Classes and Presentations

    Our event will feature a series of presentations designed to expand your perennial knowledge and skills. Dive into topics such as best growing practices, recent plant intros, Proven Winners marketing resources, and more.

Schedule

  • 8:00 AM

    Check In

    Pick up your nametag and grab a cup of coffee!

  • 8:30 AM

    Greeting & Opening Remarks

    Welcome to Walters Gardens, 2026 highlights, and reflections on our 80th anniversary

  • 9:00 AM

    Innovations in Bloom: New Perennial Introductions from Walters Gardens

    Hans Hansen, Walters Gardens Director of New Plant Development

  • 10:15 AM

    Peerless Perennials

    Richard Hawke, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Director of Ornamental Plant Research at the Chicago Botanic Garden

  • 11:15 AM

    Proven Winners Resources for Independent Garden Centers

    Jessica DeGraaf, Proven Winners Director of Retail Accounts

  • 12:00 PM

    Lunch

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

  • 1:00 PM

    Display Garden Tours

    Sign up for one of our Display Garden Tours, departing every half hour starting at 1:00 PM

  • 1:00 PM

    Friends Buy From Friends

    Heather Wheatley, Proven Winners Content Creator Manager

  • 2:00 PM

    Integrated Pest Management: Data Trends & Utilization

    Rochelle Rutz, Walters Gardens Greenhouse IPM Supervisor. 

    Participants who attend both Integrated Pest Management sessions are eligible for 1 Pesticide recertification credit in the following categories: Commercial CORE, Private CORE, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3B, and 7E.

  • 2:00 PM

    Garden Center Panel: Programs to Get the Most from Your Proven Winners Destination

    Moderated by Jessica DeGraaf, Proven Winners Director of Retail Accounts

  • 2:30 PM

    Integrated Pest Management: Weed Control in the Field

    Mackenzie Lift, Walters Gardens Field IPM Supervisor

  • 3:00 PM

    Managing Plant Height with Plant Growth Regulators

    Emily McKay, Walters Gardens Head Grower

  • 3:30 PM

    Getting More from Ornamental Grasses

    Karin Walters, Walters Gardens CEO

  • 4:00 PM

    Field Fertility Management

    Greg Nichols, Walters Gardens Director of Field & Bare Root

  • 4:00 PM

    Garden Center Panel: How to Become Your Own Social Media Influencer

    Moderated by Andrew Jager, Walters Gardens Marketing Manager

  • 4:30 PM

    Plug Processing and Training Strategies

    Drew Koschmann, Walters Gardens Director of Greenhouse

  • 5:00 PM

    Reception

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

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Proven Winners ColorChoice® Winners Circle Retailer Event

Did you know that right up the road, Spring Meadow Nursery is hosting an event for retailers the same week? Reach out to Laura Swanson
([email protected]) for more details. Limited space available. RSVP required to attend.