The 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…
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,…
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