Fresh Perspectives

cart green goods Family Tree Nursery Shawnee Kansas

November/December 2022
Engaging Plant Purchasers

Plant customers are changing. Years ago, when I first started my graduate work, it was immediately after the Great Recession, and horticulture customers indicated that plants were luxury goods. Given the economic environment, this is... more »

April 2022
The Pandemic Gardening Boom Is Just the Beginning…

It’s no secret — plants are “in.” Plants are [finally] getting a portion of the spotlight they deserve in a world where screens and plastic dominate life. The disruption of the collective everyday routine gave... more »
From Trial Field to Retail Bench — and Everything in Between

January 2022
From Trial Field to Retail Bench — and Everything in Between

I have been in the horticulture industry since a very young age, and whenever anyone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would reply “A grower, just like my... more »

January 2022
Growing a New Brand

Today’s fastest-growing organic gardening company began with a simple question posed to two students by their college professor: Did you know mushrooms can grow on coffee grounds? Alejandro Velez and Nikhil Arora, then seniors at... more »

July 2021
Rising Stars in the Industry

Every May for the last 10 years, Lawn & Garden Retailer’s sister publication, GPN, has published its annual list of 40 young men and women who are really making a difference in the horticulture industry.... more »

August 2020
Meet 6 Rising Stars in the Horticulture Industry

Every May for the last nine years, Lawn & Garden Retailer’s sister publication, GPN, has published its annual list of 40 young men and women who are really making a difference in the horticulture industry. GPN’s 40... more »
The latest trends in floral design Fresh Perspectives

February 2020
The Latest Trends in Floral Design

It’s been two-and-a-half years since I took my floral leap of faith, and my perspective on the usage of flowers and plants has widely expanded. The cut flower industry thrives on being on the cutting... more »

August 2019
Keeping an Eye on the Future

Every May for the last eight years, Lawn & Garden Retailer’s sister publication, GPN, has published its annual list of 40 young men and women who are really making a difference in the horticulture industry.... more »
Henry's

March 2019
When ‘Wrong’ Works Well

Whenever I talk about our business, whether it’s with other folks in the industry or customers, the most common reaction I get is disbelief. How do we get away with what we’re doing? To be... more »

February 2019
From Roots to Garden Center

Roots are necessary for soil stabilization, proper nutrition and plant growth. Our personal roots influence our personalities, ideas and beliefs in life. My family, especially my grandmother Helen Lane, aided the growth of my roots... more »

August 2018
Top Trends from Overseas

The Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, each year. The show hosts the top horticulturalists from around the world. Each year the event showcases... more »

March 2018
From Wholesale to Retail

In 2001 I was 17 — but in no way was I a typical 17-year-old kid. I was starting my own business — a wholesale nursery! I remember how hard it was building this from... more »