More archives: Opinions Plants & Flowers Features Past News

. Ron Adams, president of the Mulch and Soil Council, dishes the dirt on how to get the best results from your growing media. 09/15/03 Todd Davis talks with John Aguirre, new executive director of the Oregon Association of Nurserymen, about the glassy-winged sharpshooter's impact on the West Coast. 11/20/00 All-America Rose Selections president Charles Anderson describes a new marketing direction for AARS. 03/21/05 Bonnie Lee Appleton sees branding as a great way to give plants a clear-cut identity. 07/05/99 Zelenka Nursery Inc. has acquired nurseries in the Southeast and continued to develop its Natural Life brand of plants. Marketing director George Atkinson comments on these topics and Kmart, one of Zelenka's major customers. 04/22/02 George Atkinson talks about how Zelenka Nursery designed its program to market to garden centers exclusively. 08/31/98 What should growers consider in planning a web site? Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery discusses what he's learned about catalog and web sales. 04/24/00 Todd Bachman shares his company's desire to expand the market through the research, study and teaching of the marketing of horticultural products. 03/19/01 Donald Bailey, president of Vet's Wholesale Nursery, explains how his company has survived for 50 years. 08/03/99 Ball Horticultural Co. president and CEO Anna Ball talks with David Kuack about changes occurring in her 100-year-old company and the floriculture industry. 12/13/04 Bridget Behe says it would be great if the good times lasted forever. But just in case, don't lose sight of market-based research. 12/04/00 Is consumer advertising still a mystery to you? Consider these tips from GMPRO columnist Bridget Behe. 01/31/00 Bridget Behe, marketing expert and GMPRO columnist, takes a look at the 1998 Season Sales Summary, and what it says about pricing. 03/29/99 Horticultural consultant Bob Benjamin discusses the planting depth issue. 07/25/05 Bob Berry bought Zelenka Nursery out of bankruptcy. Learn what he was thinking at the time, and what he plans for the future. 01/26/04 Jim Berry, executive board president of Horticultural Research Institute and co-director of research at Southern Nursery Association, shares his view of technology and horticulture. 09/24/01 Westland Energiegroep CFO Alfred Besselink talks about the differences in the Dutch and American grower perspective on environmental control and other energy issues. 03/17/03 Nanine Bilski, president of America the Beautiful Fund, describes a new program with a big goal: Plant 250 million trees. 08/28/00 Gene Blythe, who returns to academia at Auburn University after more than 20 years with Monrovia, discusses the move and shares his observations at this juncture of his career. 01/15/01 Last year's hurricane season was devastating for Florida growers, with four named storms hitting the state in a six-week period. Todd Davis spoke with FNGLA's Ben Bolusky to see how the spring panned out for growers in the Sunshine State. 06/27/05 As Hurricane Floyd threatened landfall in central Florida, the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association was preparing to open FNATS, its annual fall trade show. FNGA's Ben Bolusky discusses the weighty decision to cancel the show. 11/12/99 Ben Bolusky, the new FNGA executive vice president, talks about what challenges growers' and takes a close look at the industry's foliage sales. 07/20/99 Tim Bowling, senior vice president at Etera, discusses that company's growing sales strategy on the Internet. 05/21/01 The best way to upset the plans of our enemies is make America more successful than we would have been otherwise, says Gary E. Briggs, president of ANLA, whose Legislative Conference in Washington included Sept. 11. 11/26/01 Texas Cooperative Extension entomologist Carlos Bogran talks about Spanish IPM workshops. 10/18/07 Bill Brown, science advisor to Interior Secretary Babbitt, speaks to the issue of invasive species and what the future holds. 04/12/99 Most growers today couldn't imagine starting their plants from anything but plugs, but that wasn't always the case. Speedling president Robert Brown discusses changes in the plug industry and looks at what factors are influencing these changes. 11/08/99 Crape myrtles have become an incredibly important nursery crop for the South. Raul Cabrera's goal is to evaluate virtually all available varieties side by side. 07/26/04 Suelynn Callahan describes the Oregon Association of Nurseries' new transportation program, Advantage Oregon. 05/22/06 Dick Campbell shares the latest news on the proposed ANLA-PLANET merger. 02/20/06 The American Nursery & Landscape Association is considering a proposal to alter its leadership structure. Task Force leader Dick Campbell explains what it all means. 11/25/02 A new agreement eliminates antidumping duties on certain imported flowers. Will Carlson Jr., executive director of the Floral Trade Council and co-president of the Flower Promotion Organization, discusses the results: a new promotion fund. 10/11/99 As a whole, are we taking full advantage of the technology? We asked Steve Cissel about the next Internet frontier for the nursery industry. 04/25/05 What are your three top picks in plant material and production aids? Doug Cole, president of D.S. Cole Growers, tells "What Works for Me." 05/07/07 After being out of the horticulture industry for four years, new Floranova chairman Jeff Colegrave talks about some of the things he hopes to accomplish. 10/10/05 Frank Collier, president of the Southern Nursery Association and member of the Horticultural Research Institute Executive Committee, brings an insider's view to the subjects of trade shows, labor, research and the environment. 12/24/01 Susan Combs, Texas' new Commissioner of Agriculture, tells us what to expect from the TDA. 02/15/99 Susan McCoy talks about the wave of environmentalism sweeping over American consumers. 09/26/07 To ensure that the gene pool for ornamentals is available for years to come, the Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center has been established. Meet the center's interim program director, Jim Corfield. 01/03/00 Just marketing an industry doesn't always translate into increased sales, says Kip Creel, president of Nquery. What matters is product innovation and meeting unmet needs. 03/07/05 Doug Darch, a Chicago labor and employment attorney, discusses sexual harassment issues for the workplace. 12/21/98 Grower Mark DeJong discusses the impact that compliance with consumer-product labeling laws in regards to containers will have on the floral industry. 10/11/04 Join Dennis DeMatte Jr. of the Cumberland County Improvement Authority as he discusses the success of New Jersey's greenhouse plastic film recycling program. 07/14/03 Dale Deppe explains how Spring Meadow Nursery handles distribution of patented plants, a sensitive issue for the industry. 10/26/98 Woodrow F. "Woody" Dick Jr., computer and technology consultant through the American Nursery & Landscape Association for 15 years, discusses the future of computer use in the industry. 05/01/99 Rob Dillon, president of the International Cut Flower Growers Association (formerly Roses Inc.) talks about the name change and where the organization is headed. 09/11/00 ANLA's Bob Dolibois gives us a nationwide view of this year's late-spring freeze and how it will affect plant inventories. 06/25/07 What is NIST, and how is it getting involved with the Pennsylvania container standards issue? Bob Dolibois, Executive VP of ANLA, weighs in on the subject. 03/22/04 Why is Imperial Nurseries increasing its production capabilities by one-third, to about 800 acres. We asked marketing manager Kevin Donahue. 07/22/02 Jerry Draeger, executive vice president of McKay Nurseries Co., describes how the operation's employee benefits package affects the family of workers at McKay. 04/13/98 Last year the Paul Ecke Ranch introduced its Flower Fields program to promote its garden plants. CEO Paul Ecke III discusses how this program has progressed. 04/26/99 Matt Edmundson recounts his face-to-face visit with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez to discuss labor and immigration issues. 11/20/06 FloraStar board member Drew Effron discusses the plant trialing programs and promotional efforts conducted by this independent North American trialing organization. 11/08/04 Don Elliott, president of the Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers, talks about the use of biocontrols and the impact of bioterrorism legislation. 02/09/04 Ellen Ellison, a grower spearheading a campaign to raise $500,000 for an endowed chair in floriculture/greenhouse crops at Texas A&M University, shares her thoughts. 05/22/00 Robert Falconer tells about an organization that's dealing with the invasive-plants issue, and how CANGC got involved. 02/26/07 California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers recently won a quarantine lawsuit against Kentucky. CANGC Executive VP Robert Falconer comments on what effect that may have on other states. 09/27/04 ANLA's John Farner discusses the new Farm Bill and its implications on nursery growers. 03/26/07 ANLA's John Farner explains the process being undertaken during congressional hearings on immigration. 09/25/06 The new Emerald Expo was held last week in Tacoma, Wash. We spoke with Roger Fell about why he resurrected this show. 10/24/05 Virtual trade shows? Instant inventory by wireless? B2B on the web? The future is already taking shape, says Michael A. Ferraro, president of PlantFind. 08/25/03 Transitioning to the next generation is always a challenge. Here are some year-end thoughts on how to get the process started from Tonk Fischer. 12/22/03 How can you meet landscapers' needs during the boom times. We asked Fletch Flemer III to tell us how his company does it. 02/12/01 Biological pest and disease controls are quickly gaining acceptance in the nursery industry. William J. Foster of the newly-formed Biopesticide Industry Alliance describes what the group hopes to achieve. 03/26/01 The number of chemical and biological controls is increasing, but the impact of the Food Quality Protection Act could change that, says J. Ray Frank, manager of the National IR-4 Ornamentals Program for research and registration. 05/24/99 Michigan nursery growers say that emerald ash borer has cost them millions, and there is no known treatment, says MNLA executive director Amy Frankman. 04/21/03 Jim Freid of Spring Hill Nurseries discusses the company's success selling through multiple channels. 07/17/00 Kurt Fromherz, founder of Sunrise Marketing, looks at ways that garden centers and growers can work together to help consumers get what they need. 04/27/98 John Gaydos, the new administrator for Proven Winners, explains the value of pull-through marketing. 06/22/98 Greg Georgaklis of Gold Star Nurseries discusses the past, present and future of landscape distribution. 10/28/02 Robert Gibbs, an attorney specializing in immigration, describes how immigration issues will affect the nursery industry. 02/16/98 Northwest Horticulture was formed to take over Etera's bankrupt growing operation. Join Todd Davis and vice president Bruce Gibson to find out more details. 05/27/02 Ball Landscape business development manager Jeff Gibson talks about working with growers and landscapers in the company's EasyScape program. 02/12/07 BFG Supply president and COO Rob Glockner talks about efforts to automate the supply chain and speed order fulfillment. 09/11/06 Goldsmith Seeds founder Glenn Goldsmith discusses some of the changes he has seen occur since starting his breeding company 40 years ago. 09/16/02 We asked grower Ed Golomb - who was appointed to the American Farm Bureau Federation Ag Nursery and Greenhouse Advisory Committee - to talk about maintaining profitability. 04/11/05 Grass aficionado John Greenlee discusses misconceptions about ornamental grasses, and their potential to change how growers market them and how consumers use them. 08/20/01 Dole Fresh Flowers president Scott Greenwood talks about the fresh cut flower industry, challenges to his company and industry efforts to increase fresh floral consumption. 05/02/02 Container manufacturer Tony Guarriello discusses the impact that compliance with consumer-product labeling laws in regards to containers will have on the floral industry. 10/25/04 Are you gradually losing your hearing due to repeated exposure to noisy equipment? Audiologist Howard N. Gutnick discusses how to recognize the problem. 03/13/00 J. Guy talks about Novalis' progression as a growers' consortium. 04/24/06 Meet Novalis, a new corporation geared toward growing and selling branded plants. J. Guy with Carolina Nurseries explains just how Novalis was formed, and where it's heading. 09/23/02 Bill Harley, president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, fills us in on the latest news regarding power equipment, the environment, and regulation. 12/23/02 Michael Hearst of the Orange County Vector Control District knows what it would save to cut funding for California's imported fire ant control program. He also knows what it would cost. 10/27/03 Robert Heffernan, executive director of the Connecticut Nurserymen's Association, updates you about his state's status in the industry. 07/06/98 Roger Heins, vice president of sales and marketing at Etera, explains his company's plan to build its plants into a brand. 08/17/98 Are you as good as you think? Retail consultant Robert Hendrickson says look at your store from the customer's point of view. Meet Floragem, a new company specializing in branded plant programs. Lisa Heredia tells how Floragem has grown to 30 grower members nationwide, and recently announced a new, exclusive deal with Home Depot. 08/17/98 International Garden Products founder John Hesse discusses the economy, its effects and the future of both his company and the industry. 02/25/02 Jack Hesse of International Garden Products discusses the challenge of running a multi-divisional company. 03/27/00 Andy Higgins, president of Paul Ecke Ranch, talks about modernizing his company's 35-year-old production facilities. 06/13/05 Jeff Higgins with Pursell Technologies discusses nutrient use and runoff, new control-release innovations, and regulations for the future. 10/21/02 New ANLA president Louis Hillenmeyer III discusses a new format for the national nursery group's annual meeting. 07/03/00 As the American Nursery & Landscape Association approaches its 125th anniversary celebration, former president Gordon A. Hobbs muses the future of the association and the industry it serves. 12/20/99 Newly appointed Ohio Florists' Association executive director John Holmes discusses his perceptions of OFA and the floral industry. 07/15/02 Learn what Gerry Hood, president of Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association, has to say about peat prices, production and conservation efforts. 09/13/04 Floriculture industry consultant Gary Hudson talks about pricing, profits and promotion. 03/06/06 Floriculture industry consultant Dwight Hughes Jr. discusses upcoming priorities for American Nursery & Landscape Association. 08/29/07 Produce Marketing Association vice president Terry Humfeld talks about marketing floral and produce products. 10/09/06 Henry Huntington, president of Pleasant View Gardens, a Proven Winners member, discusses his company's private-label brands and the opportunities for growers to sell more product at good margins. 09/13/99 Breeders of modern shrub roses are starting to change the lingering perception that roses are difficult to grow, says Steve Hutton of Conard-Pyle Co. 08/23/04 Terry Johnson of Horticultural Marketing Resources, says floriculture is currently a classic case of over-promising and under-delivering. 07/19/99 Jonathan Jones with USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service discusses Phytophthora ramorum, which is still popping up intermittently at nurseries across the country. 10/23/06 Victor Sahakian and John Keller, with Monrovia’s Oregon facility, share the latest findings on Phytophthora ramorum. 12/26/05 William R. Kidd, chairman of the ECGC trees and shrubs committee, explains how a retail cooperative works with growers. 05/11/98 Dennis Kirven, long-time director of the Ohio Florists' Association, reflects on the group's past accomplishments and ponders the future. 07/16/01 There's something new on the West Coast: Southern California Plant Tour Days. Chairperson Janet Silva Kister explains the details. 06/19/00 Kurt Kluznik, president elect of the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, discusses the latest trends affecting landscape companies. 05/26/00 Floral Marketing Funding Initiative Coalition president Charles Kremp 3rd talks about why the coalition was formed and the impact it could have on floral sales. 06/12/06 Attorney Monte Lake discusses implications of the Department of Homeland Security's mismatch letter campaign. 10/22/07 Labor expert Monte Lake examines the recent legal action involving foreign workers and a Northeast nursery. 04/23/07 Bill Lee, president of the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association, says a new building code in 2000 could impact the greenhouse industry. 03/01/99 Leider Horticultural Co. celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. Company president and CEO Jim Leider discusses challenges his company (and yours) face entering the 21st century. 12/06/99 Aggie Horticulture Web-site creator Dan Lineberger of Texas A&M University talks about why a Web-based floriculture grower school is needed. 03/18/02 It's outmoded, it's unfair, and it kills business. So why haven't we done more to eliminate estate taxes? So asks Carl Loop Jr. of Loop Nursery and Greenhouse Inc. 09/27/99 New Society of American Florists president Bob Luthultz talks about industry consolidation, marketing and public relations. 02/06/06 Bob Lyons, the new director of the JC Raulston Arboretum, tells you what to expect from the facility in the future. 09/28/98 Bob Lyons, director of JC Raulston Arboretum, talks about his program to bring the facility wide recognition through research and plant introductions. 10/23/00. The interior landscape industry wants to see more growth and more profitability. Gary Mangum of Bell Nursery describes what they plan to do about it. 04/16/01 While many nursery growers contend that clonal cultivars are a key to improving urban landscapes, not everyone agrees. Here's what specialist Brent Marable has to say. 07/21/03 Judy Marston defines the customers known as Generation X, and what they'll mean to business trends. 03/15/99 Are you ready to hear how one company's sales, profits and employee optimism zoomed last year in spite of questionable economic conditions? Then listen to Roger May of Cottage Gardens Inc. 04/26/04 North American Horticultural Supply Association president Ed McConkey talks about product sales and distribution and information dissemination. 11/06/06 Bob McGovern, director of the University of Florida's Plant Medicine Program, discusses the purpose of the five-year-old program and how its graduates are impacting commercial, regulatory and international agriculture. 08/09/04 Grower Mike Mellano Sr., vice chairman of the American Floral Endowment Projects and Grants Committee, weighs in on industry research. 05/09/05 President Bush was re-elected and Republicans picked up seats in the U.S. Senate and House in November. ANLA's John Meredith shares thoughts how this could impact several legislative proposals of importance to the green industry. 02/21/05 Meet John Meredith, the American Nursery & Landscape Association's new director of legislative relations. 01/21/02 Joe Messer, president of Organiks, discusses his decision to start a company that produces finished organic plants for garden centers. 08/17/07 Wayne Mezitt, incoming president of the American Nursery & Landscape Association, discusses ways ANLA plans to encourage the mutual success of its members and the industry. 06/24/02 Ball Horticultural market research manager Marvin Miller says one of the biggest misconceptions among growers is that marketing starts and ends with advertising. 8/19/02 Rodd Moesel, incoming president of the National Horticultural Supply Association, talks about the distribution side of our industry and how distributors are changing to meet the evolving needs of growers. 06/21/99 Peter Moran, executive vice president and CEO of the Society of American Florists, discusses the Fund for Nationwide Public Relations, how it works and what it hopes to accomplish through innovative public relations programs. 09/07/01 Graeme Murphy, IPM specialist, discusses misconceptions growers have about biological controls. 01/05/98 What are the biggest issues California growers are going to face? California Cut Flower Commission president and CEO Lee Murphy discusses what's critical. 05/10/04 Ohio State University plant pathologist Steve Nameth discusses what U.S. growers can do to avoid imported disease problems similar to this year's Ralstonia cases. 01/05/98 Rob Nearing, president of National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association, talks about greenhouse construction issues and the NGMA's effort to educate the industry. 04/15/02 GMPRO editor David Kuack talks with Terril Nell, president of Society of American Florists, about the importance of being politically active. 03/08/04 Terril Nell, chair of SAF's Government Relations Committee, discusses the new Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative. 01/04/99 Paul Nelson from North Carolina State Unversity explains the right way to manage fertilization for best plant growth. 11/09/98 Southern Nursery Association's new executive vice president Steve Newton lays out his plans for the group. 05/21/07 Eric Nissen, chairperson of the Society of American Florists' Growers Council, talks about some of the biggest issues facing his company and other growers. 02/07/05 Mike Novovesky of FloraStar, a national trialing and awards program for finding outstanding new potted plants, talks about the program's success. 12/07/98 Kalamazoo Valley Plant Growers Cooperative marketing manager Lisa Oliver talks about her role reversal from retail buyer to grower marketer. 08/08/05 Why have so many new pests been detected in the U.S.? University of Florida entomologist Lance Osborne answers this question, and more. 02/17/03 Louisiana State University horticulture professor Allen Owings discusses the impact that recent hurricanes had on the state's ornamentals industry. 12/12/05 Interregional Research Project No. 4 ornamental horticulture program manager Cristi Palmer talks about how the project has benefited the ornamentals industry. 09/12/05 Cristi Palmer, ornamental horticulture program manager for IR-4, discusses ways growers can direct the program's research priorities. 08/22/05 Worried about how new restricted hours on truck drivers will affect the industry? We asked Dale Parra with Truck Transportation Services what to expect. 05/24/04 Harold Pellett describes the successes of the Landscape Plant Development Center. 12/30/06 Meet fertilizer pioneer Bob Peters, technical consultant with J.R. Peters Inc. 03/12/07 ANLA's Y2K annual meeting will stand alone, without its traditional association with a trade show. What other changes can we expect? Thomas Pinney Jr., ANLA's incoming president, tells us all about it. 06/07/99 Robert Poirier, president of USA Floral Products, discusses his company's efforts to create a national floral products distributor and to increase availability of cut flowers. 03/02/98 Ed Porter, ANLA's incoming president, outlines the association's plans for '99 and beyond. 06/08/98 Organic Bouquet CEO Gerald Prolman discusses why he thinks consumers are ready for organically grown flowers. 02/18/02 Kathy Pufahl of Beds & Borders shares the most common mistakes growers make when selecting containers for combination planters or hanging baskets. 06/17/02 University of Connecticut extension educator Leanne Pundt talks about implementing and maintaining a successful IPM program. 01/08/07 Thomas L. Quigley was among a group of five growers and a Washington State Department of Agriculture representative who participated in an 11-day trade mission to Japan in June. Here's what he found. 10/25/99 Warren Quinn, ANLA's director of landscape services, says the big word in the industry today is the "C" word -- consolidation. Here's his take on that, and other trends. 01/18/99 Donna Ralston, executive director of GreenCO Foundation, talks about the growth of the green industry in Colorado. 03/16/98 In Texas, a coalition of business owners formed to help secure migrant workers. Texas Nursery & Landscape Association's Jim Reaves tells us more. 12/25/06 Rich Reilly, vice president of the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association, discusses some of the issues growers and greenhouse manufacturers are dealing with. 06/07/04 Tim Rhodus at the Ohio State University has taken a special interest in the emerging World Wide Web technology and is manager for six department and college Web sites. So what does he see coming up next? 09/25/00 This year Phytophthora ramorum continues to be discovered at nurseries but isn't making the headlines. We asked Phytophthora expert Olaf K. Ribeiro why. 09/26/05 Don Richards discusses new trade possibilities in Asia and Europe. 03/20/06 For a decade, interested parties have been working out details to make large-scale trade with Japan a reality. Don Richards, managing partner of the Plant Trading Network, discusses the possibilities. 09/22/03 Southern Nursery Association president Red Robbins discusses changes to the SNA Trade Show. 12/18/00 Miles Rosedale and Richard VanLandingham chat with NMPRO editor Todd Davis about mergers, and Monrovia Growers' future. 07/23/01 Bill Rountree, Louisiana landscape architect, talks about how he tries to increase plant use through his landscaping projects. 03/30/98 ANLA's Craig Regelbrugge fills us in on the latest happenings on Capitol Hill. 08/07/06 The Agricultural Job, Opportunity, Benefits and Security Act (AgJOBS) bill was introduced to Congress in September. ANLA's Craig Regelbrugge. explains why it's the best shot at labor reform we've had in years. 11/24/03 Victor Sahakian and John Keller, with Monrovia’s Oregon facility, share the latest findings on Phytophthora ramorum. 12/26/05 Dick Saklad, vice president of corporate development at 99 Cents Only Stores, talks about his company's success selling green goods. It's bigger than you think! 11/17/03 Lin Schmale, senior legislative representative for SAF, talks about the current issues in Washington D.C. affecting the horticulture industry. 10/12/98 Former Proven Winners national spokesperson Josh Schneider talks about his new company, introducing new plants and the changing role of growers. 07/10/06 Loren Schofield, human resources director at Zelenka, discusses how the November elections will affect our labor situation. 02/24/03 What's the Greenscapes Alliance? U.S. EPA program manager and senior analyst Jean Schwab discusses the goals and who's involved. 04/12/04 New Product Group president Laurie Scullin discusses what it takes to get a new product to market and how to increase consumer awareness of plant products. 01/12/04 Bob Shaw and Win Winogrond discuss the development of their company's b-to-b Floraplex site and the expansion expected in floral e-commerce. 02/28/00 Since breeder Curt Sinclair discovered hibiscus nine years ago, he's been marketing plants with extraordinary color combinations and sizes. 04/10/00 Al Somoza of American Farms in Naples, Fla., talks about offering services to help mass merchandisers promote and care for plants. 02/02/98 Rick Sorenson is a marketing whiz whose company introduces plants to us from all over the world. Learn how important it is to push the industry's new products -- plants that will please the consumer. 02/14/00 Shawn Sorenson was a chain-store buyer before coming to Dallas Johnson Greenhouses. Today she discusses the various in-store service programs her company offers to its retail customers. 05/14/01 Horticulturist and garden designer P. Allen Smith, who has partnered with the Flower Fields, discusses how the floriculture industry can help consumers be more successful with its products. 01/20/03 Don Snow, production director for Goldsmith Plants, talks about his company's and other geranium breeders' efforts to prevent further disease outbreaks. 12/08/03 Jim Spratt explains the significance of a new BMP manual for Florida growers. 08/21/06 Growers can have a big impact on postharvest success with florals, says George Staby of the Perishables Research Organization. 01/14/02 Steven Still of the Perennial Plant Association talks about a new PPA campaign, Perennial Gardening Month, and what the association hopes to accomplish with it. 06/18/01 Robert Stutman, former DEA agent, talks about the effects of drugs, alcohol and substance abuse in the workplace. 11/23/98 Danny Summers tells about the SNA Disaster Support Program. 08/26/02 In 2003, the SNA show will add many new segments traditionally thought of as in the greenhouse sector. Todd Davis speaks with SNA's Danny Summers about why and how these changes are taking place. 08/26/02 Karen Suslow with Hines Horticulture -- co-chair of a nursery subcommittee of the California Oak Mortality Task Force -- fill us in on the latest developments with SOD. 01/27/03 Walter Suttle fills us in on Monrovia's pilot export program. 07/24/06 Sven E. Svenson, nursery crops researcher, discusses one of the newest discoveries in crop production: the effect of shading on plant growth and development. 08/02/99 David Tay, director of the Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center at Ohio State University, brings you up to date on what has occurred at the center since it was formally opened in July 2001. 12/16/02 What's driving the direction of industry research these days? We asked Marc Teffeau, ANLA's new director of research and regulatory affairs. 05/23/05 Anthony Tesselaar discusses his company's new emphasis on introducing outdoor garden perennials to the North American market, the My Favorite program. 11/19/01 Anthony Tesselaar lets us sneak a peek at what he looks for in new plants, and what he has coming down the pipeline. 06/25/01 Hines Horticulture CEO Stephen P. Thigpen shares his views on nursery consolidation, customer needs and the future. 04/23/01 Paul Thomas, U. of Ga. extension floriculture specialist, talks about the biggest challenges facing the extension service today. 02/01/99 Scott Thompson, NGMA vice president, talks about greenhouse issues and politics. 05/08/06 June Toscano of Miracle-Gro talks about the company's plans to offer consumers a line of outdoor plants. 10/09/00 Lloyd and Candy Traven of Peace Tree Farm discusse why a grower doesn't have to operate a large greenhouse to automate. 04/14/03 Jim Van Antwerp III describes a new plant collection based on the famed Southern Living brand. 06/11/07 Peter van Berkum talks about propagating and marketing herbaceous perennials. 06/05/00 Peter van der Giessen talks about the changing face of marketing for nursery growers. 01/19/98 Most growers have no idea how much culture shock a new Hispanic immigrant can go through in this country, says Julio Caesar Valera, who knows firsthand. 02/23/04 Richard VanLandingham of Monrovia Growers brings insight into the impact of the sudden oak death fungus on that company and the market. 06/21/04 Miles Rosedale and Richard VanLandingham chat with NMPRO editor Todd Davis about mergers, and Monrovia Growers' future. 07/23/01 Mauricio Velasquez tells what employers need to know about Hispanic issues and activism. 06/26/06 Cees Visser, managing director of Visser International Trade & Engineering B.V., discusses the difference in Dutch and American mentalities about greenhouse automation. 11/18/02 David Kuack talks with David Wadsworth of Suncoast Greenhouses about the impact of information technology on delivery of starter material. 11/06/00 Bedding Plants Intl. is launching a national plant promotion program, America in Bloom. Program co-chair Jeff Warschauer discusses what it can do for the horticulture industry and who can participate. 01/01/01 Worried about water resources? See how growers in San Diego County took a proactive approach to developing a program to satisfy their needs as well as concerns of government officials and the public. A conversation with David Shaw, Karen Robb and Valeria Mellano. 01/29/01 How often are deep roots a problem in landscape trees, and who's to blame? We asked Gary W. Watson of the National Working Group on Structural Root Depth of Landscape Trees. 12/22/04 Wanda Weder, senior executive vice president and corporate secretary of Highland Supply Corp., discusses development and trends in plant packaging add-ons. 10/14/02 Lorence Wenke of Wenke Greenhouses describes how he is directing and changing his operation to find new opportunities in different markets. 09/14/98 This year, John Deere & Co. leaped into the nursery wholesale business. JDL Dave Werning answers our questions on the creation and future of John Deere Landscapes. 08/27/01 Landscape contractor Robert Wingfield Jr. was raided so many times by the INS that he abandoned his business to found a company that supplies legal Mexican labor. 05/08/00 Bob Shaw and Win Winogrond discuss the development of their company's b-to-b Floraplex site and the expansion expected in floral e-commerce. 02/28/00 Dutch company Darwin Plants, formerly Witteman & Co., changed its entire business plan to accommodate the U.S. demand for perennials. Co-president Hans Witteman explains why. 10/22/01 Paul Yantorno, former president of BPI, discusses the downfall of BPI and his hopes for the America in Bloom program. 10/15/01 Miriam Young of Darwin Plants discusses the Dutch company's new line of Distinctly-Different perennials, which will be retailed in the United States in spring 2004. 08/18/03 Jim Zangger of Greenleaf Nursery Co. spent two weeks on an ANLA tour to study mechanization in nurseries in northern Italy. Here's what he learned. 01/17/00 Steve Zylstra, president of the new Michigan Floriculture Growers Council, talks about how the Council will address the issues facing greenhouse growers. 11/07/00 . The Retail Roundtable, our panel of expert owners and operators of the finest garden centers in America, answer your questions about the garden/gift business: What's on your list for "what you wished you'd done differently" when you opened your business? 01/08/01 My garden center's target market is the 2000 cars per hour that pass by on one of the busiest highways in the state. How should I spend my limited advertising dollars? 02/05/01 Retail consultant Ian Baldwin says retailers' cost of goods is way bigger than labor, but it gets a lot less attention. 09/28/07 Want strong summer sales? Retail consultant Ian Baldwin says you should learn how to really listen to your customers. 05/21/07 Ian Baldwin gives tips and tasks to prepare for the all-important spring season. 03/26/07 Ian Baldwin says it's time to look at one home-run aspect of retailing known to succeed with all customers: the use of hot spots and prime space. 09/25/06 Ian Baldwin says the new generation of customers (and quite a lot of the older ones) are overwhelmed with the plethora of choices in plant material. 01/22/07 Ian Baldwin shows how to chart a path for change. 07/24/06 Ian Baldwin believes that the next 10 years will open doors for this industry that we could only dream of previously. 05/22/06 Ian Baldwin explains how setting up a plan can spell success for your future. 03/20/06 Ian Baldwin uses an exclusive survey to shed light on what works for retailers -- and what doesn't. 01/23/06 Ian Baldwin says that that even the bad boxes will get better -- and it may only take a few weeks. Here's how to get ready. 09/26/05 Retail consultant Ian Baldwin explains how to know when it's time to start moving inventory. 07/25/05 Retail consultant Ian Baldwin fills your glass with three ideas from the wine industry that can help your business. 03/25/05 Retail consultant Ian Baldwin brings back great examples of modern merchandising from the Big Apple. 09/27/04 Retail consultant Ian Baldwin introduces you to several stores he will visit on the Glee Merchandising Tour to England in September. 07/26/04 Retail consultant Ian Baldwin says the second half of the year doesn't have to be a loser - if you choose to make the right course corrections. 05/24/04 Retail consultant Ian Baldwin says gross margin is the lifeblood of any business. Here's how to tend to yours. 03/22/04 Retail consultant Ian Baldwin explains how you can turn your newest employee into an instant gardening "expert." 01/26/04 Jack Bigej has a hold on his customers. And while he has them on hold, he has a message he'd like them to hear. 01/10/00 Jack Bigej of Al's Fruit & Shrub uses "color bucks" to give customers discount opportunities. 07/26/99 Jack Bigej, owner of Al's Fruit & Shrub, shares his experience of offering coffee and beverage sales in the garden center. 12/14/98 Michael Bracken of Nicholson-Hardie lists 10 things you should do after the holidays (and before the spring rush). 11/13/00 A byproduct of a robust economy is a tight labor market. How do you find good workers, and more importantly, how do you keep them? We asked Michael Bracken of Nicholson-Hardie. 03/06/00 Michael Bracken of Nicholson-Hardie has lived through the transfer of power from one generation to the next. So what's life like with two presidents? 09/20/99 Michael Bracken of Nicholson-Hardie explains how his garden center benefits by participating in the Partners Card program and helping a charitable cause. 11/16/98 Michael Bracken of Nicholson-Hardie Nursery in Dallas describes how his store uses private label bagged goods. 06/29/98 Alden Lane Nurseries is negotiating a revolutionary deal with its neighboring independent garden centers. Manager Cyndee Carvalho tells you what, why and how. 04/03/00 Jacquie Courtright finds that sponsoring community events is one of the best promotional opportunities garden centers have. 05/31/99 Jacquie Courtright describes how she plans and produces her cable-access gardening show, which is filmed on site in her store. 09/21/98 Retail consultant Robert Hendrickson presents a collection of Yogi Berra's classic observations that hopefully will help you make '08 your best year ever. 10/22/07 Robert Hendrickson presents a silent version of what he's been yelling about — er, discussing with — clients in the area of garden center marketing. 08/31/07 Robert Hendrickson encourages garden center owners to look at their store from the customer's point of view. 04/23/07 Robert Hendrickson offers a mix of tips and suggestions taken from street-level experiences working with garden centers. 02/26/07 Robert Hendrickson says there's still time to consider how your marketing budget can garner much more than a 50-percent return on investment. 12/25/06 Robert Hendrickson says you should take a hard look at what your store really makes during the holidays. 10/23/06 Robert Hendrickson suggests that garden center managers look to nontraditional sources for a retail boost. 08/21/06 Robert Hendrickson shares ideas on how to make the most of a variety of business-building opportunities. 06/26/06 Robert Hendrickson reminds us about the importance of first impressions: Do your customers see the real you? 04/24/06 Robert Hendrickson joins the ongoing debate to define just what and who our competition is. 02/20/06 Robert Hendrickson offers road-worthy advice for a new garden center year. 12/26/05 Robert Hendrickson explains why holiday goods and garden centers are rarely a merry mix. 10/24/05 Robert Hendrickson shares thoughts on taking autumn sales beyond pansies and pumpkins. 08/22/05 Robert Hendrickson has a springtime reminder: the goal of the company is to sell stuff profitably. 04/25/05 Robert Hendrickson says the best place to look, before updating your store for 2005, is the past. 12/27/04 Robert Hendrickson says, for best results, use the best tools of the trade. 10/25/04 Robert Hendrickson brings the focus back to what really matters, selling more stuff. 08/23/04 Retail consultant Robert Hendrickson says that companies only get what they deserve. 06/21/04 Retail consultant Robert Hendrickson shares 20 activities that will shape your store's future. 04/26/04 Retail consultant Robert Hendrickson shares "Retail Rules of the Road #1," which deals with Stuff. 02/23/04 Retailing consultant Robert Hendrickson says there is something you can do to boost green good sales. In fact, there are two things. 12/29/03 Fred Hicks knows the best way to reach out to young gardeners, and he's willing to share these kid-friendly events with you. 07/24/00 Fred Hicks, garden center owner, looks at the value of retail displays and reports on how the McStack system has worked for his garden center. 02/09/98 Are you feeling old? Not as old as Hannah Hogan's nursery, and she's not afraid to promote it! Find out how to find and promote your own unique selling proposition. Hannah Hogan know it's incredibly easy to overlook what you will do with your merchandise after the holidays. With a little forethought, you can create order -- and profit -- out of Christmas chaos. 10/18/99 Hannah Hogan shares the best ways to serve those customers who just seem to have a brown thumb. 04/05/99 Hannah Snipes Hogan at Snipes Farm and Nursery describes her garden center's process for handling overlapping fall and Christmas sales. 08/24/98 Leeda Marting faced down Hurricane Floyd. Today she shares lessons learned in preparing for monster storms. 12/13/99 Leeda Marting of Charleston Gardens Ltd. takes customer service to the limit, providing custom searches for hard-to-find items. 01/11/99 Leeda Marting and Jack Bigej size up some important trends helping shape the future for garden centers. 07/27/98 Many garden centers that began small and in the country now find themselves a thriving urban store constrained by limited space. Here's how Ed Pasquesi is handling the space crunch. 05/29/00 Ed Pasquesi of Pasquesi Home & Farm shares how to make last season's end pave the way for next season's success. 02/08/99 Ed Pasquesi has something new at his garden center. You can drive by and see it. Or better yet, drive through it! 11/15/99 Ed Pasquesi, garden center owner, explains how customers reacted to his express gardening service. 04/06/98 When's the right time to project first-year earnings? Before you sign the lease! says Bill Pearson. 11/03/03 Bill Pearson wants you to know: Which data are important to your business? 10/06/03 Are rising salaries destabilizing your profit picture? Bill Pearson is here to help. 9/01/03 Bill Pearson asks: Are you experiencing growing pains or heading into trouble? 08/04/03 Bill Pearson offers help for retailers who are asking, "Where in the world can I find good employees?" 06/30/03 Bill Pearson reveals the rule of thumb for what typical garden centers spend on advertising, rent, and more. 05/05/03 Bill Pearson addresses the delicate balance between new merchandise and reorders in the retail product mix. 03/31/03 Bill Pearson provides guidance on some basic retailing questions: What's a "proper" markup, and how much should you earn per square foot? 03/03/03 Bill Pearson offers advice for fine-tuning your purchasing. 02/03/03 Bill Pearson answers your retailing questions. Today: "What will I have to pay to attract a top-notch manager?" 01/06/03 Bill Pearson prescribes the cure for the bug that bites each January: Trade Show Burnout. 12/02/02 Does more space equal more sales? Bill Pearson provides insight to this question, and others, in this month's column on business strategies. 11/04/02 Bill Pearson answers your garden center questions, beginning with "How do I effectively cancel orders?" 09/30/02 Bill Pearson says computers can be a big waste of money -- if you're not using the information they gather. 09/02/02 Bill Pearson shares ways to make a dent in the rent. First, know your options when negotiating store leases. 08/05/02 Bill Pearson says that a "store for everyone" doesn't work for independents. It's time to narrow your niche. 07/01/02 Bill Pearson reminds us that overbuying is foolish, to say nothing about counter-productive. 06/03/02 Bill Pearson says companies are increasingly making a deliberate decision to give some people skimpy service because that's all their business is worth. 05/06/02 Bill Pearson questions that "location, location, location" maxim. There's something even more important! 04/01/02 Bill Pearson says many customers have had it with the big boxes and chains and are shopping elsewhere. Are you ready? 03/04/02 Bill Pearson says that the path for independent garden retailers is crystal clear. 02/04/02 Bill Pearson says we're living in a changed world - but you can still choose to look at your retailing glass as half full. 12/31/01 Bill Pearson says that you can conduct a sale, without losing your shirt - or your dignity. 12/03/01 Bill Pearson says that "business as usual" is your patriotic duty! 11/05/01 Bill Pearson ponders how a store that was on top of the world fell so far, so fast. What can you learn from it? 10/01/01 Bill Pearson says that most specialty independents would benefit greatly if they tightened their focus and narrowed their target. How about you? 09/03/01 Bill Pearson points out one reason you may miss trends. Don't assume your lifestyle matches your customers'. 8/06/01 Bill Pearson says the whole retail market had plenty to apologize for in the last 20 years. But today, independent retailers are coming out better than ever. 06/04/01 Bill Pearson says that your best chance to hit your target customer occurs when you can define who that target customer is. 04/30/01 Bill Pearson says that with employees, you get what you pay for. And that can be good! 04/02/01 Bill Pearson says that superior personnel in a good store can generate far more profit than a mediocre staff in a weak store could ever lose. 03/05/01 Bill Pearson says that mastering your inventory's sell-through rate can make a big difference in your operation's success. 02/19/01 Bill Pearson sees the same thing year after year: Independent retailers of every shape and size get freaked out about the level of their December sales. What about the 11 other months? 01/22/01 Bill Pearson notes that E-tailers and their investors may find it acceptable to lose money on millions of revenue, but that's hardly an option for the rest of us. 12/25/00 Bill Pearson offers help in sorting out one of nature's most amazing species: consultants. 11/27/00 Bill Pearson has important advice on markdowns: Schedule when necessary and consummate with speed. 10/16/00 Bill Pearson says that planning can make the difference whether your second location is a hit or a bust. 09/18/00 Growing your business by adding market share is much easier said than done, according to strategist Bill Pearson. 02/07/00 Bill Pearson tells you how to start a new business in a fiercely competitive market. 11/29/99 Bill Pearson says the dynamic between sales staff and customers is where the retail battle is won or lost. Information about this process is essential to understanding the customer. 07/12/99 Columnist Bill Pearson explores ways you can get in touch with today's technology. It's the absolute basics -- plus a few extras. 03/08/99 Sarah Pope Proffitt, garden center owner, had to examine how well equipped she was to meet the needs of aging baby boomers. Today's seniors have time to garden, the cash to support the hobby and are healthy enough to pursue it. Learn how she prepared to serve these customers. 05/03/99 Sara Pope Proffitt, garden center owner, considers whether this is really the comeback year for annuals or if annuals never really faded from use in the garden. 03/09/98 Sara Pope Proffitt, garden center owner, explains how she identifies management skills in her employees. 01/12/98 A new garden center owner asks our experts - Doug Rhinehart and Bob Specker - "Can we successfully compete without growing our own stock?" 12/11/00 A recent change in his staff made Bob Specker of Timber Creek Nursery & Garden Center think more about what it takes to make both his employees and customers happy. At heart, it's the same thing: appreciation. 05/01/00 Bob Specker of Timber Creek Nursery & Garden Center, Ellisville, Mo., discusses what you can do to maintain your stock's appeal during those brutal summer days. 06/28/99 Bob Specker at Timber Creek Nursery looks ahead to identify ways to improve and refine your garden center for the new year. 10/19/98 Bob Specker, owner of Timber Creek Nursery, returns to tackle the issue of using retail space for more parking or more plants. 06/01/98 Bob Specker, owner of Timber Creek Nursery, discusses how he increases retail sales without increasing selling space. 05/04/98 Linda VanWilgen harkens to the call of the dot coms. 10/30/00 Linda VanWilgen investigates something you want to have on your web site, called stickiness. 10/02/00 Linda VanWilgen says if you launch a web site before you know what you're doing, you're doing it wrong. 09/04/00 Linda VanWilgen explains that your best source for research data is right in front of your face. 07/10/00 Linda VanWilgen wraps up her 4-part How to Sell series with "Closing the Sale." 06/12/00 Linda VanWilgen has led you through the first two steps in strong customer service. Now comes the third -- making the pitch! 05/15/00 Linda VanWilgen has a suggestion for finding out your customers' needs. Act more like Oprah. 04/17/00 Linda VanWilgen says that how you greet a customer can mean the difference between establishing trust and building loyalty, or losing a possible lifelong customer to a one-shot sale. 03/20/00 Linda VanWilgen delivers fast, fast, fast relief: Tips for finding the crunch-time staff you need. 02/21/00 Linda VanWilgen looks at cyber training, where one company simplifies training procedures for you. 01/24/00 Linda VanWilgen outlines nine easy ways to take advantage of winter trade shows. 12/27/99 Linda VanWilgen prognosticates the obvious, and wonders why we ignore it: Ready or not, Y2K's nearly here. 11/01/99 Linda VanWilgen says it's time to "move off the nail." Why do we tolerate painful business situations, anyway? 10/04/99 Linda VanWilgen prescribes a "must-have" for serious retailers -- "Why We Buy, The Science of Shopping." 09/06/99 Linda VanWilgen establishes eight rules for developing and maximizing your brand. 08/09/99 Linda VanWilgen welcomes the newest of buzzwords in the marketing arena, "branding." 06/14/99 Linda VanWilgen, says that finding out who your customers are and what they want isn't as difficult or scientific as we all make it out to be. 05/17/99 Linda VanWilgen directs your attention to direct mail -- then brings you the guidance you need to make it work for you. 04/19/99 Linda VanWilgen takes a look at "You've Got Mail": "And they call this a comedy?" 02/22/99 Linda VanWilgen offers tips on how to set the tone for those new employees you've hired, or plan to hire, for the spring. 02/22/99 Linda VanWilgen looks at retail strategies for selling gardening products to women. 01/26/98 Linda VanWilgen examines how Starbucks Coffee put a profitable spin on an old product. 02/23/98 Linda VanWilgen offers a 14-point checklist to improve the spring selling season at your garden center. 03/23/98 Linda VanWilgen reviews the value of Goldsmith Seeds' Memories, Milestones & Miracles campaign. 04/20/98 Linda VanWilgen has an update on the success of Goldsmith Seeds' Memories, Milestones & Miracles campaign. 05/18/98 Linda VanWilgen looks at the value and necessity of having an employee handbook. 06/15/98 Linda VanWilgen explains the potential impact of the Y2K bug that will affect many computers at the turn of the millennium. 07/13/98 Linda VanWilgen continues to dig into the threat of the Y2K bug and has tips for testing your computers and equipment for compatibility. 08/10/98 Linda VanWilgen has a grab bag of smart but economical ways to promote your garden center. 09/07/98 Linda VanWilgen has a list of tips for handling the constantly ringing phone at your garden center. 10/05/98 Linda VanWilgen talks about the value of loving your job to be a better boss. 11/02/98 Linda VanWilgen has the results of a consumer survey commissioned by the New England Nursery Association. 11/30/98 Linda VanWilgen suggests some basic rules for what to do and not to do with your ad designs. 12/28/98 Linda VanWilgen says time is a terrible thing to waste. Try her guidelines for meetings, and see if you can't reclaim some time for better things. 03/22/99

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