On an unseasonably warm October day, NewGen welcomed many of their new licensees to Saunders Brothers Nursery for their 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.
NewGen Boxwood on display at Saunders Brothers Nursery
Gift bags for Field Day attendees
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 NewGen and Saunders Brothers to learn more about the team they 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 bus 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 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
The night was capped off enjoying delicious local BBQ, bluegrass music, and fantastic mountain views at the home of Bennett and Lynn Saunders. The Field Day offered an opportunity to network and learn more about the essential group of nurseries, joining 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 the ‘Partners’ page for more details on where you can find NewGen plants. The page will be updated as more licensees have plants for sale.
NewGen sample plants on display during presentations
For more information:
Saunders Brothers
2717 Tye Brook Hwy
Piney River, VA 22964
Tel.: (434)277-5455
Toll Free: 800-307-2127
Fax: (434)277-8010
[email protected]
www.newgenboxwood.com