Independent garden center

Attracting and Retaining Employees kicker stock

How to attract employees with a marketing mindset

The job hunting experience can be tedious and monotonous for your potential employee, with constantly repeating tasks. From typing in their full name,... more »

5 Minutes With … Derek Ellis

Derek Ellis is CEO of Ellis Home & Garden, a family-owned and -operated garden center with locations in Louisiana and East Texas. What made you c... more »

Pollinatives owner Donald Gerber shares why he started his retail nursery and how garden centers can sell more native plants.

A need for natives

It’s not often that someone starts a business out of laziness. Donald Gerber, owner of Pollinatives in the San Antonio area and a self-described “... more »

The importance of community relationships

Recently, I received an email from a teacher at one of our area high schools asking if I would be interested in having a student “intern” this com... more »

The winter farmers market helped to bring customers into the garden center and increase sales for other items as well.

Should you start a winter vegetable market?

Vic Vanik said starting a winter vegetable program and farmers market was “a game-changer” for Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery. He and his wif... more »

5 Minutes With … Bob Wasson

What’s the best part about your job? The best part of being in the garden center business is the seasonality. I love the buildup to Mother’s Day ... more »