Horticulture pioneer Peter Orum passes at 84
Peter Orum, founder of Midwest Groundcovers and Midwest Trading, died Oct. 17 surrounded by family and friends. A respected figure in the horticulture industry, Orum built his companies into key players within the green industry, contributing significantly to horticulture in the Midwest and beyond.
“Peter Orum was a special and irreplaceable member of our industry,” said Scott Grams, executive director of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association. “His humility, vision, and generosity taught me so much… I will miss him.”
Orum, originally from Denmark, was active in numerous professional organizations, including the Illinois Green Industry Association and AmericanHort. His contributions included strengthening horticultural ties between Denmark and the U.S. through various projects and brands.
Founded in 1969 with his wife, Irma, Midwest Groundcovers started in a friend’s backyard and grew to include Midwest Trading in 1981. Today, Orum’s daughter, Christa Orum-Keller, leads both companies.
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