During 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…
Read MoreGertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) is often referred to as one of the first women in horticulture. Gertrude created over 400 of the most beautiful garden designs throughout the United States and Europe during her lifetime. She called Surrey, England home for most of her life, which is where she ran a modest garden center where she…
Read More“What we learn from plants is not always obvious, yet that doesn’t mean they’re not teaching us something all season long.” – Anonymous These are challenging times, where closures and quarantines show no prejudice. Where nature seems unaffected by an innate need to emerge from dormancy and prosper – even in the face of unprecedented…
Read MoreThe history of plant containers is not something many people ponder when they have a few minutes to spare. But it’s of interest to know that plant containers (or flowerpots) date back to the Egyptians. As it turns out, the Egyptians were the first civilization to use plant containers (outdoors) as a secure method of…
Read MoreGarden Media, a garden communication and consulting organization, recently compiled data on the industry trends for spring 2020 and beyond. For growers, gardeners and more, this information is invaluable as societal and environmental changes continue to alter our day-to-day familiarity. Here’s a sampling of their report. Supporting circular economies In his book The Circular Economy,…
Read MoreFrom grower to gardener, everyone’s awaiting the arrival of spring weather and the beginning of a new growing season. We’re eager to slip on our gardening gloves, break out the patio furniture, tune-up the lawn mower and clean out our planting beds and flowerpots so they’re ready for the beautiful blossoms we’ll purchase from garden…
Read MoreCurb appeal is a powerful real estate tool which helps sellers differentiate their home from the competition. From Zillow.com, “The term “curb appeal” derives from real estate sales and home design. For years, buyers have formed their first impressions of homes while standing in the street or sitting inside the car, just beyond the curb”.…
Read MoreWhen you think of the word gardener, it often conjures up images of an older woman in her 60s, wearing a wide-rimmed straw hat picking weeds happily from her flower or vegetable garden. Often referred to as one of the oldest and admired professions in society – a gardener is a person who cultivates a…
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