Highlights from the MNLA Winter Forum
On February 4th and 5th 2026, the Green Urb Gardens team headed west to Marlborough, MA to participate in the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) Green Industry Winter Forum and Trade Show. It was a jam-packed two days of educational workshops, tool demonstrations, and meaningful connections with friends, old and new. While it would be impossible to take you through every moment of the conference, we’re excited to share some highlights from our time there, what we learned, and hopefully inspire you to attend a future MNLA event.
All the classes at the Winter Forum were engaging and informative, led by a diverse range of talented speakers representing many corners of the plant world. Keep reading to hear about a few of our favorite workshops!
Taking It to the Top: How Did They Do That? - Kerry Preston, Wisteria & Rose
Wisteria & Rose is infamous in the Boston area landscaping community for their innovative techniques they bring to urban rooftop gardens. This talk by Kerry Preston, company founder, discussed her earliest rooftop projects, the tools and systems she introduced to improve efficiency (including the impressive use of multi-ton crane rentals), and how embracing new technology expanded the scope and ambition of her designs. Most importantly, she emphasized that none of her success would have been possible without a tight-knit, passionate team. Despite showcasing some of her most elaborate and high-budget projects, the clear through line of her presentation was that trust, collaboration, and care are the true foundations of great work.
That message deeply resonated for us, too. At Green Urb Gardens, we place tremendous value on the trust and care we cultivate within our team to create the most sustainable environment—and the best possible results—for our clients.
Invasive Pests New and Old: What to Watch for This Year - Elizabeth Barnes, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
A presentation about invasive pests could be monotonous, but MDAR Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator Elizabeth Barnes made this workshop anything but! Her passion for saving our ecosystem and the native plants/insects in it was infectious, and we left this workshop with a renewed fervor for doing our part to help. The invasive pests she focused on included: the spotted lanternfly (pictured below) and emerald ash borer. She asked us to report any sightings to their website and/or on the iNaturalist phone app. You can download this app and help the cause, too! We also learned about the box tree moth, elm zigzag sawfly, and the jumping worm, just to name a few.
Hearing about these pests’ host plants, life cycle, impact on the environment, and prevention techniques was fascinating information that we will definitely be implementing in this upcoming season.
Pictured here is the adult Spotted Lanternfly. Please trap, take photos, report, and kill these highly invasive insects!
Rainbows on the Wing: Dragonflies and Damselflies - Blake Dinius, Plymouth County Extension
Possibly our favorite session of the conference, entomologist Blake Dinius delivered an endlessly engaging and informative presentation on the ecology of 167 dragonfly species found in Massachusetts. We learned about how dragonflies rely on different types of vegetation and habitats at various stages of their life cycle, and how homeowners can intentionally design landscapes to support these struggling populations. The talk was filled with fascinating facts—like how some dragonflies migrate thousands of miles, and how many species exhibit cannibalistic behavior! It was a vivid reminder of how dynamic and interconnected our ecosystems truly are—and how thoughtful planting choices can make a meaningful difference.
This is just a taste of what we learned at the MNLA Winter Forum and Trade Show. We also stopped by the various booths to learn about innovative new landscaping tools, beneficial insects, mycorrhizal network stimulation products, native plant resources, and more. Surrounded by fellow landscaping professionals and passionate plant lovers, we could feel the shared excitement building for the spring season ahead. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend and connect with such an inspiring community—and we’re already looking forward to the next event. Check out all the amazing work that the MNLA is doing here!
