Every great idea, meaningful connection, and thriving landscape begins somewhere. Sometimes, all it takes is a seed.
A seed may be small, but its potential is extraordinary. Given the right environment, care, and opportunity, it can grow into something much bigger than itself.
The same can be said for people, ideas, and the relationships we cultivate along the way.
On October 8, 2026, EcoPoint team members Shantel and Jennie attended the Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association’s (CNGA) 31st Annual Women in Horticulture Luncheon, held among the beautiful gardens and landscapes of Denver Botanic Gardens. It was a fitting setting for an afternoon dedicated to growth, not just in plants, but in leadership, innovation, and the future of horticulture.
Planting the Seeds of Inspiration
One of the highlights of the afternoon was hearing from Anna Ball, Chairman and CEO of Ball Horticultural Company, a fourth-generation family-owned business with deep roots in the horticulture industry. Anna’s enthusiasm for horticulture and her perspective on leadership made a lasting impression.
Her presentation offered an opportunity to reflect on the evolving industry, the contributions of women in horticulture, and the importance of cultivating environments where people and ideas can flourish. Much like growing a healthy plant, building a strong industry takes patience, knowledge, collaboration, and a willingness to invest in the next generation.
And sometimes, the most meaningful growth begins with a conversation.
From One Seed, Many Possibilities
Throughout the luncheon, conversations naturally turned to plants, people, and possibilities. Shantel and Jennie had the opportunity to connect with professionals from across the horticulture industry. Each introduction was an opportunity to learn something new, exchange ideas, and explore where different areas of expertise might intersect.
For EcoPoint, these conversations are especially meaningful as we continue expanding our Native Live Plant Program. While horticulture and ecological restoration may serve different markets, they share something fundamental: an understanding that successful landscapes begin with the right plants, the right knowledge, and the right growing conditions.
Growing Beyond the Greenhouse
At EcoPoint, we believe that successful ecological restoration begins long before a plant reaches the ground. Our Native Live Plant Program follows a journey from collecting locally adapted native seeds to cultivating plants, installing them in the field, and scaling production to support larger restoration efforts.
It’s an approach rooted in a simple philosophy: the right plant, in the right place, at the right time.
But growing plants is only part of the story.
Growing a successful program also means building relationships with people who understand plant production, propagation, innovation, and the challenges of bringing plants from greenhouse to landscape. The horticulture industry offers a wealth of experience and knowledge. By connecting with professionals who share our passion for plants, we can discover new ideas, explore partnerships, and continue improving how we approach restoration.
Just as a healthy ecosystem depends on diversity and connection, innovation often happens when people from different backgrounds come together.
What Will Grow Next?
As the afternoon came to a close, one thing was clear: the value of an event like the CNGA Women in Horticulture Luncheon extends far beyond a single day. An introduction may lead to a partnership. A shared idea may inspire a new approach. A conversation may open the door to something none of us anticipated.
And that’s the beauty of planting seeds. You don’t always know exactly what will grow, but you recognize the importance of creating the conditions for something meaningful to take root. We left Denver Botanic Gardens inspired by the women helping shape the horticulture industry and excited about the opportunities ahead for EcoPoint.
Thank you to CNGA for bringing together such an inspiring community, and to Anna Ball for sharing her perspective and passion for horticulture.
After all, every thriving landscape, every meaningful partnership, and every great idea has to start somewhere.
It all starts with a seed. 🌱
