5 Minutes with … Gina and Caitlin Miller
Gina and Caitlin Miller are sisters who own and manage Miller Flowers, a business their parents founded more than 27 years ago.
You grew up in the industry, as your parents started a pig-farm-turned-greenhouse; how do we encourage the next generation to be interested in horticulture as a career?
One of our core values is to educate and inspire the next generation of gardeners. We host workshops for children, a work program through a local school, and partnership with 4H clubs. We also have a large pool of homeschool students to pull from for our extra staffing during the spring. Education starts young, and it begins with us passing on the excitement of growing plants and the value of hard work. Early in our career, we discovered not being afraid to ask for help on greenhouse Facebook groups, mentors, our parents and other great resources.
What do you love about your job?
Gina: The stress. Haha! It’s very satisfying watching small plugs grow into beautiful plants. Caitlin and I wear a lot of hats out here, so everyday there’s something new we love about our job!
Caitlin: The greatest satisfaction is seeing our customers have success with their gardens and containers. On the florist side of the business, we become a part of our customers’ celebrations by creating beauty and bringing joy.
What keeps you up at night?
Wind, frost, freezing coolers, bugs, staffing and tight budgets.
If you weren’t in this profession, what would you be doing?
Gina: Hospitality industry.
Caitlin: Running a flower farm and tiny house ministry for women rescued from human trafficking.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Traveling, enjoying time with our friends and family, camping trips, ethnic restaurants, touring gardens and garden centers.
Favorite plant to grow? Why?
Depends on the time and season. A few that stick out: geraniums, lisianthus and mixed combo baskets.
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