Welcome to Branches of the Past, an ongoing collection of short stories that highlight the history, camaraderie and memorable moments in CNGA history, as told by CNGA members. These memories reflect the deep roots and strong connections that have shaped our association.
Kicking off the series, we’re excited to share a story from Stan Brown of Alameda Wholesale Nursery. Enjoy...
NEW MEMBERSKuenzi Turf & NurseryZach KuenziSalem, OR
Nordic GardensHeather BeckerCarbondale, CO Calabrese Greenhouse Inc.Joseph Calabrese IIArvada, COMatt Karau Lone Tree, COKris Pendleton Boulder, CO
Shady Grove HorticultureJason ShimmelErie, CO
Calli FerberPalisade, CO
Sara PainterThornton, CO
Basys ProcessingAdam MesseroleLenexa, KS
Camelot GardensSheree WannerMontrose, CO
Mountain States Wholesale NurseryDavid WilleyLitchfield Park, AZ
Erika YeagerLafayette, CO
Bountiful FarmsTiffanie BakerWoodburn, OR
Miguel SandovalGlenwood Springs, CO
Beneficial InsectaryJasmine HortonRedding, CA
CardConnectDavid HughesSavannah, GA
Evan PanterFt. Collins, CO
Brookstone...
The Colorado Horticulture Research and Education Foundation (CHREF) extends its heartfelt gratitude to Gary Epstein for his many years of dedicated service to the board and the horticulture industry at large. As Gary transitions into full retirement from the CHREF board, we celebrate his enduring contributions and the profound impact he has made on our community.
Gary is the retired...
By Hicks & Associates
The First Regular Session of the 75th General Assembly began on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Opening day featured speeches from leadership in both the House and Senate. Following the recent election, there was one notable change in top leadership: Senator James Coleman, a Democrat from Denver, is the new Senate President. Both President Coleman and Speaker...
New CNGA Board Members Elected for 2025
We’re excited to welcome Brian Austin and Katelynn Martinez to the Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association (CNGA) Board of Directors! Each of these individuals brings unique skills, expertise, and passion to our organization, and we’re thrilled to have them join us in shaping the future of horticulture. In addition, several of our existing...
By Julie Echter, CNGA Incoming Board President
It is both an honor and a privilege to step into the role of President of the Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association this year. As someone who has grown up immersed in the green industry and has witnessed its evolution, I am deeply inspired by the opportunity to serve this incredible community of...
The Perennial Trial Garden Committee at CSU met recently to determine their “Top Performers” from the 2024 trial. These “Top Performers” were grown for three seasons and two winters (2022, 2023 and 2024) and performed well so as to be included as “Top Performers” for 2024.
The winners from our 2024 Top Performers are featured below. For more information about the trials, visit flowertrials.colostate.edu. The full...
By Meg Amendola
When Bob Conner began his career in horticulture 40 years ago, he didn't foresee becoming a fixture in Colorado's greenhouse and nursery industry.
A young man new to Colorado, Bob answered an ad for a warehouse worker position at DWF Grower Supply. That chance decision brought him from humble beginnings as a forklift driver to becoming a beloved...
By Hicks & Associates
The 2024 general election proved to be an impactful cycle for GreenCO endorsed candidates. There were significant shifts at both national and state levels. Key races and ballot measures reflected competing visions for economic stability, energy policy, and social support—issues that resonated strongly with voters.
Nationally, candidates faced a complex landscape as voters weighed concerns over inflation...
The 2024 growing season was more normal this summer compared to last summer. There were lots of great plants in the trials this summer. The Trial Garden Advisory Committee met on September 13, to review the evaluations from the Annual Evaluation Day, held on August 6, 2024. There were an estimated 275 attendees for the field day.
Thanks to all those who...
