2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Miriam Hellweg, MCLP, MCA A Blade of Grass, Sudbury, MA
VICE PRESIDENT Katie Merrifield, MCLP Merrifield Garden & Design, Wayland, MA
SECRETARY / TREASURER Andy McDuff, MCLP Landscape America, Inc., Wrentham, MA
PAST PRESIDENT Chris Connors, MCLP Grove Street Services Boston, MA
DIRECTORS Johnny Kwasek, MCLP Matt McCoy, MCLP
John Anthony’ s Landscaping Harrison McPhee, Inc. Roslindale, MA
Millis, MA
Mike Landry, MCLP, MCA Riverside Services, Inc. Hopkinton, MA
MANAGEMENT TEAM |
M. Virginia Wood |
Peggy Benjamin |
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Carrie Martin |
Hadley McPhee |
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Charissa Sharkey |
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MALP NEWSLINE is a publication of the Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals, Inc.
MALP NEWSLINE is published four times a year for the Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals( MALP) and is distributed free of charge to members. The purpose of the newsletter is to disseminate information to promote general standards and ethics in landscape contracting, as well as to foster research and share knowledge with its members. MALP is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to communications between its membership and the industry. MALP believes the information in this publication to be accurate as of its publication date and is not responsible for inadvertent errors. The MALP and Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professional( MCLP) logos are trademarks of the Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals, Inc. Qualified MALP members and certified members only are permitted to utilize the logo. Logos for MALP and MCLP are available through the MALP office.
EDITORIAL Readers are encouraged to submit articles, announcements, review of products, or letters. Address correspondence to the attention of the MALP Newsletter Editor at the address below.
ADVERTISING For advertising rates and information, contact Charissa Sharkey at csharkey @ mvwoodco. com or at the MALP phone number below. Ads may be submitted as high-resolution pdf files. Discounted advertising rates are available to MALP members.
DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the MALP.
Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals 67 West Street • Medfield, MA 02052 phone: 508.653.3373 admin @ mlp-mclp. org • MLP-MCLP. org
PRESIDENT ' S MESSAGE
Miriam Hellweg, MCLP, MCA was elected as president of MALP at the Annual Meeting on November 5, 2025. The following is an excerpt from her speech that evening.
For those I haven’ t had the chance to meet yet, my name is Miriam Hellweg, and I’ m the coowner and CEO of A Blade of Grass in Sudbury. It’ s an honor to step into the role of President of the MALP Board, and I’ m deeply grateful for the leaders who have come before me. I want to recognize the past presidents who have helped shape this association into what it is today, many of whom are with us this evening. Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and the foundation you’ ve built for all of us.
Like many of you, I started in this industry a long time ago- more than half my life ago- as a crew member who knew absolutely nothing about landscaping. I quickly fell in love with the craft: the beauty, the creativity, and the science behind it. But what truly hooked me were the people. There’ s something special about working side by side to create something living, something that lasts. I’ m grateful every day for my coworkers, colleagues, and the camaraderie that makes this work so meaningful.
Over the years, MALP has played an important role in my own growth. It’ s where I first found community in this industry: a place to learn, connect, and feel inspired. I’ ve been fortunate to serve on the education and MCLP committees, learn from mentors, and work alongside so many talented professionals, most recently as a board member. Just a few weeks ago, I joined fellow members for GIA Day on the Hill, meeting with lawmakers and advocating for our industry. If you’ re interested in getting involved, I encourage you to join us. Your voice truly makes a difference.
As landscape professionals, we have an incredible opportunity. We don’ t just design or maintain spaces— we shape how people experience the world outside their doors. We restore habitats, create safe environments, and build beauty that connects people to nature. Our work matters.
My hope for the coming year is that MALP continues to grow as a place where everyone feels proud to belong. Where new voices are welcomed, where we lift each other up, and where we lead the way toward a more sustainable, respected, and inspired industry.
I’ m excited to build that future with you, alongside our passionate board, our talented management team, and this incredible community. We’ re all in this together, and it’ s a true honor to serve.
Miriam Hellweg, MCLP, MCA President
MALP Newsline | Winter 2026 3