Our global marketplace continues to navigate through uncharted territory in 2021. We’re all a little more hopeful and grateful, while learning how flexibility and patience are the keys to endurance. But businesses are learning one other vital lesson during all of this – they can no longer turn their back on the importance of an…
Read MoreExperts like Katie Dubow, president of the award-winning lawn and garden public relations agency Garden Media Group, are predicting that 80% of last year’s first-time gardeners will return to the soil in the spring of 2021. The reason for this prediction (and it is just a prediction at this time) is based more on the realities…
Read MoreTo nominate a young grower in the horticultural industry, click here. Entries are due March 1, 2021. One of the greatest challenges facing the horticulture industry today is its ability to attract a new, younger generation to the industry. While college institutions across North America continue to see enrollment for horticulture and agricultural programs decrease,…
Read MoreColors of the Year 2021 For 2021, the Pantone Color Institute has done something unique – naming not one, but two Colors of the Year: the neutral Ultimate Gray and vibrant yellow Illuminating. “It’s a combination that speaks to the resilience, the optimism and hope and positivity that we need, as we reset, renew, reimagine…
Read MoreThe pandemic of 2020 introduced an entirely new generation to the art of gardening. With limited knowledge at their disposal, they’ve relied on the internet as a definitive resource to grow plants, vegetables and everything in between. As the growing season concludes, the next big question – especially for those with containers gardens – is…
Read MoreThere’s no denying that the propensity towards gardening has certainly changed since the pandemic began back in March of 2020. But the real question on everyone’s mind is how many first-time gardeners will return in 2021? According to Katie Dubow, president of the award-winning lawn and garden public relations agency Garden Media Group, she anticipates 80…
Read MoreIt’s no secret that the horticultural industry has struggled with labor issues both in terms of cost (minimum wage increases) and availability (immigration reform; lack of skilled workers). To provide some perspective on the severity of the situation, we reference a recent study conducted by the American Society for Horticulture Science. What they discovered is…
Read MoreDuring AmericanHort’s recent State of the Industry address during CultivateVirtual in July 2020, the leading national association for the green industry covered many topics not surprisingly related to COVID-19. One obvious and positive highlight focused on consumer spending and the “record year” the industry is having as a result. Through June 21 (week 25), the…
Read MoreThe growth of the horticultural industry has been tremendous during COVID-19. This comes as many other industries have sadly experienced significant losses as they try to adjust to the unexpected changes in consumer behavior and increased governmental regulations. There are few statistical studies in existence on the growth of the horticultural industry as it pertains…
Read MoreLabor shortages continue to remain an issue in the horticulture industry, and automation-friendly containers are looked upon as the solution. Many greenhouses and nurseries are turning towards contract employees to fill the labor void. But while they provide the physical assistance required in the operation, they often have no or very limited industry experience and…
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