In a new WNLA webinar, Maria Zampini curates a showcase of the latest plant introductions, offering concise commentary and insights on new releases in virtually all product categories: bedding plants to trees, perennials to vegetables. Audience members will learn about the latest developments in plant breeding, understand their real and perceived value to consumers and walk away with valuable contact information for plant developers, brands and promoters.
Maria Zampini is a fourth generation nurseryman and proud of it. Horticulture flows deep in her family veins. After graduating from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, she managed the familyowned, one thousand acre Lake County Nursery wholesale nursery, Champion Garden Towne, Inc. – a premier destination attraction garden center and New Plants, Inc. – the new plant research and development division.
In 2009 she forged a new career path by partnering with her father Jim Zampini to form UpShoot, a boutique horticultural marketing firm. UpShoot specializes in sales, marketing and licensing of new plant introductions and gardening-related products to consumers and the green industry. Additionally, in 2012 Maria was named Director of Plant Development for the HGTV HOME Plant Collection.
Known for helping break the greenhouse glass ceiling, Maria was the first female President of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association in almost 100 years, as well as for the International Ornamental Crabapple Society. She currently serves as Secretary for the Garden Writers Association, Treasurer of the GWA Foundation and participates on the ONLA Legislative Committee. Locally, Maria serves on the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
A published author, she co-wrote the book Garden-pedia: An A to Z Gardening Terms. She regularly writes for major state and national trade publications as well as leading consumer gardening magazines.