The Murphy Johns team recently had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Chesapeake Green Annual Horticulture Symposium. It was a rewarding and enjoyable experience, giving us time to step away from our daily routines and focus on learning about new developments across the agriculture and horticulture industries. Events like this allow us to stay informed, bring fresh ideas back to our greenhouse, and continue improving the way we grow and serve our customers.

The event was jointly organized by the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association and University of Maryland Extension and was generously hosted by the Maritime Conference Center. Their efforts created a welcoming and well-run environment that made learning and networking both easy and enjoyable.

One especially memorable presentation focused on the National Aquarium Harbor Wetlands project. This initiative has transformed a section of the Inner Harbor into a thoughtfully designed recreation of the natural coastal environment that once existed there. The project has quickly become a thriving habitat for wildlife and aquatic species that have faced increasing pressure from urban development. It was inspiring to learn how quickly nature responded, with birds, fish, and even a family of otters now calling the area home. Seeing how intentional design and environmental stewardship can restore balance in an urban setting left a lasting impression and reinforced the importance of sustainable practices in our own work.

We’re grateful for the chance to participate in this symposium and look forward to applying what we’ve learned as we continue growing for the seasons ahead.