Industry Promotion
New England Nursery Association, Inc.

In keeping with its mission to increase awareness of the value of nursery products and services while promoting the profitability of its members' businesses, the New England Nursery industry supports and sponsors a number of important awards programs throughout the region.

Distinctive Plants for New England - The Cary Award
Looking for a new way to promote outstanding plants? The New England Nursery Association, in collaboration with the Worcester County Horticultural Society, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, the Massachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association and numerous horticultural organizations across the region, spearheads a program to highlight woody plants especially appropriate for New England.

The program is modeled after the popular and highly successful "Gold Medal Plant Award" sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Each year, up to five plants are selected that are proven outstanding performers in New England gardens. The criteria are simple: the plant must be a tree, shrub, or vine, it must be hardy within at least two of the four USDA hardiness zones present in New England (Zones 3 - 6), the plant must be suitable for home landscape use, and it must be an exceptional, season-extending plant for New England. Any plant to receive the award must also be currently available in the nursery trade.

For more information on the Cary Awards contact Michael Arnum at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, (508) 869-6111 ext. 11 or visit www.caryaward.org.

Young Nursery Professional of the Year
The purpose of NENA's Young Nursery Professional of the Year award is to recognize, honor and encourage participation, achievement and growth by an individual in the industry who has not yet reached the age of 40; who has shown involvement in his or her state association; who has contributed to the success of their company; and has portrayed a positive image of the nursery industry to the public. Nominations for Young Nursery Professional of the Year are made by the individual New England state associations.

New England Spring Flower Show Awards
NENA Plaque and Premium is awarded for distinctive use of hardy, deciduous plant material.

James Underwood Crockett Award and Premium is presented each year by NENA to that exhibit that best communicates to the public the practical value of horticulture.

NENA supports the public’s awareness of regional plants through various awards and premiums at flower shows throughout New England. Currently, NENA participates in the New England Spring Flower Show in Boston, the Central Massachusetts Flower Show, the Portland Flower Show, and the Vermont Flower
Show.