CNLA Garden Center Leadership Council
2026-08-06 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Running an independent garden center can sometimes feel isolating. Whether you’re managing customer expectations, addressing workforce challenges, adapting to unpredictable weather, or protecting already tight margins, many business owners and managers find themselves facing the same issues with limited opportunities to discuss them with peers.
That’s why the CNLA Garden Center Leadership Council was created; to help professionals connect, learn, and grow together while strengthening their businesses and the industry we serve.
The Garden Center Leadership Council is a peer-driven group designed specifically for owners and managers of CNLA member garden centers. Through monthly virtual meetings, participants engage in open, confidential discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing their businesses and the green industry.
These conversations provide a valuable forum to share ideas, discuss industry trends, explore solutions to common business challenges, and learn from the experiences of fellow professionals. The Council encourages collaboration, accountability, and practical problem-solving while building a strong network of support among industry leaders.
If you are an owner or manager of a CNLA member company, and would like to participate in the Garden Center Leadership Council, please complete the below form and a member of the staff will be in contact with you. The council meets via zoom on the 1st Thursday of the month from 11:30 – 12:30 pm.
Experience firsthand the value of the Garden Center Leadership Council and connect with colleagues who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of our industry.

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CNLA Landscape Leadership Council
2026-08-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Running an independent landscaping company can sometimes feel isolating. Whether you’re managing customer expectations, addressing workforce challenges, adapting to unpredictable weather, or protecting already tight margins, many business owners and managers find themselves facing the same issues with limited opportunities to discuss them with peers.
That’s why the CNLA Landscape Leadership Council was created; to help landscape professionals connect, learn, and grow together while strengthening their businesses and the industry we serve.
The Landscape Leadership Council is a peer-driven group designed specifically for owners and managers of CNLA member landscape companies. Through monthly virtual meetings, participants engage in open, confidential discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing their businesses and the green industry.
These conversations provide a valuable forum to share ideas, discuss industry trends, explore solutions to common business challenges, and learn from the experiences of fellow professionals. The Council encourages collaboration, accountability, and practical problem-solving while building a strong network of support among industry leaders.
If you are an owner or manager of a CNLA member company, we invite you to join us for our first discussion on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Experience firsthand the value of the Landscape Leadership Council and connect with colleagues who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of our industry.

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Bloom After Hours ~ Disease ID in the Nursery: Pathogens to Scout for This Season
2026-08-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Burnett’s Country Gardens, 380 New London Rd, Rt. 85, Salem, United States
Register now to secure your spot!
Join the Connecticut Nursery & Landscape Association (CNLA) for Bloom After Hours, an exclusive networking and educational event designed to promote collaboration and professional development within Connecticut’s horticultural community. These gatherings provide CNLA members with unique access to industry-leading companies, expert-led sessions, and the latest best practices in the green industry.
Beginning at 4:00 PM, enjoy light refreshments and beverages while hearing from Charles Krasnow, PhD., Greenhouse and Nursery Extension, University of Connecticut.
Disease ID in the Nursery: Pathogens to Scout for This Season This session will equip professionals with essential knowledge to identify and manage key pathogens affecting nursery crops, enhancing plant health and productivity throughout the season.
About Charles Krasnow, PhD:
Charles Krasnow is the Extension Specialist for Greenhouse and Nursery Crops at the University of Connecticut. With a Ph.D. from Michigan State University and extensive experience in controlled environment agriculture, he collaborates closely with growers to address pest and disease challenges through research, education, and applied solutions that support Connecticut’s agricultural community.
About Burnett’s Country Gardens:
Burnett’s Country Gardens has been a cornerstone of horticulture in eastern Connecticut since the 1970s. Founded by the Burnett family, it has grown from a local nursery into a premier garden center offering a wide range of quality plants, expert landscaping services, and customized garden design. The venue provides an inspiring setting for this professional gathering.
Register now to secure your spot!

2026 CT Certified Horticulturist Program
2026-08-25 18:30
Unlock Your Green Potential: Become a Certified Plant Expert!
Registration is now open! Click here to download the registration form or register online.

DID YOU KNOW?
An increasing number of professional firms now require certified staff to handle installation and design projects
WHY ENROLL IN CCH?

Boost Your Knowledge: Gain expertise to guide consumers in making informed plant choices.
Enhance Work Performance: Elevate your skills and excel in your role.
Advance Your Business: Propel your company forward with industry-recognized certifications.
Foster Team Collaboration: Join a community of like-minded professionals.
Industry Relevance: Stay competitive by having certifications that matter.

CCH WELCOMES ALL GREEN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS!
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, CCH caters to everyone working or studying in the green industry. Our past students come from diverse backgrounds including design, growing/propagation, landscape, retail, turf management, and wholesale.
Program Format
CNLA’s annual 13-week certification program will teach you botany, plant identification, and professional horticultural information. The low admission fee for the Connecticut Certified Horticulturist program makes accreditation open to all persons interested in the nursery and landscape industry. Learn directly from several instructors, who give great, two-hour informative lectures each night. Pass the CCH exam and you will be recognized at the CNLA Winter Symposium in January.

This on-line class will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 pm beginning August 25, 2026 using Zoom. Prior to the start of class, a link to login to the virtual course will be emailed to you via the email address provided during registration. A Plant ID workshop is scheduled for September 19, 2026; 10:00 – noon at Prides Corner Farms, 122 Waterman Rd, Lebannon. Only registered attendees can participate in the workshop. The exam will be in-person at The CT Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington St, New Haven; 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
Rates:
Members and their employees: $175 (after 8/7/26 the rate is $205)
Non-members: $250 (after 8/7/26 the rate is $280)
Physical Manual: $100 (a digital copy is included in your registration)
2026 SCHEDULE*
All classes are on Tuesday; 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
August 26 – Perennials
September 2 – Plant ID I
September 9 – Plant ID II
September 16 – Botany
September 19 – Plant ID Workshop (In-person at Prides Corner Farms, 122 Waterman Road, Lebannon, CT; 10:00 – Noon)
September 23 – Environmental Factors & Culture
September 30 – Lawns
October 7 – Soils
October 14 – Insects
October 21 – Plant ID III
October 28 – Nutrition
November 4 – Plant Diseases
November 11 – Design
November 18 – Weeds
November 25 – Review
December 1 ~ Exam (The exam will be in-person at The CT Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington St, New Haven; 6:00 – 8:00 pm.)
*Subject to change
Contact the CNLA Office with any questions.

Lyman Orchards Golf Club | 70 Lyman Rd | Middlefield, CT
2026-09-30 08:00 - 15:00 | Lyman Orchards Golf Club, 70 Lyman Rd, Middlefield, CT, 06455, United States
Registration is open for the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association’s 2nd Annual Golf Outing!
Join fellow industry professionals for a fun-filled day of golf, networking, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking for a day outdoors with peers, this event is the perfect way to connect and unwind. Don’t want to play? Come just for dinner or volunteer!
$195/Player
$55/Person (Lunch Only)
Highlights Include:

18 Holes of golf with cart
Breakfast and lunch
Contests, raffles, and prizes
Networking with CNLA members and guests

Schedule:

Registration: 8-9 am
Shotgun Start: 9 am
Happy Hour, Lunch & Prizes: 1:30 pm

Download the Registration and Sponsorship Form
Sponsorship Details
This event offers a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities giving you flexibility to pick what best suits your needs!
All sponsorships include signage and podium recognition during the tournament.Breakfast Sponsor
Happy Hour Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Driving Range Sponsor
Closest to the Pin Sponsor
Longest Drive Sponsor
Tee/Green Sponsor – 16 available
The following sponsorships also include your logo on each applicable item.
Pie Sponsor
Cart Sponsor
Scorecard Sponsor
Other sponsorship opportunities
Giveaway Sponsor: Provide a giveaway item at registration with your branding for each player.
Golf Ball Sponsor: Provide golf balls to the golfers. (100 minimum)
Raffle Prizes: We encourage donations of prizes for our raffle after dinner. ($50 minimum value)

2027 CNLA Winter Symposium
2027-01-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry St, Plantsville, CT, 06479
CNLA 2027 Winter Symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, January 20, 2027. This annual, full-day event brings together professionals from every corner of the green industry for education, an all-day trade show, networking, annual meetings, networking and more.
The 2027 program will features three dedicated educational tracks—for Landscapers, Growers, and Garden Centers—allowing you to customize your day based on your business needs. We’re also excited to share that live Spanish translation will be available for every education session.

Event Highlights

Full day of programming with expert-led sessions
Three education tracks: Landscapers, Growers, Garden Centers
Live Spanish translation for all sessions
Pesticide Credits available
CNLA & CNF Annual Meetings
CCH Recipient Recognition
Plant ID Contest
Breakfast, lunch, exhibitor breaks, and raffle
All-day trade show featuring top industry vendors

Exhibitor Registration: Download the registration form here or register online here.
The Winter Symposium is Connecticut’s top horticultural industry event! This is a great opportunity for Exhibitors to meet CNLA members, network with other exhibitors, attend educational programs, and demonstrate new products.
