Articles

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The importance of treating garden center customers as guests

A few fundamental questions for you to ponder: Are you selling plants or providing solutions and fulfilling the needs and expectations of your customers? Are you in a transactional mindset, selling one plant at a... more »

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Green industry comes together for Cultivate’23

Known to attract thousands of industry professionals, Cultivate’23 will take place July 15-18 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Visitors travel from all 50 states and over 40 countries to attend the... more »
Devon Klingman is co-owner of Rockledge Gardens with her partner Brendan Hayes-Morrison.

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5 Minutes With … Devon Klingman

Devon Klingman is co-owner of Rockledge Gardens with her partner Brendan Hayes-Morrison. They celebrate one year of ownership in June. Can you share a little bit about what you were doing before buying Rockledge Gardens... more »

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Bring on the dragons

You may not realize it, but the story of your business — of any small business — is an epic one. It is a story about taking magnificent risks for elusive rewards, about shouldering burdens,... more »

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What a week! A look back at California Spring Trials

I’ve just returned from traveling down the California coast over five days to attend California Spring Trials and check out what the breeding companies and other exhibitors have been working on for the coming year.... more »
Beyond the Brick and Mortar: A Race for Revenue and Relevance

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Beyond the brick and mortar: A race for revenue and relevance

In Simon Sinek’s book “Start With Why,” he addresses the “Law of Diffusion of Innovation.” It’s a fancy way of saying there is a wide range of decision-making for IGCs who want to leap into... more »
PLNTD in the Community How one garden shop has become a platform for doing more, giving back and spotlighting other businesses in Jersey City, New Jersey.

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PLNTD in the community

Danielle and Lauren Gambino have always had a love for plants, but it wasn’t until 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic that these sisters decided to turn their hobby into their business. Danielle had a retail... more »

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What’s your focus: How to differentiate the vital from the trivial in your business

Productivity isn’t necessarily about how many things you get done every day, but rather how many of the right things — the things that add the most value to your customers and your business —... more »
Star Roses and Plants hydrangea 'Cherry Explosion'

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5 Floral trends for 2023

Bright and flashy colors, dried and preserved blooms, and a nod to nature are among some of this year’s floral trends. Read on to see what trends you’ll want to promote in your garden center.... more »

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5 Minutes With … Stephanie Fleming

Stephanie Fleming, granddaughter of Behnke’s Nurseries founders Albert and Rose Behnke, was vice president of the business when it closed in 2019. She continued to keep the weekly newsletter going and rebranded the business Beyond... more »
What can your garden center do to stand out in a crowded marketplace to develop t brand affinity

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Social media and horticulture

Communication between businesses and consumers in the horticulture industry is an important topic to revisit periodically in the face of developing technology. In the past, mailers, newsletters and other paper-based publications have long been an... more »
Pottery displayed in a color wave at Sunnypoint Gardens in Wisconsin.

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IGCs share successful merchandising strategies

Anyone in retail knows that merchandising isn’t a one-and-done procedure; it’s a never-ending process of refreshing and rearranging to make sure merchandise is seen. After all, if your customers can’t see it, they can’t buy... more »