A nonprofit TN organization supporting horticulture education in TN, the use of perennial plants and effective gardening techniques
2026 Society Meetings & Events
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.
New Perennial Plant Society Meeting Place
In response to a membership survey and feedback, the PPS board has decided to relocate our meetings to the Ed Jones Auditorium at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville. The auditorium has been recently renovated, and there is ample parking. Time for meetings remains the same. We will also continue the plant swap. We would also like to encourage anyone who wishes to bring a treat to share. Social hospitality will still begin at 6:00 p.m., with the formal meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Directions on how to reach Ed Jones are below. Any questions, please email mariwynevans @att.net.
From Franklin Road: Turn east onto Hogan Road and continue on Hogan.
From Harding Place: Turn south onto Trousdale Drive by CVS. Continue on Trousdale and then turn left onto Hogan Road (by Crieve Elementary)
Hogan Road will end at entrance of Ellington Agriculture (Marchant Drive is the cross street - do not turn here for Ed Jones) Go through gates into Ellington and then turn right. Follow road through Ellington following signs to Ed Jones at the top of the hill passing the museum. There is parking on both sides of the auditorium.
From I-65:
Take Exit #78-A east on Harding Place. Take a right at the second light onto Trousdale Drive. Travel south on Trousdale for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on to Hogan Road at the four-way stop. Hogan Road ends at the front gates of the Ellington Agricultural Center. Note: all buildings have identifying lawn signs for your convenience.
From I-24:
Take exit #56 west on Harding Place to the Nolensville Road intersection at Harding Mall. Turn left onto Nolensville Road and travel south 1/10 mile and turn right onto Edmondson Pike. Travel 1 1/2 miles on Edmondson Pike. The west entrance to Ellington Agricultural Center is on the right