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 2023, we are pleased to award the scholarship to:
Jacob Letmanski, Iowa State University
Jack Schaefer, Cincinnati State
Sophie Schmidt, Iowa State University
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.
Environmental Stewardship
The green industry comes by its name earnestly, but those of us who work in it can make extra efforts to protect the environment. Our commitment to lean production naturally minimizes costs and waste, but in addition, we practice the following to care for the land surrounding our beautiful west Michigan location:
- Our liners are produced without the use of neonicotinoid pesticides.
- Since 2017, we have implemented a biological control program that uses natural enemies and non-toxic strategies like banker plants and sticky tape to manage pests.
- We rigorously practice IPM principles to minimize our use of pesticides through scouting and research.
- We wash and reuse plug trays.
- Our 90,000 square foot flood floor minimizes use of pesticides by keeping water off of leaves of susceptible plants.
- Efficient boiler heat is used in our flood floor area and propagation ranges.
- Flood floor water is filtered, treated with ionized copper to kill any fungus, and reused for subsequent floodings.
- Double poly greenhouses provide a high level of insulation, reducing the need for supplemental heat.
- Fully ventable Westbrook greenhouses reduce the need for electricity to run fans.
- Propagation greenhouses are equipped with heat retention curtain to conserve warmth on cold nights.
- Propagation and growing staff are encouraged to find innovative solutions to the pest and waste issues that crop up in their ranges.
- The introduction of several non-invasive plant varieties, like Golden Ticket privet and Sunjoy Mini Maroon barberry, as well as native alternatives to invasives, like Kodiak® diervillas instead of burning bush.
