Stewardship
Supporting Our Industry & Community
A core part of our values is giving to organizations that embody the spirit of innovation and positive change that further growth for all of us.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)
Since Spring Meadow introduced Invincibelle® Spirit hydrangea back in 2009, $1 from the sale of each plant has supported BCRF, the most effective cancer charity in the US. Thanks to sales of the original and the improved Invincibelle® Spirit II hydrangea, as well as funds raised by garden centers across North America hosting Pink Day events, over $1 million has been donated to eradicate breast cancer. Get the full story on our Invincibelle Campaign page.
Horticulture Research Institute (HRI)
Since 1962, HRI has worked to increase the quality and value of plants, improve the productivity and profitability of the nursery and landscape industry, and protect and enhance the environment. Every time you purchase from Spring Meadow, we add ¼ of 1% of your order total to your invoice as a contribution to HRI. Spring Meadow then triples your donation, and these funds are used to support the Spring Meadow Nursery New Plants Fund and the HRI Endowment Fund. These funds foster ground-breaking research that benefits everyone in the ornamental horticulture industry.
Spring Meadow - Proven Winners Scholarship
Because bright, well-trained, qualified people are essential to the continued success of the nursery industry, Dale and Liz Deppe created this scholarship fund. In 2024, we are pleased to award the scholarship to:
Ramsey Arram, North Carolina State University
Annah Baloh, University of Kentucky
Landon Erbrick, Auburn University
Kayla Morrison, Oklahoma State University
Yongjun Yue, University of Georgia
Read more about the students and the scholarship awards here. The Spring Meadow scholarship application period runs April-September for the following academic year. Interested students may apply through the HRI website.
IPPS
Spring Meadow is a long-standing member of IPPS, the International Plant Propagators Society. Many on our staff are active participants in the organization and we sponsor regional meetings. IPPS is a rich resource for anyone involved in horticulture, and we encourage you and your employees to participate in regional meetings and contribute to their informative publications.
National Collegiate Landscape Competition
For the nursery industry to remain innovative and dynamic, it's crucial to cultivate the enthusiasm of the next generation. That's why we sponsor the NCLC, an annual competition for two and four-year college students to show off their skills and knowledge in horticulture, arboriculture, turf, and landscape construction.
Spring Meadow Donor Advised Fund
Started in 2018 to give our employees the opportunity to become more directly involved in our charitable giving, this fund is managed by and delegated according to requests from our staff. Funds are reserved for charities and projects based in our west Michigan community.