Delaware Nursery & Landscape Association

09/03/2026

We’ve extended the deadline to October 1!

If you’re not already a member, there’s still time to join and apply ⏰

Members are invited to submit projects in the categories of residential, commercial, institutional landscapes, hardscapes, and ponds. Entries are judged on overall design and installation, including:

08/31/2026

🏆 SHOWCASE YOUR BEST WORK — DNLA LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Delaware’s landscape professionals do incredible work. It’s time to get that work recognized.

The DNLA Landscape Awards celebrate outstanding projects completed by our members — from residential and commercial landscapes to hardscapes, ponds, and more.

Have a project you’re especially proud of? Submit it! This is your opportunity to showcase your craftsmanship, creativity, plant selection, design, installation, and attention to detail.

🌿 Put your company’s best work in the spotlight
🏆 Earn industry recognition
📸 Showcase a project your team is proud of
👏 Celebrate the people behind the work

Don’t assume your project isn’t “big enough” or “fancy enough.” Great landscape work comes in all sizes — what matters is quality, creativity, and ex*****on.

Ready to enter? Learn more and apply here:
https://dnlaonline.org/for-professionals/landscape-awards/

We can’t wait to see what DNLA members have created!

Members are invited to submit projects in the categories of residential, commercial, institutional landscapes, hardscapes, and ponds. Entries are judged on overall design and installation, including:

08/25/2026

🌿 Something exciting is happening at the Delaware Botanic Gardens this week! 🌿

Join us for the first-ever DBG Open House on Thursday, August 27, from 4:00–8:00pm!Come explore, connect, and experience the beauty of DBG as we share what is growing...both in the garden and behind the scenes 👌🌿🪴

✨ What to expect:

-See new garden designs and explore design boards displayed in the Pavilion
-Chat with DBG staff about upcoming garden projects, programs, and more
-Learn about DBG’s education programs
all while enjoying live music by Katari!
-Grab a bite from Mojo’s To Go food truck
🍺 Enjoy beverages from Dogfish Head
-Take in a beautiful sunset at DBG

Whether you are a longtime garden supporter or visiting for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover what we have going on at Delaware Botanic Gardens!
🌿💚

Questions? Email Mark Carter at [email protected].

08/13/2026

Thanks to Shaila Ritz, Sprayless Wraps and Graphics for supporting DNLA and the Green industry by being a Gold sponsor of this years event!

08/11/2026

08/11/2026

🌿 IT’S GETTING REAL! 🌿

The big tent is officially UP and we’re almost ready for the 2026 DNLA Summer Turf & Nursery Expo! 🎪🌱

☀️ The weather is looking GREAT for tomorrow, and we’re gearing up for a full day of education, networking, exhibitors, industry connections—and a little fun along the way.

🎟️ Only a few spots remain to attend! If you’ve been thinking about coming, now is the time to grab one of them.

📅 Tomorrow — Wednesday, August 12
📍 University of Delaware Botanic Gardens

Come spend the day with Delaware’s green industry! 🌳🌾🌿

👉 Learn more & register at http://2026dnlasummerexpo.eventbrite.com

See you under the big tent tomorrow! 🎪🙌

08/06/2026

🌿 Meet Your DNLA Executive Board

Julie Moxey

DNLA Vice President (2024–Present)
About Julie-

As the Nursery Manager at Lord’s Garden Center, an iconic IGC located in the Bethany Beach area of Sussex County, I focus on sourcing exceptional plants for the community & our landscape design division. Together with my retail team, we have improved plant healthcare, operational efficiency and inventory accuracy. With 20 years experience in the green industry, I bring hands-on experience from wholesale growing, retail merchandising, plant healthcare, and industry supply procurement.

I thoroughly enjoy finding opportunities to share my passion for ecology, delivering both plants and inspiration for natural, resilient landscape design into the hands of gardeners of all backgrounds.

As part of the DNLA Board, my goal is to link our organization and its members with peer networking and educational opportunities.

🌱 Quick Facts
🏢 Company:
Lord’s Landscaping & Garden Center
💼 Position:
Nursery Manager & Buyer
🌿 Years in the Green Industry:
20
📅 DNLA Member Since:
2022
🎓 Education:
Towson State University - Biology

🌳 Areas of Expertise
● Sustainable Horticulture

🤝 DNLA Leadership
● Joined DNLA:2022
● Joined Board: 2022
● Member-at-Large: 2022-2024
● Vice President: 2024-Present

🌼 Getting to Know Julie
🌱 What inspired you to pursue a career in the green industry?
Growing up in a family with a love for gardening and a dislike for being inside 😉

💚 Why do you volunteer your time with DNLA?
I want to support the industry I believe in while cultivating strong relationships with peers throughout the region.

🎯 What is one goal you have for DNLA?
To be the go to source for green industry experts

🌳 Favorite plant or tree?
Really…you can’t ask me to pick one!
Magnolia virginiana ~ Dendranthema 'Sheffield Pink' ~ Vernonia 'Iron Butterfly'

💡 Best advice for someone entering the industry?
Immerse yourself in learning…take the job that will push you to grow.
Don’t let waiting for the perfect time hold you back from gaining experience.

😊 What do you enjoy outside of work?
Being outside, at the beach or local trails and catching live music shows with friends.

🎉 Fun Fact
I cannot keep air plants alive

💚 Thank You!

Thank you, Julie, for your passion, leadership, and dedication to advancing Delaware’s green industry. Your commitment to sustainability, education, and fostering meaningful connections continues to inspire our members and strengthen the future of DNLA.

07/31/2026

Register here:

https://2026dnlasummerexpo.eventbrite.com

07/30/2026

🌿 MEET YOUR DNLA EXECUTIVE BOARD 🌿

👋 Meet Don Halfen

DNLA President (2025–Present)

With nearly 30 years of experience in the green industry, Don Halfen has built his career on leadership, customer service, and delivering quality commercial landscape projects. 🌱

As Account Manager at Wilcox Landscaping, Don brings extensive expertise in commercial landscape management, production, estimating, and sales.

🎓 A graduate of Penn State University (Class of 1998), Don earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Contracting with a minor in Horticulture. He is also a Delaware Certified Nursery Professional (Landscape Specialist) and a Delaware Certified Pesticide Applicator.

Since becoming a DNLA member in June 1998, Don has served in multiple leadership roles, including Member-at-Large, Vice President, and now President. His dedication to education, collaboration, and strengthening Delaware’s green industry continues to make a lasting impact on DNLA and its members. 💚

⸻

🌿 Quick Facts

🏢 Company: Wilcox Landscaping (since October 2017)
💼 Current Role: Account Manager
🌱 Years in the Green Industry: 28
🤝 DNLA Member Since: June 1998

⸻

⭐ DNLA Leadership

✔️ Member-at-Large (2021–2022)
✔️ Joined the DNLA Board (2022)
✔️ Vice President (2023–2024)
✔️ President (2025–Present)

⸻

🌼 Getting to Know Don

🌿 What inspired you to pursue a career in the green industry?
“The love of landscapes and working outdoors paved my way to the green industry.”

🤝 Why do you volunteer your time with DNLA?
“I like to give back to the green industry for what it has done for me.”

🎯 What is one goal you have for DNLA?
“To help grow the association and encourage more members to become Certified Nursery Professionals (CNPs).”

🌸 Favorite plant or tree?
Crape Myrtle

💡 Best piece of advice for someone entering the industry?
“Know your plants and turf—it will help you in the long run!”

🎶 What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending time with family and friends, listening to live music, and spending time at the shore. ☀️🏖️

⸻

💚 Thank You, Don!

Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to helping Delaware’s nursery and landscape industry continue to grow and thrive. Your passion for our industry and service to DNLA are truly appreciated! 🌳👏

🌿

07/29/2026

⏰It’s the final countdown until the 2026 Summer Nursery and Turf Expo!