Growing Together: Celebrating Community Success

Growing Together: Celebrating Community Success and Looking Ahead with GPGB & NHF

At Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) and the National Horticulture Foundation (NHF), our mission is rooted in strengthening the interior landscape and biophilic design community through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Together, we’re helping reshape how designers, plant professionals, horticulturists, and business leaders think about the role of nature in the built environment.

Who We Are

Green Plants for Green Buildings is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to putting plants in every room by communicating the aesthetic, well-being, and economic benefits of nature in the built environment. For decades, GPGB has served as a trusted resource for design and building professionals—offering continuing education, research libraries, presentations, and tools that make biophilic design approachable, evidence-based, and business-relevant.

The National Horticulture Foundation, established in 1987, has a long history of supporting research, education, and professional development within the horticulture and landscape industries. The Foundation’s endowment funds a wide range of initiatives—from consumer research to student scholarships—ensuring that the industry continues to thrive and evolve.

A hallmark of the partnership between GPGB and NHF is the Interior Industry Growth Fund (IIGF), a permanent endowment designed to fund research, education, and outreach specifically for the interior plantscape and biophilic design space—future-proofing the industry for years to come. This fund has already grown significantly and is driving impactful support for initiatives that benefit the broader community.

A Thriving Community at TPIE 2026

This past January, GPGB and NHF co-hosted a live Open Forum at the Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) 2026—and the response exceeded expectations. With over 100 engaged attendees, industry professionals came together to share insights, discuss real business challenges, and explore strategies for profitability and growth. The strong turnout demonstrated a vibrant community eager to learn from one another and push the industry forward.

TPIE itself remains one of the premier global trade events for tropical, foliage, and houseplant professionals, drawing growers, retailers, designers, and educators from around the world. GPGB’s presence at the event—highlighting the benefits and strategies of biophilic design—reinforced the importance of plant integration in built environments from aesthetics to wellness and ROI.

Innovation Through Conversation: Monthly Supporter Open Forums

At GPGB, we believe that community is where innovation begins. Our Monthly Supporter Open Forums are intentionally designed to foster open, peer-to-peer dialogue among supporters who are tackling similar challenges, exploring emerging trends, and seeking practical solutions they can apply immediately.

These forums are not traditional webinars. Instead, they create space for authentic exchange—where industry professionals share real-world experiences, brainstorm together, and help each other grow. Topics are wide-ranging, shaped by the community, and grounded in the realities of working with plants in commercial, hospitality, workplace, and mixed-use environments. Each session highlights a different theme, from pricing strategies and client retention to operations, sustainability, and design execution.

Participation in the Open Forums is exclusive to GPGB supporters, offering a valuable benefit and a chance to connect with peers and thought leaders across the interiorscape and biophilic design ecosystems.

Why Your Support Matters

The impact of GPGB and NHF goes far beyond events—it’s about building a knowledge-driven industry ecosystem. With supporter involvement, funds like the Interior Industry Growth Fund continue to expand, providing:

Research initiatives that deepen understanding of the value of plants in built environments
Education and professional development opportunities for designers, installers, and growers
Marketing and advocacy that elevate the visibility of biophilic design
Scholarship and student support to foster the next generation of horticulture professionals

Your participation strengthens the entire community—bringing more data, more voices, and more practical tools into the hands of those shaping healthier, more sustainable spaces.

Get Involved

If you’re already a GPGB supporter, be sure to participate in our Monthly Supporter Open Forums and leverage this community resource for collaboration and learning.

If you haven’t yet joined, we’d love to welcome you into our network of professionals committed to advancing the role of plants in the built environment. Explore supporter options and discover how your involvement can help grow the industry!

Together, we’re cultivating a future where nature plays a central role in our workplaces, homes, and communities—not just for beauty, but for well-being, business success, and long-lasting impact.

In to monthly supporter virtual open seminar calendar invitations!