by Andrew Pelkey
June 2026

One of the greatest strengths of the Green Industry in New Hampshire has always been the willingness of professionals to share ideas, support one another, and continue learning together. That spirit is exactly what makes our Landscape After Hours events such a valuable part of NHLA membership. These gatherings give us an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day grind, reconnect with peers, and see firsthand the creativity and innovation happening throughout our industry. Whether you’re a business owner, crew leader, designer, supplier, or someone just beginning your career, the conversations and relationships built during these events often turn into long-term professional connections and opportunities.

This year’s Landscape After Hours lineup continues to showcase the incredible diversity and talent within our industry. From nursery production and water features to arboriculture and seasonal services, each event offers members a chance to learn something new while building stronger relationships across the profession. Join us on June 25 at Rock Crest Gardens with a tour of their impressive 12-acre nursery and extensive plant collection. In July, members can connect at Chester Hollow Water Gardens while exploring inspiring outdoor living and water feature installations. Coming in August is a tour of a stunning Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront landscape, with discussion of its design, planning, and construction. September brings the Landscape After Hours UNH Campus Tree Tour at the University of New Hampshire, offering insight into campus tree management and stewardship. Concluding this series, in October NHLA will host a unique Landscape After Hours focused on residential holiday lighting installation — another example of how companies across our industry continue to diversify services and create new opportunities for growth throughout the year.

These events are more than networking opportunities — they are reminders that our industry thrives when professionals share ideas, experiences, and perspectives. Some of the best business conversations happen outside the office or jobsite, and the relationships built through NHLA continue to strengthen both individual companies and the industry as a whole.

Education and workforce development also continue to be major priorities for our industry. NHLA is excited to support the upcoming Introduction to Landscape Maintenance Workforce Education course through NHTI. This program is a great opportunity for individuals entering the field or team members looking to strengthen their foundational skills in landscape maintenance. Investing in education strengthens not only individual careers, but also the long-term future of our companies and our profession as a whole. The businesses that continue to grow are the ones committed to developing their people, staying curious, and adapting to new opportunities in the marketplace. Learn more about the course here:

Finally, I’d like to encourage all members to make sure your entire team is connected through your company membership profile. Uploading company email addresses ensures that your staff receives NHLA quarterly newsletters, event announcements, training opportunities, and important industry updates directly. Too often, valuable information reaches only one person in an organization when it could benefit the entire team. Keeping everyone informed helps create stronger, more engaged companies and ultimately strengthens the industry statewide. Go to our homepage and scroll down to the lower section to sign up your team!

We continue building momentum because of members who stay involved, participate, and invest in the future of this profession. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming Landscape After Hours events throughout the season.

Andrew Pelkey
President, New Hampshire Landscape Association