Articles

NEW FOR 2025! First Editions® FlowerFull™ Smooth Hydrangea

{Sponsored} FlowerFull™ Smooth Hydrangea from First Editions® boasts superior genetics that produce significantly bolder blooms and sturdier upright stems. With two-to-three times more blooms per season than other Hydrangea arborescens, FlowerFull™ is a major improvement... more »

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Investing in the community

It’s the summer of 2000, I grab my bike and head out the door for my first summer job. The air is hot, humid and the excitement of summer brings a rush of adrenaline. I... more »

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2024 California Spring Trials sensations

Our industry is always evolving, and keeping up with the latest trends helps keep business up and consumers happy. These new releases from 2024 California Spring Trials are sure to catch the eye of shoppers... more »
Evolving décor trends celebrate seasonal warmth and spirited playfulness C&F Home and Gallerie II Collection

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Decor trends for harvest and halloween

Each year as the temperatures start to cool, homeowners begin decorating for fall — first in a cozy way to usher in the season, then by adding plenty of whimsy as Oct. 31 approaches. Although... more »

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Leveraging artificial intelligence in your garden center

As chief technology officer of Chalet, my family’s Chicago-based garden center and landscape business, I’ve migrated our software to “the cloud” over the last seven years. This “cloud” is where artificial intelligence (AI) lives — because... more »
Revamp Your Retail Series Online and in-store plant buyers

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Revamp Your Retail Series: Online and in-store plant buyers

While the introduction of the iPhone in 2007 made purchasing through the cellphone a reality, the horticulture industry is still relatively new to online shopping. Prior to COVID-19, a small percentage of sales (approximately 5%)... more »
Willow Gardens Nursery has served the Fresno and Clovis area with mature trees, colorful flowers, pottery, statuary, and gifts. 1) The synthetic grass on the property gives customers a first-hand look and feel for the material,

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From the Road: Golden State gems

Here's a look at three notable garden centers in the Fresno, California, area for your merchandising inspiration: Gazebo Gardens and Lotus Gardens in Fresno, and Willow Gardens Nursery in Clovis. Gazebo Gardens Fresno, California 102-year-old... more »

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California dreamin’

While none of the leaves are brown and we’ve been treated to a number of blue-sky days here in western Pennsylvania, I’m still dreaming of my time spent in California this spring. My travels first... more »
5 Minutes With … Brian Rapp creative director at CountryMax Stores

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5 Minutes With … Brian Rapp

Brian Rapp is creative director at CountryMax Stores, a family-owned retailer that just opened its 19th location in Auburn, New York, and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. What brought you to the green... more »
An inside look at how Monrovia’s central California nursery uses technology and chemical alternatives to grow plants suitable for its signature dark green containers.

Growing as a craft: An inside look at Monrovia’s Visalia, California, operations

On my recent visit to Visalia, California, Monrovia’s nursery was buzzing with craftsmen (so named due to their skills and technique working with plants), coaches (managers) and even an army of robots. With approximately 600... more »

As seen in the July 2024 issue of Lawn & Garden Retailer

The following companies were featured in the July 2024 issue of Lawn & Garden Retailer. Learn more about their products by clicking through to their websites. Accent Decor Allsop Home & Garden Coast of Maine... more »
“Rain Day, Train Day” at Meadows Farms takes advantage of inclement weather to drive knowledge. Photos courtesy of John Kennedy.

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Knowledge is the new currency

The brain can turn to mush pretty quickly over the summer, and teachers want to avoid summer learning loss by sending kids home with reading assignments or offering summer classes. According to a Brookings Institution... more »