‘What’s Growing On… at Vineland?’ 2025:
Celebrating Trees, Soil & Sustainability
In July, we welcomed more than 80 guests to What’s Growing On… at Vineland? 2025—an inspiring evening all about trees, soil, and the science behind sustainability. The annual event brought together community members, collaborators, and researchers to explore how science and partnership can help grow greener, more resilient spaces across Canada.
Attendees joined one of three guided groups, rotating through a series of interactive, expert-led experiences that brought Vineland’s research to life. In The Millennium Forest, Amy Jenkins, Senior Research Technician at Vineland, and Lee Suttell from the Lincoln Garden Club led a lively “Tree Talk” on how plants respond to their environments, sharing fascinating insights into how trees adapt and thrive. On the Admin Building lawn, Rhoda deJonge, Vineland’s Director of Plant Responses and the Environment, and Helen Hermansen from Land Care Niagara demonstrated the art of tree planting, emphasizing proper techniques and soil amendments to promote long-term growth and resilience. Meanwhile, at the Wingnut Tree, Jason Henry, Vineland Research Scientist, and Stephanie Vickers, Soil Management Specialist from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), conducted a live soil lab demonstration that revealed the hidden science beneath our feet and the crucial role soil health plays in sustainable landscapes.
Guests rotated through each station before gathering together to reflect on what they had learned. The evening concluded with a shared appreciation for the interconnectedness of trees, soil, and the environment—and how collaborative efforts between research institutions and community organizations can drive meaningful environmental progress.
As one attendee noted, “It’s inspiring to see how research, community, and practical know-how all come together to create real environmental impact.”
Vineland extends heartfelt thanks to all presenters, collaborators, and guests who made What’s Growing On… at Vineland? 2025 such a success. Events like this demonstrate how science, collaboration, and curiosity can help us grow a more sustainable future—rooted right here in Vineland, Ontario.
About Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
Vineland is a uniquely Canadian, results-oriented organization dedicated to horticulture science and innovation. We deliver innovative products, solutions and services through an integrated and collaborative cross-country network to advance Canada’s research and commercialization agenda.
Vineland is situated on treaty lands. These lands are steeped in the rich history of the First Nations, including the Hatiwendaronk, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit people from across Turtle Island live and work in Niagara today. Vineland stands with all Indigenous people, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live.
We are an independent, not-for-profit organization, funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative. For the latest on our research and innovation, visit www.vinelandresearch.com.
For more information, please contact:
Jayne Bintley, Senior Advisor, Communications & Marketing
jayne.bintley@vinelandresearch.com
(289) 968-5173
