For detailed information view the GROWS Guide
Hardscape is one of the fastest growing segments of today's landscape industry. New trends, products, equipment, technology, and techniques hit the market on a seemingly daily basis. This is where you make sense of it all! GROWS' wildly successful Live Patio Build is complemented by great new opportunities including practical advice from leading experts ready to provide everything you need to know about this growing – and profitable – part of your industry.
Live Patio Build
Back by popular demand, landscape construction students from the Thompson School at the Univer- sity of New Hampshire will build a raised permeable paver patio – with all the bells and whistles including some of the top outdoor living trends like a fire pit and water feature right on the expo floor. The intricate patio construction project will spotlight low voltage lighting, pillar kits and sitting walls, as well as granite hand chiseling and cutting. Plus a paver and SRW cleaning & sealing demonstration.
Hardscape Seminars
Hardscape guru Bill Gardocki will highlight aspects of the build as it relates to installing hardscape projects per ICPI and NCMA industry approved specifications in informative 45-minute presentations throughout the day.
Wednesday
11:00 a.m. -
Constructing Pillars & Walls
1:00 p.m. - Sealing & Cleaning Techniques
3:30 p.m. - Tools of the Trade
Thursday
11:00 a.m. -
Installing Patio Lighting
1:00 p.m. - Installing Pavers
3:30 p.m. - Tools of the Trade
Friday
11:00 a.m. -
Tools of the Trade
1:00 p.m. - Patio Build Q&A
Dive deep into the concepts of safe, skillful chainsaw handling as well as the most effective cutting methods and techniques with popular instructor Ken Palmer and the ArborMaster Training team. Last time around Ken's focus was on the open face notch and saw handling. His focus now moves to the back cut, with an emphasis on developing a full respect for all elements of the saw and safety. You'll gain an appreciation for the importance of laser-like concentration, skill and intention in every move made with the saw – that leads to a safer work environment, better execution of each cut, as well as enhanced productivity.
Chainsaw Skills Seminars
Ken Palmer will discuss, explain, and demonstrate the latest and safest techniques using top and rear handle saws, as well as new battery technology.
Wednesday & Thursday
10:00 a.m. -
Safe & Skillful Chainsaw Handling
11:00 a.m. - Skill-Developing Competition
2:00 p.m. - Ergonomics & Elevated Handling Techniques
Friday
10:00 a.m. -
Maximize Performance with Proper Teardown Techniques
11:00 a.m. - Skill-Developing Competition
Bright Ideas Center, home to offerings such as:
• AskExtension
• TheBookstoreatGROWS
• SpeakerBookSignings
• IdeaSwaps
• Career Center
• FutureLeadersStudentGatheringArea
• ...and more!
A strong relationship with Extension is an important part of your business toolkit – their research-based information and expertise are a useful resource for everyone in the commercial horticulture industry. This is your chance for valuable one-on-one time with Extension personnel from across New England.
The Bookstore, brought to you by Barnes & Noble, is stocked with a wide variety of books dedicated to horticulture. Browse titles authored and recommended by conference presenters.
Information gathering, casual conversation and connections galore! Grab a cup of coffee at the Garden Café and visit the 30+ trade associations, agencies, and other organizations that comprise GROWS' valuable roster of Network members.
Kick back and enjoy a beverage – hot or cold–at the popular Brew Garden located near the Common Ground Stage.
A hands-on practical way to learn plant identification. Staffed by industry volunteers, this interactive learning experience offers a fun way to test your plant ID knowledge. Take the challenge! Grand prize drawings on Thursday and Friday. While you're there, take on a colleague in a game of ping pong or corn hole!
Check out the Mass Hort's Plantmobile – a traveling plant science workshop that provides experiential education for children. Mass Hort educators will be on hand to discuss classroom programs like "Flower to Seed" and their initiative to help schools create "garden classrooms." Just think how partnering with the Plantmobile could benefit your local community, as well as your business.
This year you may notice there is no aisle carpet at the show. Carpet production requires high inputs of energy, water, and other non-renewable resources like petroleum. Its production and transportation contributes to air and water pollution. Currently there are no viable reuse or recycling alternatives for carpeting used at tradeshows. By finding new ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle, GROWS is working to minimize our energy footprint and maintain a clean environment.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2
Seminars 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Expo 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
Seminars 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Expo 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
Seminars 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Expo 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.