Metro Hort Group’s Plant-O-Rama 2026 at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Plant-O-Rama 2026

PLANT-O-RAMA 2026, presented by Atlantic Nurseries, is Metro Hort Group’s symposium, trade show & career fair for Horticulture Professionals. It is our largest program of the year, attracting close to 1,000 gardeners, designers, arborists, and educators working in public parks, botanical gardens, and private Edens in the New York City Tri-State region. Join us at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for an unforgettable plant extravaganza!

A few things to note:

1) Registration for Plant-O-Rama will be in the Visitor Center Atrium this year. The closest entrance is 990 Washington Avenue.

2) If you register for General Admission, you do NOT need to check-in on event day.

3) A video recording of only the session/s you purchase tickets for will be available to you. There is also an option to purchase the video recording of all sessions.

4) PLEASE NOTE: We never sell attendee lists. Any email offering attendee contact lists is fraudulent.

Info: "EVALUATING THE COMPLEXITY AND DIVERSITY OF DESIGNED HERBACEOUS PLANTINGS"

Over the past three decades, the field has made significant strides in envisioning and creating herbaceous plantings that are spatially, temporally, and taxonomically rich—and in many regions, these planting styles have become the prevailing trend. While these designs can offer exceptional biodiversity benefits and striking aesthetic value, they also present challenges in design, installation, and long-term management.

In this talk, James will examine where these planting genres stand today and discuss strategies for maximizing their ecological and visual benefits while reducing potential drawbacks.

Info: "THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT: CHOOSING CURIOSITY OVER CONTROL" For generations, Green-Wood maintained the lawn-dominated landscape most Americans recognize - neat, controlled, unchanging. But it came at a cost. This presentation examines how Green-Wood has begun choosing curiosity over control: disentangling our historic character from harmful 20th-century landscape practices. Through memorial meadows, reforestation, and reconsidering invasive plant management, we're discovering that honoring the dead means protecting the living world they left behind.

Info: "GARDENS: NURTURING PLANTS, COMMUNITIES, AND PEOPLE" How can we ensure that urban green spaces remain community focused, accessible to all, and provide pathways to meaningful employment in the green industry? These challenges are daunting, but New York City nonprofits are tackling the issue and developing strategies for success. Join us for a lively conversation where our panelists will reflect on the challenges and successes they have had in cultivating community, the environment, and the next generation of horticultural professionals. Moderated by Andrew Sliwa, Vice President of Horticulture, Southern Land Company.

Info: 40 exhibitors showcasing trees, shrubs, perennials, and tender plants for the coming season, as well as horticultural equipment, apparel, soil products, and garden pottery.

Info: Join us for an end-of-day happy hour sponsored by Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs.

Info: 40 exhibitors recruiting full-time, part-time, seasonal, and volunteer opportunities for green industry and public horticulture jobs.

Info: Check-in, grab a coffee, and settle in before the morning's featured speaker.

Info: Join us for a Garden book swap in the Visitor's Center. Bring your gardening and horticulture books and swap for new ones!

Info: Some organizations exchange business cards, but gardeners share seeds! Connect with others by swapping seeds from your gardens. Don't have seeds? Swing by and get some.

Info: Join us in the Visitor Center for remarks, the presentation of Scholarship Awards, and a 30th Anniversary Celebration.

Info: Tours at 12:30pm and 2:00pm of the General Conservatory, Osborne Garden, Rock Garden, and Warm Temperate and Desert Pavilions.

Info: The Yellow Magnolia Café will be open for the purchase salads, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.

Info: Join us for a Garden book swap in the Visitor's Center. Bring your gardening and horticulture books and swap for new ones!

Info: Connect with others by swapping seeds from your gardens.

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Host or Publisher Metro Hort Group, Inc.