April 9, 2025
Every spring, the horticulture industry gathers for one of the most vibrant events of the year, California Spring Trials (CAST). This year, TERRA NOVA® Nurseries displayed with our partner, ThinkPlants, at the Headstart Nursery. This event is fantastic for highlighting the new varieties that we have to offer, as well as a chance to see all that’s new to the market this year!
(Libby at the TERRA NOVA® Nurseries Display in ThinkPlants)
Libby Smith, our Sales Office Manager, hung out at the ThinkPlants tent, so you probably saw her around if you had a chance to stop by. She was there to answer any questions and highlight some of the plants and what makes them so exciting.
It was Ayla Stults-Lopez, our Assistant General Manager, and Eleanor Jolley, our Trials Manager, first time attending CAST, and they would be starting their journey at the Headstart Nursery then making their way down the California coast.
(Ayla Stults-Lopez at American Takii)
(Eleanor Jolley at American Takii)
Trips Schedule
Day1
• Headstart Nursery (ThinkPlants & Danziger)
Day 2
• Syngenta
• Sakata (Kientzler)
• American Takii (HildverdaFlorist & Sahin)
Day 3
• Dummen Orange
• Green Fuse Botanicals (Hem Genetics, Beekenkamp, Westhoff, Schoneveld)
Day 4
• Santa Barbra Polo Club (Planthaven, Greentrade, PP&L, Suntory, Plant Development, Vitroflora, Greentrade, Vivero)
• Ball Horticulture (PanAmerica Seed, Darwin Perennials, Ball Floraplant, Selecta One, Morel, Ball FloriPlant)
(Floral Display at Sakata)
There was a ton to see at every location, and all the materials displayed were grown so beautifully. It gave you a good idea of how the plants grew and what made them so unique. Seeing the profusion of flowers on some of these displays left us awe-inspired.
Here are some highlights from our team:
“The highlights for me were the very cohesive marketing campaigns of Syngenta and Sakata. The messaging combined with the vigor and display of the plants themselves were very impactful. As well as the Firefly Petunia immersive experience, and the novelty of the Illusia Cyclamen, which are stunning. In the end though, my favorite flower was the Penny Pro Orange Viola, which is the best orange I’ve ever seen, and while simple, I could not stop greedily staring down that orange!”
-Eleanor Jolley
“Was a great chance to get to know our partner ThinkPlants better, while also getting face time with brokers we work with.”
-Libby Smith
“Lovely getting a chance to see all the beautiful new varieties, nice to see what colors and habits are trending. Was impressed by the cut flowers from seed from Takii, as well as a fun Euphorbia x martini SAHARA™ Tiny Treasure by PlantHaven, and the “Team marketing that Syngenta had cohesively throughout its display.”
-Ayla Stults-Lopez
Overall, it was a great new experience for these team members. The team left with fresh ideas and inspiration for what’s possible. Terra Nova Nurseries is no stranger to this event, so keep an eye out for us and our team members next year! It’s always a joy to be able to share what our team has been working on in the background and to finally share the new varieties with everyone. Feel free to follow us and keep in touch on our socials to keep up to date with our latest adventures!
