Blog

Jun 24, 2015
Hop OnAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

When this newsletter lands in your inbox, I’ll be on stop number 13 of the Garden Center’s of America (GCA) summer tour. From public gardens to retail operations, there has been no shortage of gor... more

Jun 10, 2015
Just One MinuteAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

Did you ever watch “Minute to Win It?” This game show, hosted by restaurateur-turned-TV personality Guy Fieri, gave contestants a blueprint for completing a task in one minute using household item... more

May 27, 2015
The Great Lake StateAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

What better way to spend some time between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day than checking out garden centers? Editorial Director Tim Hodson and I rented a clown car – also referred to as a tiny Fiat ... more

May 12, 2015
The Busiest Season of AllAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

Mother’s Day is in the rearview mirror but hopefully strong spring sales have just begun. I know here in Chicago the weather has been all over the map: a high of 85 degrees one day and a high of 50 ... more

Apr 30, 2015
Beyond Pretty: Perennials that Boast Style and FunctionJasmina Dolce

May is quickly approaching, and that means gardening season is in full swing in most areas! Many, if not most, of you offer landscape services or at least consult with your customers about their lands... more

Apr 30, 2015
Color Trending: OrangeJasmina Dolce

Now that I'm fully (ok, somewhat) recovered from our annual trek down the California coast for the 2015 Spring Trials, I have finally had some time to sit down and rummage through the thousands of pho... more

Apr 22, 2015
On the RoadAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

It’s pothole season, and after a rough winter – especially in the Northeast – these craters are costly. A AAA survey estimates potholes cost drivers $6.4 billion per year, but what if someone tu... more

Apr 8, 2015
Spring-spirationAbby (Kleckler) McGarry

Yesterday, a friend of mine sent me a message with this link and the words, “My new home.” Having no clue what she was talking about, I haphazardly clicked on the link, which took me to a Cherry B... more

Mar 30, 2015
Spring Trials 2015: Sneak Peek (Part 4)Jasmina Dolce

Over the last few weeks, I've been sharing some of the latest introductions that will make their debut next month during the California Spring Trials. This will be my final sneak peek before the big e... more

Mar 25, 2015
Do Green. Do Good.Abby (Kleckler) McGarry

“Do Green. Do Good.” was the tagline for the Chicago Flower & Garden Show that ended Sunday, after nine days of record-setting numbers of attendees.I escaped from the office one day last week,... more

Mar 20, 2015
Spring Trials 2015: Sneak Peek!Jasmina Dolce

I can't believe the 2015 California Spring Trials are almost here. I wasn't able to attend the big event last year, since I was at home figuring out this whole "mom thing" with my 6-week-old son, but ... more

Mar 20, 2015
Spring Trials 2015: Sneak Peek (Part 2)Jasmina Dolce

Forty five... The 2015 California Spring Trials are just 45 days away! Have you put the finishing touches on your coastal itinerary? Have you even begun? If not, you better hurry! You've got just over... more