MANTS Celebrates 50 Years

This year, the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) celebrated 50 years of what is referred to as “The Masterpiece of Trade Shows,” an event that brings together horticultural industry leaders, buyers, and landscape professionals from all over the world, giving them an opportunity to do business, network and learn about plants and new products. It occurs annually in Baltimore, MD and is a perennial favorite of OvS.

OvS Designer Rachel Jawin, a long-time MANTS veteran, spent time at this year’s event, reconnecting with fellow horticulturists and landscape professionals.

While she learned about multiple new species,  one specifically caught her eye, the Prunus mume ‘Omoi-no-mama’ tree from Raemelton Farm. Rachel states that “this tree is a small sweet-smelling, winter-blooming (January – February), fast-growing tree that is important in Japanese culture. The plum flowers will bloom in cold temperatures and it is not unusual to see this tree with both open flowers and snow on the branches at the same time. When properly pruned, the summer form is also rather pleasant.” Rachel was also drawn to the Brunnera ‘Jack of Diamonds’ plant from Saunders Brothers Nursery. “This plant has a thicker leaf than other Brunnera, which makes it less susceptible to browned edges and damage throughout the year. It is a surprising drought-tolerant plant for part of the full shade and the silver in the leaves helps lighten dark concerns.”

MANTS typically occurs in the first half of January at the Baltimore Convention Center.