Whenever I visit other people’s gardens, particularly at the start of the year, the conversation often turns to two questions. What new plants I am going to buy? And what were my favorite plants of the past season? I do not really have favorite plants for a season, but I might have a favorite plant […]
Specializing in the unique
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They would never be called a “garden center.” They would not be a place to go to for buying annuals in the spring. They have very few hard goods; it is unlikely that a customer would find garden chemicals, fertilizers, gloves and other items. Their locations are usually not in a metro area and they […]
Open gardens, open minds
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Gardening is a constantly changing hobby for many of us. When we visit garden centers, we are often not only buying plants that are familiar to us, but we are on the lookout for something new. Many private gardens have signature plants that might be a tree or shrub, or perhaps it is a plant(s) […]
Stepping outside the box
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From produce stands and cafés, to expanded product lines and cooking demonstrations, retail garden centers are trying novel approaches to attract new customers.
Little vanguards of the garden
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Schools and retail garden centers can help nurture a new generation of plant lovers.
Ready, set, spring!
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After a harsh winter in the Pacific Northwest, retail garden centers better be prepared for a rush of eager gardeners.
A night for plant nerds
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Gardeners eager for spring’s arrival will rejoice when Plant Nerd Night returns for a 16th consecutive year.
Positive signs for garden centers
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Retailers are looking to build on last year’s strong sales by capitalizing on the key trends for 2017.
Trees and shrubs for fall color
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With the Pacific Northwest’s superb growing climate, fall is a great season to plant something.
Warning about the downside to insecticides
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Gardeners who use pesticides should take heed about the potential harm they could be doing to beneficial insects.