During the first week of January, I had the opportunity to attend the 49th annual Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) held in Baltimore, Md. It is a “true” trade show focused on networking and showcasing the newest plants and products in exhibitors’ booths. For Darwin Perennials it is a chance to meet with customers, young plant producers and sales reps, and hear directly from landscaping professionals attending the show.
Many of the questions we get from the more than 11,000 attendees are: “Who is Darwin Perennials?” and “Where can I buy your product?” This year, to help tell our story, we created a flow chart highlighting how Darwin Perennials fits into the supply chain. I am continually amazed at the complexity of our industry! It takes everyone from breeder/producer, young plant producer, sales representative and wholesaler to ensure only the best plants end up in our landscapes.
The show also allowed us to show off the latest and greatest from our lineup of vegetative produced perennials. One of the stars of the show was the new for 2020 Digitalis Arctic Fox Rose. Hardy to zone 5, Arctic Fox Rose will reliably flower the first year and all summer long. Our newest Phlox paniculata series Ka-Pow® made a big impression at the show as well. Ka-Pow is compact and mildew tolerant that can be scheduled to hit specific ship dates from Spring to Fall.
For more information on scheduling Darwin Perennials varieties like Phlox Ka-Pow, check out our grower tools webpage.
If you find yourself in Baltimore the first full week in January next year, please stop by to help celebrate MANTS 50-year anniversary. Hope to you see you there next time!