Building Gardens and Growing Connections at APGA

Members of the Bancroft Construction team traveled to Denver, Colorado, to attend the annual American Public Gardens Association (APGA) Conference, an event we’ve proudly supported for the past three years. With over 900 attendees from across North America, this year’s conference provided an energizing opportunity to connect with public garden professionals, share insights from recent projects in the field, and continue strengthening Bancroft’s role in supporting horticulture spaces through construction.

For the first time, Bancroft hosted our own exhibitor booth, using the platform not just to share fun giveaways, but to spotlight the meaningful work we’ve completed in partnership with some of the region’s most renowned gardens. Our booth featured stunning visuals from the recently completed Longwood Gardens Reimagined project, helping attendees see how thoughtful construction can enhance the visitor experience in botanical environments.

Our work with Mt. Cuba Center, Longwood Gardens, Winterthur, and Delaware Botanic Gardens reflect more than just astonishing projects; they represent our commitment to stewarding spaces that inspire, educate, and connect people to nature. Whether working with nationally recognized gardens or community-focused spaces, we approach each project with care and a dedication to helping our partners achieve their missions.

To speak more toward our efforts in supporting our cultural market sector, while we were engaging with public garden leaders in Colorado, our Salisbury team proudly celebrated the ribbon cutting for the James Farm Ecological Preserve Education Campus in Ocean View, Delaware. This 5,693-square-foot project includes upgraded trail systems, a habitat restoration staging area, and a beautiful new three-season environmental education building. The facility was designed to foster environmental learning and stewardship—an inspiring example of the kind of work that aligns perfectly with the values shared at the APGA Conference.

Throughout the event, we enjoyed reconnecting with partners like Jeff Downing of Mt. Cuba Center, Linda Eirhart from Winterthur, and several members of Longwood Gardens’ leadership team. These conversations underscored something we’re deeply proud of at Bancroft: our unique position as one of the few construction partners actively engaged with APGA and its members.

As we reflect on this year’s APGA Conference—and celebrate milestones like the completion of James Farm—we’re reminded why we do what we do. At Bancroft, we’re not just building buildings; we’re building spaces where communities grow, connect, and thrive.