Blog

Apr 26, 2016
Combo CrazyAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

My very first trip to California Spring Trials is behind me, and my goodness was there so much to take in. I’m not going to focus a lot here on what I saw, but check out all the blogs while at Sprin... more

Apr 14, 2016
Finishing UpAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

Day 4 and Day 5 of California Spring Trials have been jam-packed with great stops. Since last we met, we started Tuesday at the Dümmen Orange North location at BarrelHouse Brewing Co. in Paso Robles.... more

Apr 12, 2016
Heading SouthAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

We've covered a lot of ground the past three days, traveling from Gilroy down to Paso Robles, and we're not done yet. Today's recap begins at Pacific Plug & Liner where a Havana Nights theme made ... more

Apr 11, 2016
First FiveAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

Welcome to Lawn & Garden Retailer @ California Spring Trials! Our team started in northern California on Saturday and is making its way down the coast. Here we want to provide you with a taste of ... more

Apr 7, 2016
Plan AheadAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

April (and in theory spring) has arrived! You’re starting to get more and more shoppers coming through your doors, and next thing you know, you’ll be having your busiest weekend of the season. ... more

Mar 25, 2016
Season-Long PerformanceJasmina Dolce

Over the past few years, one gardening category that seems to continuously grow is the landscape segment. Gardeners and homeowners continue to invest in their outdoor spaces, and that includes plantin... more

Mar 22, 2016
Where It All BeginsAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

Last week, I had the opportunity to head down to Central America to visit three of Dümmen Orange’s cuttings facilities. This was a new look for me at varieties long before they ever hit benches at ... more

Mar 8, 2016
Take Your PositionAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

You’ve likely heard of GrowIt!, an app that lets users garden socially and lets you prove yourself and your garden center as experts to people in your area.App co-founders Seth Reed and Mason Day ar... more

Feb 24, 2016
The Big PictureAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

Sales are up. Employment has increased. Collaboration is key. But don’t take my word for it.The 2016 Independent Business Survey, released by Advocates for Independent Business and the Institute for... more

Feb 10, 2016
How Sweet It IsAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

Valentine’s Day is four days away, and this year the holiday has one extra thing going for it: It’s on a Sunday. Feb. 14 is the second largest “floral holiday” in terms of dollar spending, sec... more

Jan 27, 2016
Winter ValueAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

Some of you on the East Coast are likely still shoveling out from Winter Storm Jonas. Whether you have 2 feet of snow out your window, rain or regular weather, we all have to be very excited about onl... more

Jan 12, 2016
The WOW FactorAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

I recently got off the phone with Kyle Canoyer of Canoyer Garden Center, located in Nebraska and Iowa. We had a great conversation about creating the WOW factor. His comment: “If people come in and ... more