Schedule of Events
This is the most current schedule of events. All our speakers and topics are confirmed,
but we are still working to pull together the final details of the educational sessions.
We will continue to update the schedule as new information becomes available.
Trade Show Hours:
Wednesday, June 10, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Thursday, June 11, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Grand Halls 1 & 2
Georgia Certified Plant Professional Plant Identification Exam
Dr. Bethany Harris, Dr. Melba Salazar, Wayne Jeurs
CEUs Available:
Approved: ISA
Demonstrate true plant expertise by sitting for the Georgia Certified Plant Professional Plant Identification exam at Southeast Green.
This industry-recognized credential is one of the most respected and challenging certifications in Georgia’s green industry. It reflects deep knowledge, disciplined study, and real-world experience. Only dedicated plantsmen and plantswomen earn this distinction.
Strong plant identification skills are essential for quality production, installation, and customer confidence. GCPP certification signals professionalism, credibility, and mastery of the craft.
Testing will be offered on-site the morning of June 9. Space is limited, and advance registration is required.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Grand Hall 3
Disease Management in Ornamentals: Tools, Trends, and Emerging Issues
Bikash Ghimire
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, NC, ISA, AL
Pending Approval: TN
Plant diseases remain one of the top concerns for nursery and greenhouse growers, landscapers, floriculturists, and municipalities across the Southeast. As Georgia’s ornamental horticulture industry contributes over $10 billion annually and stands as one of the state’s leading commodity groups, maintaining plant health is critical to sustaining both productivity and profitability. This session will provide an up-to-date overview of the key foliar, crown, and root diseases affecting ornamental crops in Georgia and the Southeast, including those caused by fungal, oomycete, bacterial, and viral pathogens. We will discuss ongoing and emerging disease pressures seen across the Southeast, including new threats appearing in neighboring states. Attendees will receive practical updates on fungicide tools and resistance management, progress in biological control options, and advancements in host resistance that are shaping the future of disease-resistant ornamental varieties. In addition, we will discuss the renewed interest in sustainable cut-flower production, addressing the unique disease challenges and opportunities this sector presents for growers looking to diversify. Overall, this class is designed to deliver timely information and integrated disease-management strategies that support the sustainability and profitability of the ornamental horticulture industry in Georgia and the broader Southeast.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Grand Hall 4
Building Better Roses: Cultivar Evaluation and Miticide Trial Insights for RRV & Black Spot
Dr. Heather Kirk-Ballard
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, AL, NC
Pending Approval: TN
This session provides an applied research update from ongoing cultivar evaluations and pest management trials addressing two of the most destructive issues in modern ornamental rose production—Rose Rosette Virus (RRV) and Black Spot. Participants will learn how selected rose cultivars performed in multi-season screening for disease tolerance, vigor, and landscape performance. The update also summarizes recent miticide trial results evaluating efficacy, rotation strategies, and compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Extension agents, landscape managers, nursery growers, and horticulture professionals will leave with research-based recommendations for selecting resilient cultivars, mitigating RRV spread, managing Black Spot pressure, and improving overall rose health in managed landscapes.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
9:30 AM-4:00 PM
Tour
Garden Tour
Michael Dirr, Allan Armitage, and John Ruter
CEUs Available:
SOLD OUT
Join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes Garden Tour in Athens—one of the most plant-rich and influential horticulture communities in the country. Designed for green industry professionals, this immersive day offers rare access to private gardens and research spaces guided by three of the most respected names in horticulture: Michael Dirr, Allan Armitage, and John Ruter.
Participants will travel together by chartered transportation, creating a relaxed, collegial environment for conversation, learning, and connection. The day includes guided walks through the private gardens of Dr. Dirr and Dr. Armitage—spaces rarely open to the public—followed by an in-depth tour of the UGA Trial Gardens, where new plant material is evaluated for performance, durability, and market potential.
Throughout the tour, attendees will gain practical insight into plant selection, breeding, evaluation, and real-world performance—along with the stories, lessons, and perspective that only decades of experience can provide. A hosted lunch and informal networking are built into the day, with the tour concluding back at the Classic Center in time to enjoy The Social After Hours.
This Garden Tour is intentionally limited in size to preserve access, conversation, and quality of experience. It is a rare opportunity to learn directly from the people who have shaped modern horticulture—set in the landscapes where that work continues.
Advance registration required.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
10:15 AM-12:15 PM
Grand Hall 4
Sustainable Management of Turf and Ornamental Pests
Zee Ahmed
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, NC, ISA, AL
Pending Approval: TN
One of the main problems in the Turf & Ornamental industry is dealing with invasive pests, especially in the Southeast US. Most of these pests are sucking insects, which are hard to spot at an early stage and very invasive. The first step to managing them is identifying and understanding how they differ from local pests. Knowing their identities helps us understand their biology, such as how long their vulnerable stages last and how many generations they have. I will discuss their identities and biology in the first part of my talk.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
10:15 AM-11:45 AM
Grand Hall 3
Invasive pest management updates and IPM resources
Ping Yu
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, NC, ISA, AL
Pending Approval: TN
This session will provide the most updated research on the invasive pest (Thrips parvispinus) management and provide additionally IPM resources on other important pest issues.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
12:45 PM-2:45 PM
Grand Hall 3
Emerging Insect Pests and Beneficials in Ornamentals 1
Shimat Joseph
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, NC, ISA, AL
Pending Approval: TN
This class will outline biology, management and latest research on emerging pests, such as rose rosette mite, redheaded flea beetle, Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper, short-spined thrips (Thrips parvispinus), spotted lanternfly, etc in ornamental production nurseries and landscapes. The class will also review common beneficials in the ornamentals.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Grand Halls 1 & 2
Georgia Certified Landscape & Plant Professional Review
Dr. Bethany Harris, Dr. Melba Salazar, Wayne Jeurs
CEUs Available:
Approved: GCLP, ISA
Join us for an in-depth review session designed for current and aspiring Georgia Certified Landscape and Plant Professionals. This session will provide an overview of key knowledge areas essential for success in the field. We will cover fundamental plant growth requirements, review core plant identification skills, and discuss important practices for recognizing insect pests and early signs of plant health issues.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Grand Hall 4
Integration of Biopesticides into IPM Systems
Mark Freeman
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, NC, AL
Pending Approval: TN
Biopesticides have become essential tools in crop management. Attendees will gain understanding of how pest resistance can be mitigated and what tools are available to insure compatibility with beneficial arthropods and chemistry to successfully integrate Biopesticides with IPM systems.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Grand Hall 3
Emerging Insect Pests and Beneficials in Ornamentals 2
Shimat Joseph
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, SC, GCLP, NC, ISA, AL
Pending Approval: TN
This class will outline biology, management and latest research on emerging pests, such as rose rosette mite, redheaded flea beetle, Two-Spot Cotton Leafhopper, short-spined thrips (Thrips parvispinus), spotted lanternfly, etc in ornamental production nurseries and landscapes. The class will also review common beneficials in the ornamentals.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
4:30 PM-6:30 PM
Trial Gardens
The Social After Hours
N/A
CEUs Available:
N/A
Join us for a relaxed evening at the UGA Trial Gardens as we wrap up the Garden Tour and celebrate our green industry community.
Enjoy cool beverages, beautiful plants, and time to reconnect with colleagues, friends, and partners from across our horticulture industry. This casual gathering is designed to give you space to unwind, share stories, and strengthen the relationships that make our industry strong.
Whether you’ve spent the day touring, learning, or preparing for the trade show, The Social After Hours is the perfect way to close out June 9—surrounded by great people and an inspiring setting.
All registered attendees are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Grand Hall 3
Hidden Heat: Managing Root Zone Temperatures for Healthier Nursery Crops
Jeremy Pickens
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, ISA, AL
Pending Approval: TN
High root zone temperatures are a hidden problem in many container production systems—one that often goes unnoticed until growth or quality suffers. This session explores how excessive substrate temperatures impact root function, plant performance, and profitability. Learn practical strategies to reduce root zone heat stress through container selection, spacing, irrigation management, and shading. We’ll also discuss research findings that show how lowering substrate temperatures during the summer can improve growth, enhance fertilizer efficiency, and even reduce production costs.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Grand Hall 4
Building More Efficient Weed Management Programs
Chris Marble
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, NC, AL
Pending Approval: TN
This presentation will focus on ways in which weed management programs can be improved to offer better control while saving more time and money. Topics covered will included herbicide application equipment, herbicide rotations, and non-chemical control tools that have all been validated through both research trials as well as being used by nursery growers with great success.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
9:15 AM-10:15 AM
Grand Hall 3
How Water & Fertilizer Decisions Shape Pest Pressure in Nursery Crops
Jeremy Pickens
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, NC, ISA, AL
Pending Approval: TN
Your cultural practices may be shaping pest populations more than you think. This session explores how irrigation and fertility programs influence pest pressure—and how small adjustments can help prevent costly outbreaks.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
1:45 PM-2:45 PM
Grand Hall 4
Pollinators, Plants and People
Kris Braman
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, ISA, AL
Pending Approval: TN
Our pollinators provide critical pollination services for free! Urban residential areas often support 20-30% of Georgia's 540+ wild bee species. Who are these MVPs, what plants and other resources do they need most, and what is our role in conserving these amazing insects? Come join us for a close up look at these bees and other pollinators from the hidden world all around us! Learn some of the ways residential landscapes and other greenspaces can be modified to promote pollinator health.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
1:45 PM-2:45 PM
Grand Halls 1 & 2
Fabulous Foodscaping
Brie Arthur
CEUs Available:
Approved: GCLP
Horticulturist Brie Arthur presents a fresh look at how plants can serve as functional, solution-driven elements in modern landscape design. This program highlights practical strategies for integrating edibles and ornamentals together showcases how every landscape can offer beauty and bounty.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Grand Hall 3
Plant Hunter’s Picks: Fresh Finds from Proven Winners ColorChoice® Shrubs
Dr. Judson LeCompte
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, NC, AL
Pending Approval: TN
Join Dr. Judson LeCompte on a journey from the field to your garden! As a plant hunter for Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs, Judson will share the stories behind his latest discoveries and introduce exciting new varieties ready to transform landscapes. Learn what makes these shrubs stand out, how they’re selected, and why they’re the next big thing for growers and designers alike.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Grand Halls 1 & 2
Green Industry Trends: From Consumers to Policy
Ben Campbell
CEUs Available:
Approved: GCLP
This course will discuss the economics of the green industry. Focusing on policy issues that are impacting the industry to consumer trends that are ever changing.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Grand Hall 4
Turfgrass Disease Diagnosis and Management: Latest Research
Alfredo Martinez
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, NC, AL
Pending Approval: TN
The latest investigations on turfgrass pathology, main foliar, crown and root turfgrass diseases will be discussed in detail. Environmental and cultural factors that promote each disease will be examined. Turfgrass pathogen biology as well as the different methods of disease control will be emphasized. Additionally, a comprehensive discussion on the newest turfgrass fungicides will be emphasized.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
3:15 PM-4:15 PM
Grand Hall 3
Tools and Tactics for Integrated Disease management in Landscapes
Dr. Nar B. Ranabhat
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, NC, ISA, AL
Pending Approval: TN
This class will highlight the core components of IPM and discuss key tools, tactics, and decision-based strategies needed to effectively manage plant diseases affecting landscape and nursery plants. Dr. Ranabhat will also share updates on ongoing research from his laboratory, offering practical takeaways for professionals working in plant health. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A that will allow participants to ask specific questions and explore topics relevant to landscape disease management.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Grand Hall 4
Less is More: Fertilizer management for better crop production
Ping Yu
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP
Pending Approval: TN
This session will go over basics of fertilizer management for production and provide tips on developing the fertilizer program to produce better and healthier crops.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Grand Hall 3
Seasonal Turfgrass Management: Summer
Clint Waltz
CEUs Available:
Approved: GA, FL, SC, GCLP, NC
Pending Approval: TN
This session will cover basic management (e.g. fertility, irrigation, mowing, pests, etc.) for warm- and cool-season grasses for summer conditions across the Southeastern U.S. Practitioner interest in biostimulants for summertime stress management continues to be of interest. Facts and facilities of their use will also be discussed. Implementing proper agronomic practices, at the correct time, can aid in minimizing inputs and mitigating pest problems while providing high quality lawns, landscapes, and sports fields.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
10:45 AM-12:00 PM
Grand Halls 1 & 2
Building a Native Garden in Sun and Shade
Brie Arthur
CEUs Available:
Approved: GCLP
Tailored for today's landscape professionals this program offers practical, science-based guidance regarding native plants in the southeast. Join horticulturist Brie Arthur for a focused discussion on planning and installing native plant landscapes, from initial site assessment and design goals to plant selection and management strategies.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Grand Hall 3
Green Infrastructure in Action: Landscape Approaches to Stormwater Management
Dr. Heather Kirk-Ballard
CEUs Available:
Approved: GCLP
Stormwater Management Through Sustainable Landscape Design
Stormwater challenges continue to grow across the Southeast, from urban flooding to erosion and declining water quality. This session will explore practical, research-based strategies for managing stormwater through intentional, sustainable landscape design. Participants will learn how plant selection, soil improvement, grading, and green infrastructure features—such as bioswales, rain gardens, permeable surfaces, and vegetated buffers—work together to slow, capture, and clean stormwater on site.
Drawing on real-world examples and Extension best practices, this class will provide actionable guidance for landscape professionals, designers, contractors, and land managers seeking to create resilient, water-smart landscapes that protect property and support healthier ecosystems.