About IPPS
Our Mission
We, the members of the International Plant Production Society, Southern Region of North America, are joined together by a common interest in the production and propagation of plants. “To Seek and to Share” is our motto, as we seek new ideas, new techniques and new plants. We enthusiastically share that which we learn. Ultimately, through our interactions with one another, we strive to increase our plant knowledge. With this knowledge, we hope to increase profitability in our industry and to beautify the landscape for this and future generations.
Policy Statement
The IPPS-SRNA is committed to providing an environment of civility, inclusion and professionalism where diverse ideas and solutions to green industry challenges and opportunities are embraced. This expectation of respectful behavior includes details outlined in the Ethic, Non-Discrimination and Inclusion, and Anti-Harassment Policies included in the IPPS-SRNA Operations Manual.
What We Are All About
The International Plant Production Society (IPPS) exists to support and strengthen the people behind horticulture. We are dedicated to helping our members grow their expertise, improve their practices, and advance professionally through meaningful programs, educational opportunities, and hands-on experiences. Our work connects research, education, and plant production in practical ways that improve the industry and the lives of those working in it.
We foster collaboration among horticulturists, educators, and researchers, both locally and globally, creating a community where knowledge is shared, innovation is encouraged, and best practices are exchanged across borders. In everything we do, our goal is to empower members, advance the profession, and ensure the future of sustainable, high-quality plant production worldwide.
- Passion: for this Society and for plants.
- Volunteerism: freely exchanging knowledge and methods, helping others, presenting at and attending annual meetings.
- Networking and building lasting friendships and professional connections with leaders in the industry.
- Recognizing the achievements of members via the Fellows and Sidney B. Meadows awards
- Professional development for students through our Student Research Competition and Vivian Munday Scholarship
- Global focus: IPPS is a global organization, with members all across the world. Through our Early Career Professional International Exchange Program, budding professionals have the opportunity to do travel to nurseries in other regions of the world.
Education Endowment
The IPPS Southern Region Educational Endowment is dedicated to supporting the next generation of horticulture professionals. Through scholarships, research grants, and educational programs, the endowment helps students and young professionals gain hands-on experience, expand their knowledge, and make meaningful contributions to the green industry.
Established in 2017 with an initial anonymous donation of $20,000, the mission is to provide sustained funding for the Southern Region’s educational and outreach initiatives. By investing in education today, we ensure the continued growth and innovation of horticulture tomorrow. Your support helps provide opportunities for students to attend regional and international meetings, participate in research competitions, and access resources that shape their careers.
Donation options include outright gifts, planned giving (estate or will bequests), or naming IPPS as a beneficiary in retirement plans or life insurance—each helping to secure the society’s future initiatives. Your contribution, no matter the size, directly supports the education and development of future industry leaders. Click below to donate and help us cultivate the next generation of horticulture professionals.
Our History
The first IPPS Southern Region of North America meeting was in Mobile, Alabama in 1976 as a result of the efforts of Charlie Parkerson, Bryson James, Johnny Wight, Sidney Meadows, John Machen, Jake Tinga, Ray Self, and Don Shadow. The first meeting started with 52 members, and we now have over 250 members. Learn more about how we got started by clicking the button below to read a paper written by our first President, Charles Parkerson!
Regions
IPPS Membership is organized and administered on a Regional level. Each Region is a defined geographical area.
Australia
Eastern Region of North America
Telephone: +1 930-842-9339
Secretary: Savanah Tanner
Email: ippseasternregion@gmail.com
Regions
Nunavet (ca), Manitoba (ca), Ontario (ca), Quebec (ca), Newfoundland and Labrador (ca), Prince Edward Island (ca), Nova Scotia (ca), New Brunswick (ca), Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas
Europe
International
New Zealand
Telephone: +64 27 490 6010
Secretary: Glenys Evans
Email: secretary.ippsnz@gmail.com
Treasurer: Shirley Ogilvy
Email: shirley@bruntwoodnurseries.co.nz
Southern Africa
Telephone: +27 72 825 0252
Secretary: Karen Eichholz
Email: keichholz7@gmail.com
Treasurer: Hans-Jurgen Sittig
Email: flowerfun@me.com
Southern Region of North America
Telephone: +1 803 743 4284
Secretary: Donna Foster
Email: scplant@bellsouth.net
Regions
Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
Western Region of North America
Telephone: +1 916-441-1064
Secretary: Brooke Palmer
Email: brooke@agamsi.com
Regions
Alaska, Yukon (ca), Northwest Territories (ca), British Columbia (ca), Alberta (ca), Saskatchewan (ca), Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Hawaii