A nonprofit TN organization supporting horticulture education in TN, the use of perennial plants and effective gardening techniques
ABOUT US
The Perennial Plant Society of Middle TN is a nonprofit TN organization supporting horticulture education in TN, the use of perennial plants in the landscape and giving advice about effective gardening techniques. Our activities include:
Monthly public meetings with expert speakers, private garden tours, meeting plant swaps, a huge annual plant sale, and funding of horticultural scholarships to Tennessee students.
WHAT'S NEW AT PPS
PLANT SOCIETY MEETING 2026
Date: Tuesday,Oct 20, 2026
Time: Social Hospitality: 6:00 pm Meeting at 6:30 pm
Location: Ed Jones Auditorium at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville
Topic: Plant Studs not Duds
Presents a detailed overview of common woody plants used in Middle Tennessee landscapes, highlighting some of the most problematic selections and offering outstanding alternatives. This talk will help educate individuals about which woody selections will stand the test of time and help avoid costly mistakes and plant mortality in the home landscape due to improper plant selection. A special emphasis will be placed on native options that are both survivable and beneficial to native pollinators and wildlife.
Speaker Bio:
Justin Stefanski is a native Ohioan, but has called Tennessee home for many years. He has worked for the University of Tennessee since 2010 and has served in various roles throughout his career. He currently serves as the horticulture extension agent in Rutherford County. Prior to working for Extension, he ran a full-service lawn and landscape business based in Murfreesboro. He is an ardent advocate for the use of native plants and he has transformed several acres of his home landscape into a biologically diverse refuge for native pollinators and wildlife. He is a passionate advocate for the preservation of the cedar glade biome and has worked diligently to educate as many folks as possible about the incredible plants and animals found within the glades. He currently resides in Rockvale in the southwest corner of Rutherford County with his wife Kiana and son Levi.
Benefits of Membership
The Perennial Plant Society of Middle Tennessee is for people who enjoy landscaping, gardening and growing flowers, especially perennials that come back every year. The group and its invited speakers offer ideas, education and friendship to all. Members include amateurs and professionals, beginners and 'old hands,' and their gardens range from large estate landscapes to small plots beside the kitchen door.
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Invitations to attend private garden tours at some of the most beautiful gardens in the Middle Tennessee area.
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Attend monthly society meetings with special program presentations from guest speakers
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Swap plant ideas and plants with other society members
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Be a part of one of the largest plant sales in Tennessee
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Help fund scholarships for local deserving horticultural students
2026 PERENNIAL PLANT SOCIETY PLANT SALE IS OVER
On behalf of the Perennial Plant Society of Middle Tennessee, I’d like to thank every gardener who came to our sale on Sat. April 11. It was the most amazing turnout—certainly the largest we have had in the 32 years of the sale. Lines were long, but we appreciate everyone’s patience and good humor. This wonderful response has enabled us to continue to fund the horticultural scholarships at Tenn. Tech and to support free educational programs on gardening throughout the year.
We are very grateful to our customers for their help in meeting our mission goals.
