Dutch Mill Greenhouse: 2025 Innovator of the Year
What year was your garden center founded?
Dutch Mill Greenhouse was founded in 2002.
What is your garden center known for?
At Dutch Mill Greenhouse, our team of dedicated, on-site growers cultivates locally grown and sourced plants. Our high-energy team provides unique, quality product; unsurpassed customer education; and unmatched customer service with every visit. We connect with customers for life.
How do you set your store apart from the big boxes?
We’re a multi-generation, family-owned business committed to the growth of our community and the success of small business. We are committed to our customers’ growing success; we get to know the customer so it is more than a transaction it is an experience.
How do you ensure teamwork among employees?
We do daily huddles each morning, where we share our goals for the day — whether sales or individual goals.
What are your best practices for managing staff?
We are a very tight-knit group where communication is extremely important to ensure all departments’ needs are being met.
How is your store involved in your local community?
This is one area that we pride ourselves on the most. We as owners serve on numerous boards and committees, while encouraging our staff to take part as well. We engage with organizations through educational classes, workshops and field trips. We work closely with the county tourism board and provide agritourism opportunities for visiting guests of the community.
We emphasize donations to community garden projects. The Plant for Tomorrow campaign is just one example of ways that we engage the community and support them in gardening education.
Photo courtesy of Dutch Mill Greenhouse.
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