May 2019

When in Doubt … Simplify

I’ll make this a quick and efficient read because I know you’ve already run 5 ½ miles of your 12-mile day today in the confines of the garden center, and you’re reading this while you attempt t... more

Creating an In-Store Experience

This is part two of a series looking at the shopping traits of millennials and Generation Z — how brick-and-mortar retailers can market to them and, more importantly, create an in-store shopping experience that will keep them coming back.

language barriers

I just got back from California Spring Trials, a week-long trip down the coast seeing the latest and greatest breeders have to offer. In the June and July issues, we will be sharing with you highlight... more

Catering to Today’s Vegetable Gardener

Break the myths of heirlooms and hybrids, and find the right mix for your store.

Staying Ahead of the Latest Vegetable Trends

Garden centers need to carry the classics, but there’s a lot of value to sending the message that you are the place to go for all of the new, hot vegetables as well.

As Seen in Philadelphia

Inspiration from other garden centers is never in vain, so we’ve compiled some scenes from our trip to some Pennsylvania retailers.

Cider Festival

Bauman Farms in Gervais, Oregon, started a Cider Festival three years ago tied to its massive Harvest Festival. It was so successful that the garden center now does two Bauman Cider Festivals each year, one in September and one in June. We talked with general manager Brian Bauman about how it’s a win-win for bringing in a lot of new customers and making money.

How to Start Your Journey of Change

It’s May and you’re in the throes of the busiest part of the spring season. It’s scramble time trying to keep up with inventory management, customer service, staffing and just trying to keep ... more