Not Just Another Pretty Face: The Importance of Grower Friendliness

NewGen Independence® in the landscape.

When new plants enter the marketplace, the emphasis is often on their benefits to the landscape.  What is sometimes overlooked is how they perform for the grower.  It is, of course, important to emphasize the qualities that will attract homeowners, but just as crucial is the degree of ease in growing them.  When choosing plants for the NewGen™ program, we wanted plants that would be able to perform in a production environment as well as for the consumer.

NewGen Freedom® in the landscape.

In addition to their disease tolerance and pest resistance, both NewGen Independence and NewGen Freedom© are exceptional growers in both container and field settings.  These plants will impress any grower with their tenacity, uniformity and performance in propagation and production.

UNIFORMITY

NewGen Freedom®

NewGen Freedom®

NewGen Freedom®

NewGen Freedom®

NewGen Freedom®

NewGen Independence®

NewGen Independence®

NewGen Independence®

NewGen Independence®

NewGen Independence®

Uniformity is an important characteristic in production because it eases overall plant maintenance.  Whether for pruning, spacing, or water and fertilizer needs, having plants that grow uniformly can make general maintenance a breeze.  Early selections of both NewGen™ boxwood show outstanding uniformity.  At the Saunders Brothers nursery, we grow plants in both containers and in the field; there is impressive consistency across the board in both environments. [See examples above of plants in both field and container production.]

Tenacity: Pest and Disease Tolerance

Uniform and clean NewGen Freedom® in container production.

Tolerance to pests and disease were top priorities when we made selections for the NewGen™ program, especially in light of the threat of Boxwood Blight and Boxwood Leaf Miner.  However, it was also important that these plants could thrive in an environment where there are other diseases common to a growing setting.  Both selections have done well against  other diseases such as Phytophthora (common root rot) and Volutella.  In the pictures following, you can see where these plants continue to thrive even when grown next to plants subjected to the very same diseases and environmental conditions.

Spotless foliage of NewGen Independence®.

Shiny, clean foliage of NewGen Freedom®

Propagation

A traditional propagation house with mist running, creating a very warm, humid environment for the cuttings.

A full house of NewGen Freedom® liners.

Growers also need to consider ease of propagation.  There are many different methods of propagation but “cutting propagation” is one of the most common.  During the process of producing roots, plants are particularly vulnerable.  The warm, high humidity environment that promotes rooting is also conducive to higher disease exposure, and unrooted cuttings are fragile.  Both NewGen Freedom© and NewGen Independence© are stellar propagation performers!  They are quick to root and maintain a uniform growing habit, making them simpler to bring to maturity.

A few full flats of clean NewGen™ liners ready to be shipped!

NewGen™ aims to offer high quality plants that are easy to maintain and grow, both for growers and those who purchase the plants.  These boxwood combine Grower Friendliness and exceptional landscape appeal in plants that will perform beautifully for years to come.

Oct. 2019: First Annual NewGen™ Field Day

NewGen™ Boxwood on display at Saunders Brothers Nursery.

Gift bags for Field Day attendees.

Piney River, VA – On an unseasonably warm October day, NewGen™ welcomed many of our new licensees to Saunders Brother’s Nursery for our first annual NewGen™ Boxwood Field Day. Joining the NewGen™ and Saunders Brothers team were 12 attendees from 9 different nurseries, along with several researchers and industry professionals.

The day was jam packed with a combination of technical talks on the latest boxwood research, tours of both field and container production, information talks about the NewGen™ program, and lots of fun. The Field Day provided an opportunity for licensees to connect with one another, and for us at NewGen™ and Saunders Brothers to learn more about the team we are working with to launch the brand.

Robert Saunders giving a technical talk on the Phytosanitary practices used at Saunders Brothers Nursery.

Licensees learned effective methods of producing the plants while getting to see them in a traditional production set-up. Most attendees will be receiving liners this fall or next spring, with the expectation of selling finished material the following year. The Field Day gave visitors a chance to get a sneak preview of what’s to come in the NewGen™ program.  

Bennett Saunders enjoying a tour of the container nursery.

A Saunders Brothers taking attendees on a tour through the field nursery.

Several of the technical talks highlighted Best Management Practices regarding growing cleaner boxwood. Dr. Chuan Hong from Virginia Tech spoke on his latest research projects on boxwood blight, including his exciting findings for using mulch as a preventative against this pernicious disease. Robert Saunders discussed the phytosanitary practices put into affect at Saunders Brothers Nursery, which are aimed at producing cleaner boxwood. Other talks included more details about the program and how we plan to share our story with the industry.

A beautiful evening for a BBQ.

Saunders Brothers employees Amy and Adrienne enjoying the evening.

Paul and Tatum Saunders with employee Margarito enjoying the dinner festivities.

We capped off the night enjoying delicious local BBQ, bluegrass music, and fantastic mountain views at the home of Bennett and Lynn Saunders. The Field Day offered an exciting opportunity to network and learn more about the essential group of nurseries, joining our partner growers to launch the NewGen™ brand.

A beautiful sunset to finish off a fulfilling day.

Plants will be for sale starting in 2020. Check out our ‘Partners’ page for more details on where you can find NewGen™ plants. We will continue to update this page as more licensees have plants for sale.

NewGen™ sample plants on display during presentations.

Boxwood Around the World

The Buxus genus includes many species of boxwood that are native to different parts of the world. They are versatile shrubs that have been planted in gardens for thousands of years. Whether a formal setting or a more casual style, boxwood are up for the task. With its strong shape and evergreen habit, boxwood perform in the garden year-round. In the grey of the winter months, the rich green foliage provides old-world formality, and as the spring debuts its bright colors, boxwood provide a rich green backdrop as foundation plants. With a high tolerance to pruning, these shrubs make wonderful hedges or can become works of art as topiaries.

As one travels around the globe, you are likely to spot boxwood in all kinds of shapes and sizes. The majority of Buxus species are considered tropical or sub-tropical, but the more commonly cultivated European, American, and Asian species are very frost tolerant and have migrated away from the tropics.

As part of our dedication to learning all we can from boxwood growers around the world, our team has spent some time traveling and spotting boxwood along the way. Here we share some of our favorite plantings of boxwood to highlight their versatility and bring you some inspiration.

United States:

Starting on our home turf, the United States has many diverse climates but you will find boxwood in almost every state. From the sunny streets of San Francisco, California to the bustling metropolis of Indianapolis, Indiana to the quiet foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, you’ll find our favorite evergreen.

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, CA

Even the famous Lombard Street, known as being “the crookedest street in the world” is lined with boxwood hedges.

Washington, DC

These boxwood form a hedge in the Rose Garden at The White House.

Washington, DC

These ‘Vardar Valley’ boxwood get to peek into the Oval Office from the garden at The White House.

Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis, IN

Boston, MA

Annapolis, MD

Annapolis, MD

Annapolis, MD

Oregon

Baltimore, MD

Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, OH

Nelson, VA

This charming pig topiary is found in rural Virginia.

Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, NC

Canada

Like the United States, Canada has varying climates coast to coast. The western coast tends to have milder temperatures, lots of overcast days, and a good bit of rain, where as the eastern coast can see colder winters. However, boxwood are found in many landscapes throughout the country.

Vancouver, BC

What a stunning spiral hedge.

Victoria, BC

Vancouver, BC

They even make great specimens!

Victoria, BC

Victoria, BC

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC

Europe

The formal gardens found in many European countries, some dating back thousands of years are arguably responsible for putting boxwood on the map as an ornamental crop. Through the years many other styles of landscape architecture have become popular, but you are still very likely to find boxwood mixed in. Whether they are in the miles of hedges found in French Chateaus, or small living fences in English Vegetable gardens, or specimens and topiaries in the Netherlands, boxwood are sure to make an appearance. You will even find native boxwood growing wild in many forests on the European continent. These native specimens have historically been more than just ornamental crops, and were used in historical medicine. You can also find the wood used in carpentry due to its thick density and strength.

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy

The Netherlands

The Netherlands

Arajuez, Spain

Arajuez, Spain

Arajuez, Spain

The Alhambra, Spain

The Alhambra, Spain

The Alhambra, Spain

Toledo, Spain

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Belgium

West Sussex, England

A very old specimen of boxwood!

Angers, France

Château de Villandry, France

Château de Villandry, France

Château de Villandry, France

Château de Villandry, France

Château de Villandry, France

This is only a snippet of photos from our archives. There are many more gardens in the world filled with boxwood. While traveling, keep an eye out for boxwood in all shapes and sizes!

Tips and Tricks for Growing Cleaner Plants

Creating a phytosanitary plan doesn’t have to be a daunting endeavor. There are many simple steps you can take to grow cleaner plants. Saunders Brothers has worked with many researchers and Extension agents to establish protocol to help prevent the introduction and spread of Boxwood Blight at their nurseries. Although this plan was designed with Boxwood Blight in mind, these practices will help growers produce cleaner, more successful plants.

Foot mats/baths:

Foot baths are located at every walkway leading to the Saunders Brothers office.

One of the first and easiest steps to take is the inclusion of foot mats/baths for sterilizing shoes of anyone entering a growing area. These can be placed in greenhouses, worker common areas, and near offices. Having foot baths as a first line of defense minimizes the introduction of new pathogens to your growing area. Saunders Brothers uses foot mats at the entrance to all of their office and worker areas. Saunders Brothers uses Zerotol® 2.0, but a 10% bleach solution is also effective.

Disposable pant/boot covers:

Crews in the field nursery wear disposable suits when they are working on larger plants.

Crews wear rubber boots that can be easily cleaned and disposable pants when moving between growing areas.

An example of plastic pant and boot covers in the field.

Disposable pants and boots serve as a physical barrier between one’s clothing and the plants they are working in. If there are any spores or pests on the clothing, it is less likely they will migrate to the plants. Saunders Brothers employees wear disposable, plastic pant and boot covers while working in boxwood houses. Boxwood Blight spores can stick to tools and clothing moving from location to location, so instead of worrying about having fresh clothes, disposable pant/boot covers are the perfect solution.

This is also a great tool for landscapers that may visit many sites in a day. Instead of having to change or sterilize clothing, wearing disposable pant and boot covers greatly reduces disease or pest movement from site to site.

Sterilizing tools/equipment:

Pruning crews as Saunders clean their tools with alcohol between each house.

Even large equipment like digging machines are cleaned with sterilant between fields.

Sterilizing tools and equipment is an easy, practical step to take towards growing cleaner plants. It is a good practice to carry around a spray bottle of isopropyl alcohol. Research shows that a 50% isopropyl alcohol solution is effective at killing most plant diseases. Alcohol spray can be used to clean any handheld tools such as pruners, shovels, or trimmers. Other options of sterilants are a 10% bleach solution or Lysol® spray. Many researchers also recommend hydrogen dioxide products such as Zerotol® 2.0. Make sure to always check labels before you use any products. Most of these products are very user-friendly and are labeled to clean tools, equipment, or even surfaces.

Dragging a hose through a bed of infected plants and then moving it through a healthy bed could spread diseases. Taking an extra minute to spray the hose down with a sterilant could avoid a bigger cleanup in the future.

Cleaning Stations/Sectioned growing areas:

Cleaning stations in the field nursery.

Cleaning station in the container nursery.

This tip takes a bit more planning than some of the other suggestions, but might have the biggest pay off if you ever run into a disease or pest problem. Saunders Brothers has set up both their field and container nurseries in sections. In the container nursery, boxwood are grown in specific locations separated by roadways. In the field nursery, areas are sectioned based on geography. Each section has a cleaning station that all employees must visit at they enter and exit. Cleaning stations are stocked with:

• Disposable pant/boot covers

• Trashcan

• Boot bath and brush

• 70% Isopropyl alcohol spray/liquid hand sanitizer.

• High pressure water hose (field)

Crews using a cleaning station to rinse off their shoes and equipment.

Upon entering and exiting the area each employee must:

Entering:

• wear rubber boots, easily washed boots, or disposable boot covers

• step in boot bath/wash boots

• put on disposable pant covers

Exiting:

• remove and trash disposable pant covers or spray pants

• step in boot bath/wash boots

• wash hands/ use hand sanitizer

• rinse off tools, then spray with alcohol

This is an example of the sectioned boxwood production areas are at the containers nursery at Saunders Brothers.

The perks of setting up these sectioned areas is that in the event of an infection, you can quarantine one area, and continue production from the other locations. Consequently, each time a person or a crew enters a new area, they are cleaning off any potential pests or diseases.

Establishing cleaner growing protocol doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Taking some steps early on in production can help set you and your plants up for success while combating common pests and diseases. Consider these tips and find what works for you.

What it Means to Have Wow Factor

A stunning display of boxwood hedges at the Chateau de Villandry in France.

People have always been drawn to nature for inexplicable reasons, creating gardens and landscapes filled with beautiful plants. Ornamental horticulture, as an industry, has prospered and grown through the centuries by cultivating beauty. Plants are bred and selected because they possess qualities that make them desirable. It could be because of the taste of the fruit, the shape or structure, or due to being pest and disease resistant but, arguably the most common trait growers, breeders, and gardeners are looking for is allure.

Paul Saunders evaluating boxwood for the National Boxwood Trials.

During the National Boxwood Trials, researchers evaluated boxwood on two major categories; impulse cosmetics and grower friendliness. Impulse cosmetics describes the immediate reaction a person has while walking by a specific variety of plant, either in a landscape or on the shelf at a garden center. Although the reaction could be either positive or negative, Paul Saunders, the initiator of the Trials, describes this initial reaction the “WOW factor.” He describes WOW as, “the factor that adds character and impact in a garden.” Even as gardeners have moved more towards plants that solve problems with pest resistance or tolerance to adverse conditions, the WOW factor remains an absolutely essential aspect for the success of any plant.

This was an important consideration as we made the selections of NewGen Independence® and NewGen Freedom®. Both plants outperformed other generic boxwood as solution plants for pests and diseases, but not at the expense of attractiveness. With these plants, the beauty lies in the rich, shiny, deep green foliage that maintains its veneer twelve months of the year. The full, fluffy shape of the plants pulls in any passerby, encouraging them to interact with the plants.

Boxwood of different shapes and sizes on display.

NewGen Independence® has a more elegant style, sought after for more formal garden settings. The deep green foliage stands out as a specimen or serves to accentuate brightly colored flowers around it. The strong branches give it a rounded habit that withstands even heavy snow loads providing grace in the garden through every season.

Example of the rounded habit of NewGen Independence®.

Rich, dark, shiny foliage of NewGen Independence®.

NewGen Independence® accentuating purple Verbena.

NewGen Freedom® stands out because of its its shiny green foliage and uniform habit. In a landscape it appears fluffy, inviting you to touch and connect with it, without sacrificing its structure.

Shiny green foliage of NewGen Freedom®.

An example of the vertical structure of NewGen Freedom®.

NewGen Freedon® with its fluffy, inviting shape lining this front walkway.

Though boxwood may lack some of the more flamboyant characteristics that catch the eye of onlookers such as bright flowers or colorful foliage, they have a timeless elegance, accentuating any landscape. Boxwood are known for providing structure and being malleable to fit a specific need. NewGen Independence® and NewGen Freedom® provide that and more. These plants were chosen not only as the problem solvers they are, but for their timeless beauty, lasting in the landscape for generations to come.

Boxwood gardens at the Chateau de Villandry.

An impressive boxwood maze in a formal garden in France.

Benefits of Mulching Boxwood

Boxwood in the landscape with a think layer of mulch.

Mulching is a common landscape practice that is used to suppress unwanted weeds, reduce evaporation from the soil, and encourage proper soil ecology and structure while being visually appealing. Recent research has also shed light that mulching can be an effective tool to aid in pest and disease management. Earlier this year, Virginia Tech published data from a two-year study showing that mulching can be a great tool to help prevent Boxwood Blight.

The experiment was set up in two locations, one being an old nursery in Low Gap, North Carolina and the other a residential landscape near Richmond, Virginia, both previously devastated by Boxwood Blight. This field trial consisted of both mulched and non-mulched treatments and was done for two years under normal environmental conditions. The goal of this study was to evaluate mulch as a physical barrier to prevent the soil inoculum from splashing onto healthy plants.

The fungal pathogen Boxwood Blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata) produces heavy, sticky spores on diseased leaves that fall to the soil. There is no evidence to date of the pathogen attacking boxwood roots, so it was thought that providing a physical barrier of mulch would prevent the inoculum from splashing onto the leaves where the pathogen can affect the plant. The experiment used containerized ‘Justin Brouwers’ boxwood which are known to be highly susceptible to Boxwood Blight, that were rotated through mulched and non-mulched plots at 1-to-2-week intervals.

A freshly mulched bed of NewGen Independence® and perennials.

Results of the experiment showed clear distinction between the mulched and non-mulched plants. The mulching reduced the number of Boxwood Blight lesions by up to 97%! Even the scientists working on the project were amazed by the unbelievable difference that mulch made. Although for a long time it was thought that mulching boxwood plants was a bad idea but, this study shows that it can be an exceptionally effective tool for Blight control. Below you will find a downloadable PDF of these findings. Saunders Brothers Nursery worked with Chuan Hong and his team to provide plant material for the experiment.

Boxwood blight is a multi-faceted disease that can be overcome with smarter growing practices and understanding. Mulching has been proven to be another very simple and accessible tool that can help prevent this disease.

Jul. 2019: Highlights from Cultivate 2019

The Cultivate show, hosted by AmericanHort, takes place in Columbus, Ohio and attracts horticulturists from all over the globe. Although the show did not begin until Sunday, Columbus was buzzing with growers, retailers, and enthusiasts on Saturday. Many attendees were able to enjoy tours, workshops, and other educational sessions. The NewGen™ team took some time on Saturday to get out of the city and spend the afternoon touring Decker Nursery, one of the NewGen™ liner producers. It was great to see their operation and the innovative ways they are producing liners and finished material. We even got to sneak a peek at some of the early NewGen™ liners that will be shipped out to our licensees next spring!

Sunday began the trade show and our first chance to talk to many of the attendees about NewGen Independence® and NewGen Freedom®. With the formal introduction of our first two selections just weeks before the show, this provided and exciting opportunity for growers and retailers to experience the plants. These introductions were on display at the Willioway Nursery booth, along with the new plants display.

The Saunders Brothers Team at the Retail Choice Awards.

Monday brought another day of exciting educational classes and another day of the trade show. The highlight of the day was the Retail Choice Awards sponsored by the Garden Center Group. The judges evaluated 70 new products and plants on the market, and chose 15 to be recognized. NewGen™ Boxwood was chosen as one of these award recipients! We are excited and honored to stand alongside the most innovative products on the market for 2019/2020.

As the show came to a close on Tuesday, we said our goodbyes to our friends and colleagues in Columbus. It was a great opportunity to share more about our story with our peers and we look forward to sharing more next year.

The Story Continues

The Saunders Family

Growing up a Saunders predisposes you to have a certain affection towards boxwood. In our previous post we told the story of Paul Saunders and how he turned his passion for boxwood cultivation into a successful family business. Saunders Brothers Nursery began growing boxwood over 70 years ago and this was just the beginning. As the business has transitioned to a new generation of leadership, Paul’s sons, Robert, Bennett, Tom, and Jim reflect on their memories from sticking boxwood cuttings to earn an extra penny, to the discovery of Boxwood Blight in the United States and, to the creation of the NewGen™ program.

From an early age, the sons participated in every part of boxwood production around the farm. Bennett Saunders, General Manager of Saunders Genetics, remembers, “As kids, we would get paid a penny apiece for each boxwood cutting we stripped and stuck. This is how we would earn our extra spending money.” As the boys grew, they continued to play an essential part in the daily farm responsibilities. “I remember spending most weekday evenings at the nursery loading trucks with boxwood from March to May,” recalls Bennett. “At the time, boxwood were about 40% of the plants we grew.”

Boxwood Decline affecting English boxwood in a landscape

One of the first setbacks in boxwood production came about in the 1970s with the advent of Boxwood Decline. Up until this point, most of the boxwood market was made up of English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’). As Boxwood Decline became more prevalent, the company began to move towards a wider selection of boxwood cultivars that were more resistant to the disease. Robert Saunders, General Manager of Saunders Brothers remembers, “In the spring of either 1981 or 1982, I was in high school and I got a note from the principal’s office saying I needed to call home. I called and my dad explained that he wanted me to come home to see an experiment he was doing. He was planting in an area just outside the yard at our house, a test garden of new varieties of boxwood. At that time, we grew only English and American boxwood, but my dad thought we should try some new ones.” Robert was dumbfounded for two reasons, “Number one, I hated plants, so I did not want to have anything to do with it. Number two, why did we need new varieties of boxwood? Little did I know I would end up working in the middle of it. From those trials, an evolution of perspective began and, we soon found Green Beauty, Green Velvet, Green Mountain and many other varieties. Most importantly it taught us about life beyond our small boxwood world.”

The exploration into new varieties of boxwood began to shed light on another lurking boxwood pest. “There was a field planting of Buxus sempervirens ‘Elizabeth Inglis’ that had just been eaten up with Boxwood Leafminer,” Bennett remembers. “It had never been sprayed and was just covered in blistered leaves.” Deciding this might be something worth exploring, they planted some other varieties near the host plant to see if different cultivars showed any natural resistance to the pest. Early observations showed that there was some hope for these different cultivars which encouraged Saunders to pursue more formal research.

Boxwood Leafminer larvae causing the boxwood leaves to swell and blister.

Dissecting boxwood leaves to count larvae.

In the early 2000s, Boxwood Leafminer incidences started to become more prevalent, coinciding with a general desire to reduce the use of pesticides, particularly the neonicotinoids. Saunders Brothers recruited retired nematologist Bob Dunn from the University of Florida to help them set up a replicated plot to collect data. They began by planting a test block where host plants infected with Leafminer were planted alongside many different cultivars of boxwood. Since the fall of 2006, thousands of leaf samples from the test area have been collected. Each leaf was dissected, and larvae were counted. The collection of this data over a decade showed a strong variation of cultivars’ natural resistance to Leafminer. This in turn meant a reduction in the use of pesticides and an increase in the value of boxwood in today’s gardens.

Bob Dunn, retired nematologist, working on Boxwood Leafminer research.

Boxwood Blight affecting a field nursery.

Then, in the fall of 2011, Bennett recalls that, “we began to hear horror stories about a disease called Boxwood Blight which was devastating boxwood nurseries in North Carolina and Connecticut. We called a meeting the Monday after Thanksgiving to decide what to do. We decided we needed to go to Europe before the MANTS show to have more information to better answer customers’ questions. We immediately bought tickets for a team from Saunders to go to Europe the week before Christmas. My wife was not happy, but it was something we had to do.”

Researcher in Europe showing examples of Boxwood Blight.

Bennett Saunders loading a truck with sample plants for NCSU trials.

Since the disease had been prevalent in Europe since the mid-1990s, members of the Saunders team spent time in Belgium and the United Kingdom to learn tactics to combat it. European researchers mentioned that they had seen that genetic tolerance for the disease varied among boxwood species. Saunders realized that trials could be performed, similar to the Leafminer trials, to discern genetic tolerance. In 2012, Saunders Brothers teamed up with Kelly Ivors at North Carolina State University to begin trialing different boxwood species and cultivars. Thanks to years of collection, many different boxwood cultivars existed at the nursery in Virginia, so Saunders sent samples of these varieties to be part of the trials. This research proved to be so insightful that after the research was completed at NCSU in 2015, Saunders continued the trials privately. It was clear this was a challenge that could be overcome.

Kelly Ivors (middle) and team at NCSU.

NewGen Independence® in field trials.

 Since learning about the disease, enormous resources have been dedicated to learning about Boxwood Blight. Saunders Brothers has donated thousands of plants, given input into multiple research projects, and made every attempt to better educate themselves and the growing community about this disease. Teams have traveled domestically and internationally to better understand a disease that many once thought would be the end of boxwood. Working with researchers from state and federal agencies, as well as international groups, the continued message was apparent that through a greater understanding of the disease, the battle with Boxwood Blight will be won with tolerant varieties and best management practices.

NewGen Freedom® in production.

Holding on to that message of hope, and after years of trialing, certain cultivars continued to outperform many of the popular varieties on the market. Two of those cultivars were chosen because they stood out from the rest. “These plants showed up and made us smile and think ‘We’ve really got something here’ that we can share with the industry,” remembers Robert. The discovery of these beautiful plants characterized by their superior resistance to Boxwood Leafminer, high tolerance of Boxwood Blight, and WOW factor in the landscape led to the creation of the NewGen™ brand. You can read more about that story here.

From one 13-year-old boy’s love of a charming little evergreen grew a family business dedicated to innovation and looking for solutions. Saunders Genetics, LLC was created to become a resource for all boxwood enthusiasts for generations to come. With over 70 years’ of experience and a passion for boxwood, they are excited to introduce a new generation of boxwood to the industry.

Paul Saunders and his wife, Tatum, at their home.

Introducing NewGen Freedom® and NewGen Independence®

Behind every new venture lies the inspiration that initiated it all. The spark that led to the creation of NewGen™ lies with the two boxwood that will be the initial introductions of the line. After years of research, these two cultivars outperformed the more common varieties available on the market. These selections offer the industry a solution to the disease and pest problems boxwood continue to face. Being introduced to the market in 2020 are NewGen Independence® and NewGen Freedom®. With names that evoke imagery tracing back to 18th century, colonial America, where a new country was blazing a trail in history, these plants will lead the industry demonstrating better tolerance of Boxwood Blight, resistance to Boxwood Leafminer, and WOW factor in the landscape.

The first selection, NewGen Independence® (Buxus NewGen Independence® ‘SB108’ PP# 28888) will catch your eye with its deep green color that holds through the winter. Filling out to a nice rounded, medium-sized shrub, this variety can be used in formal plantings or to provide structure in less formal gardens. NewGen Independence® fills a need in the industry as a replacement for English Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’). English boxwood is known as being one of the cultivars most susceptible to Boxwood Blight, so much so that many producers can no longer risk growing them. This new variety will offer gardeners and landscapers a solution by achieving the same look but with a plant that has shown high tolerance of Boxwood Blight.

As a chance seedling found near Williamsburg, Virginia, NewGen Independence® thrives in zones 5b to 8 and will be a gardener’s dream whether it is a specimen on its own, used in a medium hedge, or as a foundation plant. Once planted and established, with minimal annual care, this plant will be a timeless addition to any landscape. For more details about this wonderful plant, check out the link below:

NewGen Freedom® (Buxus NewGen Freedom® ‘SB300’) is the second of the two introductions but will capture just as much attention. As a more vigorous grower, this rounded cultivar is slightly taller than it is wide and has beautiful glossy foliage, making it an excellent choice for both formal and residential landscapes. This plant was chosen not only for its demonstrated tolerance of pests and diseases, but its overall vigor creates beautiful structure in a garden much quicker than many other varieties available. Hardy in zones 5-8, this particularly grower friendly plant makes an excellent specimen, hedge, or foundation plant in landscapes all over. For information and photos, follow the link below:

Both plants were selected because they outperformed the rest through years of research. These new cultivars surpass current varieties available in the industry with their better tolerance of Boxwood Blight, strong resistance to Boxwood Leafminer, and overall beauty in the landscape. These plants offer solutions to the most prevalent boxwood pests and diseases today. The NewGen™ brand aims to lead the charge with this new generation of boxwood and continues to be dedicated to future innovations.

Boxwood Site Selection and Irrigation

Boxwood being used as a hedge in a landscape.

Boxwood are known for low maintenance and longevity in a landscape, but in order to ensure such timelessness, it is important to select the best site for the plant. When properly planted and cared for, boxwood are easy to maintain. Paying extra attention at planting will ensure a flourishing plant for years to come.

In choosing the proper site, we recommend the following:

Several boxwood in a shady site.

• Choose the best cultivar based on size, shape, growth rate, maintenance, and exposure.

• Take a soil sample and have it tested. Look for areas of good drainage with a pH in the range of 6.5-7.0.

• Prepare a proper hole, making sure to plant the boxwood “high” with 2 inches of the root ball above the soil line. Be sure that water drains away from the plant and does not puddle near the root ball.

• Water thoroughly at the time of planting and maintain adequate but not excessive irrigation through the first couple of years.

Once the boxwood is properly planted, it is very important to water it. A thorough soaking at the time of planting is essential. This will probably be the most important watering this plant will ever have. Make sure to fully soak the root zone.

Boxwood being irrigated first thing in the morning.

Once this initial watering is complete, periodic watering should take place as needed. Allowing the root zone to dry between irrigation events will encourage root growth. We recommend approximately 1 inch of precipitation or irrigation per week for the first 1-2 years. Pay close attention during the hot and dry summer months, so that the boxwood does not stress. It is also important to pay attention that the plants have adequate moisture as winter approaches. In the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, boxwood will continue to grow roots in the winter when the temperatures are still mild.

The arrows show holes on the drip tape where the irrigation water escapes.

Here the drip tape sits on top of a bed of field plants.

Drip irrigation is the ideal method for watering boxwood. Simple drip systems can be installed under the mulch and will offer thorough irrigation without wetting the foliage. In a drip system, water seeps from the drip tape without splashing. It enters the ground without puddling and conserves water. The rate of water from drip tape is very low, maybe a quarter of an inch per hour per emitter. Fungal diseases such as Boxwood Blight can be spread through water splashing that may occur with sprinkler methods of irrigation. If drip irrigation is not an option, make sure overhead watering takes place in the early morning, giving the leaves ample time to dry. It is important to never water boxwood in the late afternoon or evening because wet foliage through the night can lead to diseases and stress on the plant.

Raised beds ready for boxwood planting. It is very important that boxwood are planted “high” to avoid water pooling around the roots.

In 2018, Central Virginia had an annual rainfall of close to 90 inches, about double the normal amount. Boxwood throughout the region showed signs of stress, particularly those plants that were constantly in standing water. Whenever you plant boxwood, envision what the immediate landscape will look like after 3 inches of rain, and plant the boxwood in such a way that ensures water never puddles around the roots.

Giving added care before planting, boxwood are destined to succeed and maintain a timeless elegance in your garden.

Where the Story Begins

Young Paul with his mother Mildred Saunders.

Paul and Mildred looking at some Boxwood in the garden.

On a bright April day in 1947, 13-year-old Paul Saunders joined his mother Mildred as she pruned the English boxwood hedges around the front porch of their home.  Even though baseball was Paul’s favorite pastime, he turned down a game with his friends playing in a nearby cow pasture to shadow his mother, an enthusiastic gardener and passionate member of the Nelson County Garden Club.  Paul had learned how to propagate shrubs from his science teacher and local nurseryman, Mr. Atto.  Paul gathered 77 cuttings as his mother snipped, and planted them in a nearby patch on the northern side of an eroded hill, a perfect spot with a thicket of pines overhead for shade, and a spring close by for water.

Paul enlisted the help of his friend “Boochie” White to become his partner in the venture.  Boochie was responsible for most of the watering because he lived close to the plants.  Of those 77 cuttings, 25 rooted and became the genesis of the Saunders family’s commercially-grown boxwood nursery.

The boxwood patch next to the hen house.

The following July Paul bought out Boochie’s interest for $1.00 and moved the fledgling nursery to a new location that offered richer soil and a water spigot.  Buoyed with the success of the first planting, he then planted 1,000 cuttings of both English and American boxwood.  “I could water them daily with a water hose from the spigot at the hen house,” Paul reflected.  “My little boxwood nursery became part of my 4-H Home Grounds Beautification project.  I stuck more cuttings in rooting beds near an old woodpile.  John Whitehead, our County Farm Agent, encouraged me as the nursery grew.”  Paul remembers many people asking him, “What are you going to do with all those boxwood?”  “I don’t know,” he replied, and went on planting.

A young Robert, John, and Bennett Saunders checking the boxwood cuttings.

A young Tatum working in the nursery.

Year after year, Paul continued to plant more boxwood and as the nursery grew, so did the family.  Paul met his wife Tatum in 1955 in Franklin County at a 4-H party.  He recalls that on one of their early dates, she helped him strip boxwood cuttings to prepare for planting.  They married and eventually welcomed seven sons to their family.  The boys (four of whom run the Saunders Brothers nursery today) all have stories of what it was like to grow up on the farm.  “If you ate at the dinner table at night, you were expected to be at work the next day at 8 A.M., all days except Sunday,” reflects Bennett Saunders.  “No exceptions, even for friends of the family.”

Paul with sons Massie and Tom.

John and Sam Saunders walking through the nursery in the snow.

Plants were first marketed locally, but as the nursery grew, boxwood began to be shipped all over Virginia.  One day in 1962, Paul received a phone call from the National Park Service, asking to buy 1,500 boxwood.  Paul asked where the plants were going, but he was told their destination was confidential.  Eventually the word got out that the boxwood were headed to the White House.  President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline had recently returned from an international trip where they were inspired by the formal European gardens, and wanted to renovate the White House Rose Garden.  The 1,500 boxwood used in the renovation can still be seen from the windows of the Oval Office today.

Boxwood being loaded to go to The White House

Saunders Boxwood being planted in the Rose Garden

The nursery continued to expand to the farm’s fertile river bottoms and hillsides.  All was well and sights were set on a bright future until a warm August night in 1969 when Mother Nature threw a monkey wrench in the plan.  In less than five hours, through the middle of the night, Hurricane Camille dumped over 20 inches of rain on the mountains of Nelson County, Virginia.  The devastation and loss of life in the county were horrendous (1% of the population perished).  Mudslides, flooding, and avalanches of debris covered the area.  The raging Tye River destroyed nearly 10 acres of Saunders plants and land.  Although the damage was devastating, a few boxwood that were planted on higher ground, survived.  This nucleus gave birth to a container nursery at Tye Brook Farm.

Paul walking through a crop of boxwood.

In the late 60s and 70s boxwood were moved down to the packing shed in peach bins, where they were then loaded on to trucks.

Although boxwood had been used as a common landscape plant for many years, only two varieties, English and American, were commonly used in landscapes.  That changed in the 1970s as boxwood came to face more and more disease problems.  As a result, Paul proceeded to look at different varieties for a solution.  “We began to see these problems and started searching for other strains that we could substitute.  I talked to people all over the boxwood-growing areas, asking their advice as to their choices of the best varieties,” recalled Paul.  “There was no real consensus; what was doing well in one area was not necessarily doing well in another area.  In order to find out which variety was best suited in a particular area, we established evaluation sites from Connecticut to Chicago, south to Alabama and Georgia, and many areas in between, donating thousands of boxwood to the sites to get the project started.” Working with many public and private gardens, universities, and researchers, the National Boxwood Trials were born.  Over 60 participants reported their observations of a variety of cultivars in two basic categories, plant attractiveness and grower friendliness.  The results were published annually, with the final report being published in 2011. Paul describes the Boxwood Trials as one of his proudest accomplishments. 

Three generations in the field learning about boxwood. Paul and his grandsons, Tye and Marshall, are joined by their father Bennett, his wife Lynn and Paul’s wife Tatum.

From one 13 year-old boy’s love of a charming little evergreen, grew a family business dedicated to innovation. The Saunders family continues to do research through Saunders Genetics, LLC. to find the best boxwood to flourish in each of a wide diversity of micro-environments.

Paul with one of his favorite boxwood cultivars.

Fungicide Recommendations for Boxwood Blight in Virginia

By: Dr. Keith Yoder - Retired Plant Pathologist, Virginia Tech

Following the severe boxwood blight year in the Mid-Atlantic region in 2018, nursery growers and landscape care professionals should diligently follow prescribed Best Management Practices (BMPs) as a first line of defense to avoid introducing the boxwood blight fungus or, where blight is already present, to manage it most effectively while reducing the risk of spreading it to new locations.

Fungicides are an essential part of the BMPs. They protect boxwood and reduce the spread of blight by preventing germination and infection by the fungal spores. Examples of protectant fungicides listed in the Virginia Tech Nursery crops Pest Management Guide (PMG, page 5-7) are chlorothalonil (Daconil Weather Stik, 1.4 pt/100 gal) and mancozeb (Dithane 75DF Rainshield 1.5 lb/100 gal). Some fungicides are locally systemic (within the leaf) and offer specific modes of action. Recommended examples, also listed in the PMG, include fludioxonil (Medallion WDG2-4 oz/100 gal), thiophanate-methyl (Cleary 3336 WP 1.5 lb/100 gal), boscalid + pyraclostrobin (Pageant 12-18 oz/100 gal), and tebuconazole (Torque 10 fl oz/100 gal). Because the systemic classes of fungicides tend to be at risk for development of resistance, it is generally recommended (and often specified on the label) that they should be alternated and tank-mixed with broad-spectrum protectant fungicides such as chlorothalonil or mancozeb. Spectro 90WDG (1.5 lb/100 gal) is a combination product that contains both chlorothalonil and thiophanate-methyl. The above list is provided as recommended examples. We feel these can be blended into an effective season-long program, but this list is not meant to exclude similarly labeled formulations and other effective products.

In practice, a rotational schedule of very effective fungicides containing both protectants and systemic products that would have minimal chance of developing resistance might look something like this:

Week 1: Chlorothalonil (Daconil Weather Stik, 1.4 pt/100 gal).

Week 3: Mancozeb (Dithane 75DF Rainshield 1.5 lb/100 gal) + Tebuconazole (Torque 10 fl oz/100 gal).

Week 5: Chlorothalonil (Daconil Weather Stik, 1.4 pt/100 gal).

Week 7: Mancozeb (Dithane 75DF Rainshield 1.5 lb/100 gal). + Pyraclostrobin (Insignia 8-16 oz/100 gal).

Week 9: Start back with the Week 1 rotation. If need be, there are other classes of systemic fungicides that could be substituted into the rotation.

Fungicide applications should begin in the spring when conditions become favorable for infection: Infection periods occur at temperatures of 60-77°F with extended wetting and high humidity. The residual activity of fungicides is affected by amount of rainfall, weathering and degradation, and must be reapplied at regular intervals while the risk of blight infection is present. However, they must not be applied more frequently than recommended treatment intervals, or applied in excess of rates specified on the product label. Always read and follow product labels for safety instructions regarding mixing, handling, compatibility with other chemicals, application methods, re-entry intervals and limitations on amounts of product per acre per year.

Because blight spores can stick to tools, equipment, spray hoses, etc., sanitize all equipment, shoes, gloves, etc., used in tending and treating boxwood to prevent spread of fungal inoculum to healthy plantings. For a list of sanitizer recommendations, refer to the Boxwood Blight Task Force website. It is recommended that vehicles that may have been exposed to the boxwood blight fungus be thoroughly washed of debris (e.g. cleaned at a carwash) to avoid spreading the fungus from one planting to another.

A note about spray equipment: At Saunders Brothers we spray our nursery blocks with an “air-assisted” sprayer (pictured above). We chose this sprayer and like it because it gives good penetration of the spray by spraying straight down into the plants. Many airblast sprayers are characterized by the strong sideways airflow, which could blow detached leaves and plant debris from row to row, possibly spreading disease.

To be noted: While Saunders Genetics has worked with nursery growers who have successfully used the pesticides listed above, we make no guarantees or promises, nor express any opinions, concerning the effectiveness or safety of these or any other pesticides.  Always read the labels and other product information from the manufacturer and discuss the proper use and application of products with appropriate company representatives or acknowledged experts.

Basic Biology and Management of Boxwood Blight

Since Boxwood Blight was found in the United States in 2011, researchers and growers have been diligently working to understand this pathogen. Although the disease has spread to 28 states since its initial identification in North Carolina, there have been many breakthroughs in the understanding of the biology of the disease and how to control it.

Map of states with known cases of Boxwood Blight as of 2018

Boxwood Blight is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Cylindrocladium buxicola (syn. Calonectria pseudonaviculata). The pathogen attacks the foliage of boxwood, first appearing as black or dark brown spots on the leaves. In a few days, those spots will develop yellow to brown rings around them and cover the leaf. Infected leaves fall off the plant in a matter of a week or so, and stems near infected leaves will develop streaked black lesions or cankers.

The disease is most prevalent when environmental conditions favor warm temperatures between 60° - 80° F and high humidity. Leaves that are continually wet from constant irrigation, prolonged rain, or high humidity are prime targets for the pathogen. When conducive conditions subside, the fungus will go dormant in the form of black streaks in the limbs of affected plants or debris. The fungus can lie inactive for long periods of time and reappear when conditions become conducive again.

Here you can see the north side of the plant getting the disease first. There is almost an exact line because the north side gets less sunlight and dries more slowly.

The Boxwood Blight spore is heavy and sticky, and is typically introduced through contact with infected plants, debris, tools and equipment, clothing, animals, water splash, or other means of direct contact.

Currently, the only known hosts of the pathogen are members of the Buxaceae family, Buxus sp. (Boxwood), Sarcococca sp. (Sweetbox), and Pachysandra sp (Spurge).

With a better understanding of the disease lifecycle and its optimal conditions, there are many practical ways to prevent and control the spread.

Because the spores can spread from plant to plant on clothing, tools, or splashing water, anyone working around boxwood should start with clean clothes, shoes and tools. Make sure to properly clean tools and equipment with disinfecting agents like alcohol, bleach, or Lysol before and after use in boxwood. If you are a landscaper moving from site to site, you should use a disinfectant on clothing and shoes, or use disposable pant and boot covers between sites. Starting with and maintaining clean equipment can remove the pathogen from ever entering a new site. 

Spores of the pathogen can also spread through water so it is best to avoid overhead irrigation when possible. Facilitating an irrigation schedule that allows just a 3 hour period of dryness for the leaves can significantly reduce the spread of the disease. When there are periods of dry foliage, the leaves are far less likely to become infected, even if the spores are introduced. Never use overhead irrigation in the late afternoon because leaves will remain wet all night. Maintain good air flow when planting and pruning the plants to ensure leaf drying. Recent studies have also shown that mulching every two years or so with at least an inch of mulch around the base of the plant can lessen water splashing.

Studies have shown that, when tested in a lab, all boxwood cultivars show some susceptibility to blight. However, many field tests have shown significant differences in tolerance between cultivars. We have observed certain cultivars, particularly the microphylla, insularis, and harlandii species show strong tolerance compared to those with sempervirens genetics. Shape and structure of the boxwood also affect each plant’s tolerance. Open, more upright plants tend to be more tolerant while short, compact cultivars seem to be more susceptible. We believe this is because the shorter plants that are close to the ground get more water splashing on them. Research is ongoing to discover additional cultivars that will be tolerant to boxwood blight. 

A photo of Buxus ‘SB 108’ NewGen Independence™ next to an American Boxwood, planted on the same site for 3 years.

The exciting results we have seen with varietal tolerance inspired us to create the NewGen™ Boxwood brand. We believe the combination of tolerant varieties and best management practices like those we have outlined are the future of an industry that doesn’t fear Boxwood Blight. For more information check out our education page on Boxwood Blight and subscribe for monthly newsletters filled with the most relevant and up-to-date information and research on boxwood.

 More examples of Boxwood Blight damage and examples on how the pathogen moves:

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Boxwood Leafminer

The arrival of Spring means insect pests are just around the corner. One pest to watch out for is the Boxwood Leafminer (Monarthropalpus flavus).  Although boxwood tend to have few pests, the leafminer can be a headache for growers. Damage starts small with some discolored leaves, but as populations build over a period of years, you will see defoliation, and in severe cases, plant death. Luckily, there are effective options to combat this pest.

Boxwood Leafminers are tiny, orange, gnat-like midges that have only one life cycle per year. The cycle begins each spring as the previous year’s larvae cause the boxwood leaves to blister and swell. Those larvae pupate and emerge as adults in April/May (Central Virginia). After pupating, the adults hover only inches above the boxwood because they are weak flyers and wind will blow them away. Over a 3-week period, adults emerge in waves to mate. Females complete their life cycle after they lay their eggs in the tender leaves. These eggs hatch in early summer (mid-June) and the larvae begin the cycle of growth that will conclude the following spring.

Saunders Genetics has done extensive work trying to determine the best timing and chemicals to control Boxwood Leafminer. In many programs, sprays are targeted towards adults, but because leafminer emerges in waves, you would need to spray every 2-3 days over the 3-week period, making it nearly impossible to eradicate them. Instead, control can be achieved with a single spray of a systemic insecticide after eggs hatch (mid-June). These types of insecticides remain effective until temperatures turn cold in the fall. When a spray is applied properly and thoroughly to all boxwood in a given area, you can receive control for up to 2-3 years. According to research, the most effective products are those that contain the active ingredient imidacloprid, thiomethoxam, or dinotefuran. Please note that Saunders Genetics bases this recommendation on in-house trials. We recommend growers and landscapers contact their local Extension personnel for recommendations and regulations in their area.

Although chemical control is a great option, there are also boxwood varieties available that have shown genetic resistance to Boxwood Leafminer. Saunders Genetics has done thorough research, testing over 129 cultivars. The results are listed in the chart below.

Genetic resistance is a defining feature in the NewGen™ Boxwood program. The goal of NewGen™ is to provide grower-friendly plants that can thrive when faced with pest and disease pressure. NewGen™ boxwood were chosen because they are more resistant to Boxwood Leafminer than many of the varieties currently on the market. If you are replacing or planting boxwood, look to these NewGen™ varieties which will be available for purchase in 2020. 

Who is NewGen™?

Easily one of the most recognized garden plants, boxwood (Buxus sp.) have been gracing formal gardens for thousands of years and are considered one of the oldest ornamental plants. As slow-growing evergreen shrubs, these plants have always been a symbol of a gardener’s commitment and investment to a green space. Boxwood have held their reputation for many years because they are low maintenance, provide structure to a garden, and have few pests and disease pressures.Unfortunately, this reputation took a hard hit in 2011 with the introduction of Boxwood Blight in the U.S. and many growers became concerned about the beloved plant.

Saunders Brothers in Piney River, VA, a family-run nursery with a rich history of boxwood production, responded to this threat by investing in research to find a solution. Their experience in trials for resistance to Boxwood Leafminer, helped them to work with researchers and universities to begin testing for varietal tolerance of Boxwood Blight. After testing over 150 varieties, it was clear certain varieties excelled. Saunders Brothers was excited to have found solutions to a potentially devastating disease. They felt they needed to share these genetics with the industry. This sparked the creation of NewGen™ Boxwood.

NewGen™ aims to be the standard bearer of a distinctively better family of boxwood. This new generation of plants promises better tolerance of Boxwood Blight, better resistance to Boxwood Leafminer, and a WOW factor in the landscape.

“To meet the threat of rising pest and disease pressures, as well as maintain boxwood as the foundation of the landscape, we felt we needed a new approach,” says Bennett Saunders, General Manager of Saunders Genetics. “We’ve focused our attention on new and improved genetics, more thorough testing methods and protocols, partnering with like-minded growers, and establishing a distinguished brand identity. We believe NewGen™ represents the future of boxwood for the industry.”

By maintaining bio-secure testing methods and standards, we hope to continue making introductions of superior plants that maintain brand standards. We aim to establish a regional network of premier licensed growers and propagators to share these plants in landscapes all over the United States. We will dedicate 2019 to introducing the program to the industry and its customers, building production on our two initial selections. Plants are scheduled to be available for sale in the spring of 2020. At this time, we are partnering with 4 growers to distribute the product line: Overdevest Nurseries, NJ; Prides Corner Farms, CT; Saunders Brothers Nursery, VA; and Willoway Nurseries, OH.

NewGen™ Boxwood intends to raise the bar for boxwood to meet the changing dynamics of a new generation of the American garden and gardener.

Pictured is the NewGen™ team, Lindsay Day (left) Marketing Coordinator and Bennett Saunders (right) General Manager of Saunders Genetics.

Meet the Team!

We had such a blast meeting so many of you over the past few weeks, we thought we’d take a minute to introduce ourselves. Right now, our NewGen team is made up of just two boxwood enthusiasts, Bennett Saunders and Lindsay Day, leading the charge of the Boxwood Revolution.

Bennett Saunders learning a new pruning technique to combat Boxwood Blight.

Bennett Saunders leads our team as the General Manager, bringing over 36 years of experience in the industry to our team. He balances his NewGen responsibilities with his other duties as the Chief of Operations for Field and Fruit Production for Saunders Brothers Nursery. This means not only can he share a wealth of knowledge on all thing’s boxwood, but he has years of experience growing fruit trees. Since 2011 with the threat of Boxwood Blight in the United States, Bennett has taken initiative to learn everything he could about the disease, traveling to Europe to see the disease first hand as well as meeting with researchers in the U.S. to learn about how to combat the disease here.

Through years of testing, and trialing over 150 cultivars, it was clear that the solution might be bigger than just Saunders Brothers. As Richard Branson once said, “If someone offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later.” So as NewGen began to form, Bennett looked at this as an opportunity to share his passion for boxwood and the promising future still ahead of them, with the industry.

Lindsay inspects container boxwood plants at Saunders Brothers Nursery

Joining Bennett is Lindsay Day, the Marketing Coordinator for NewGen Boxwood. Lindsay brings 5 years of nursery experience with her to the team. She started with Saunders Brothers as an intern in 2013 and then joined full time as the assistant woody grower and propagation manager for the container nursery. After spending several years in the field propagating and working with the boxwood, when an opportunity arose where she could spend more time working with growers and customers teaching them about the promising future of boxwood, how could she say no? Since July of 2018, she has been part of the NewGen team connecting with our growers and finding new and creative ways to share boxwood knowledge with the industry with our website, mailing list, and social media.

Together we are looking ahead towards this new year as it gives us a chance to meet new growers and customers and share our passion about boxwood with you.

Jan. 2019: MANTS

NewGen will be displaying at 4 booths at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Tradeshow this year. Come visit us at any of the following booths: Overdevest Nursery, Prides Corner Farms, Willoway Nurseries, Saunders Brothers Nursery. We would love to meet you and share more about who we are. See you in Baltimore!