Darryl Newman is the co-owner of Planters' Choice, alongside his father and founder, Chuck. It is a diverse operation with large-scale field, propagation and container production in Western Connecticut. They are increasing production of both ecotypic and larger, specimen size natives that are difficult to not only locate, but also produce.

He has presented to numerous state and regional trade associations on a variety of topics, including proper horticultural practices, superior plant selection, Green Industry trends, and financial business management. A proud multi-generational farmer on both sides of his family, Darryl is professionally passionate about working with plants and educating others to become more effective businesspeople and horticulturists.

Kristen Nicholson and Britt Drews are the co-founders of Blue Stem Natives, a

woman owned native-only nursery based in Norwell, Massachusetts.

Since launching in 2021, they’ve been helping gardeners and land stewards

across New England access high-quality native plants while promoting wildlife-

friendly landscapes, straight-species selections, and sustainable growing

practices. Their work is rooted in a simple but powerful mission: making native

plants easier to learn about, easier to buy, and easier to use in everyday

landscapes.

Dan Jaffe Wilder is an ecologist, horticulturist, and botanist with over twenty years’ experience working with native plants and their associated ecology. His work has ranged from classrooms to nurseries to botanical gardens to wildlife refuges and specializes in native plant ecology, propagation, wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement, and native edible landscapes. Dan is the Director of Applied Ecology at The Norcross Wildlife Foundation whose mission is to protect, enhance, and expand wildlife through conservation, education, and support. Dan’s book Native Plants for New England Gardens was released in 2018.