In the Community

We are interested in the condition of the Rochester and Finger Lakes communities. After all, we live and work here. Our efforts help keep this region looking beautiful year-round.

In addition to our landscape services and the annual GardenScape show, our professionals contribute to their communities through ongoing efforts, including scholarships.

Public Plantings

PGA garden

With the work of our members, the Association has created a number of plantings in otherwise bare areas such as the swing bridge entrance to Irondequoit Bay. We assist in landscaping houses built by the Habitat for Humanity program. To mark the annual Arbor Day celebration in April, Association members provide and plant trees at public ceremonies in our communities. We have also responded to needs such as the creation of a striking garden at the PGA championship held in Pittsford.

Support for Epilepsy Foundation – Our Charity of Choice for the Rochester Flower Show

The Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton is a nonprofit human services agency that helps individuals and families of all cultures affected by epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and other disabilities understand, manage, and cope by providing education, advocacy, and services. The service territory encompasses 22 counties in upstate New York. Epilepsy Foundation provides a wide range of services including general information about epilepsy, seizures, and traumatic brain injuries to specific trainings about epilepsy and seizures to schools, first responders, and other interested parties. PLANTgflx supports The Epilepsy Foundation by providing a unique venue, GardenScape РThe Rochester Flower Show, for the popular, annual fundraising event, A Taste of Spring. 

Assisting Ronald McDonald HouseRonald McDonald House

The Association has recently made a commitment to the Ronald McDonald House on Westmoreland Drive near Strong Medical Center. PLANTgflx members aid the facility in planning and executing the renovation of the landscape, and for assistance with its annual maintenance. The building, originally constructed in 1989-90, was an association Arbor Day site. The building has recently under gone the addition of much needed space which has disrupted the landscape. In early 2008, work begin in earnest to prepare the site for a landscape “make over”. Improvements will begin with removal of unwanted plants, along with pruning and maintenance of trees & shrubs that will remain.

Education and Scholarships

We understand that creativity and quality of landscape service will be fostered by educational institutions. That’s why PLANTgflx has supported the Rochester Landscape Technicians Program, preparing participants for green industry employment through work experience, job readiness skills development and classroom instruction. We’ve also contributed to consumer programs at the Rochester Civic Garden Center and support our county Cornell Cooperative Extension offices.

The Association supports the continuing education of students who live in our service region and plan to enter our professions. Each year, we award scholarships to candidates studying Horticulture, Nursery Management, Landscape Design, or Landscape Architecture. If you know a potential candidate, tell them to check with their school’s Financial Aid office for an application, or contact our office. Applications are submitted at the end of the calendar year, and awards announced at the March GardenScape show.