H O M E S T E A D
G A R D E N S
ASSOCIATE
RESOURCE GUIDE
LOCALLY GROWN AND FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973
H O M E S T E A D
G A R D E N S
Welcome to Homestead Gardens. The Homestead mission is to provide customers with the highest quality and largest selection of locally grown plants along with unsurpassed customer service. With professional care and exceptional selections, we can guarantee the best value and highest quality products that are available to our customers each day. Our story encompasses who we are and what we stand for: passionate supporters of our community, our customers, our team members and our environment. Contact Information Associate: __________________________________________________ Store #:
________________
Store Address: _______________________________________________ Store City/State/Zip: _________________________________________ Store Phone #: ______________________________________________ Store Managers #: ___________________________________________ Store Department Managers: ________________________________ Store Emergency Call Off Contact #: ________________________
LET’S GET
STARTED!
A sincere welcome from all of us at Homestead Gardens. We’re glad to have you on board, and we’re eager to get you started with your training. We want you to excel at your position within the company, so we’ve put together a training agenda that is specific to your role at your store. The training modules, “Training on Demand” or (TOD), that you’re assigned serve three (3) purposes.
• The first is to introduce you to our Customer Service based culture through a program called Profitivity.
• The second is to familiarize you with the terminology and Eagle software that is used throughout the company. This will also aquaint you with some of the tasks that are associated with your role.
• The final purpose is to provide you with a basic level of understanding of plant identifcation and best practices.
You will also receive hands-on training with a mentor in your department. We value the role of mentorship and will pair you with a team member who will help guide you through many of the in-the-moment events with the store. The training content is in the form of on-screen documents, videos and quizzes through Paylocity. In order to maximize your training experience, you will particiate in a minimum of four(4) scheduled education sessions and you will complete 1-2 pieces of training content on each of your work shifts. If you find that it’s challenging to complete, work with your Supervisor or Store Manager to come up with a plan that works best. We will be keeping an eye on your progress. Be sure to communicate any needs or concerns you may have in the process. The Paylocity Learning Center - Training on Demand site can be used as a reference hub for training resources even after your initial training is completed. You can login to the site to review training content at any time whether it is reviewing a video course or accessing a PDF from the resource Library. As additional assignments and training content become available, you will be notified by your supervisor or the Education Office. The more knowledge you have, the easier your job will become! If you have questions regarding Training on Demand, please let your Supervisor or Store Manager know. Or you can contact the Heather.Wheatley@HomesteadGardens.com.
H O M E S T E A D
Training
G A R D E N S
Checklist
CORPORATE ONBOARDING ☐ Welcome and Introductions ☐ New Hire Paperwork - Completed ☐ Homestead Gardens Employee Handbook ☐ Brand Introduction ☐ Training Videos STORE ORIENTATION ☐ Team Department Managers Introduction ☐ Store Tour: Details of Departments ☐ Resource Guide Review ☐ Intro Garden Rewards Program ☐ Introduction to Profitivity ® GARDEN Cards TRAINING ☐ Intro to Training on Demand (TOD)* username/password: ___________________________ ☐ Intro to Paylocity® and Epicore University© ☐ Resource Guide Series of Training Dates ☐ Departmental Training *TRAINING ON DEMAND AND 30 PLANT ID MUST BE COMPLETED FOR EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT.
H O M E S T E A D
G A R D E N S
Table of Content
•Welcome •Training Checklist •Yearly Calender •Training On Demand •Organizational Chart •On The Job Safety Store + Product Overview Return Policy Garden Rewards Program •Plant Quick Notes •Hardgoods Quick Notes •Branded Tags •Premier Brands •Community •Our Growing Facilities •Horticultural Supply Divison •Special Services •Landscape Division
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY JUNE
All Store Inventory, Home Accents Review, Pack Up Christmas, Prep and Clean Stores for Spring Season, Houseplant Haven focus Prep Stores for Spring Season, Professional Development + Product Knowledge Sessions begin (Espoma + Bonide, etc.) Job Fair. American Orchid Society Orchid Show Peak Selling Season, Stores Ready for Spring Season March 1, Spring Kick Off 3/14-15, Philadelphia Flower Show, DACA Green Expo Peak Selling Season, Girl’s Night Out - Severna Park Store, Easter Bunny, Herb + Veggie Weekend Peak Selling Season, Busiest Month of the Year, Girl’s Night Out - Davidsonville Store, Early Bird Sales, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day Sales, Employee Discount Week Peak Selling Season, Perennials prep for Summer sales
J U LY
Summer Season, Fourth of July Sale, Crape Myrtle Festival
AUGUST
Summer Selling Season, All Store Inventory, Sidewalk Sale, Fall Fest Job Fair, Holiday Setup Begins
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
Fall Selling Season, Fall Festival Prep and start (last 2 weeks of the month), Patio Clearance, Holiday Set up continues Fall Selling Season, Fall Festival, Patio Clearance, Holiday Set up continues, Life-Like Tree Sale
NOVEMBER
Holiday Selling Season, Holiday Setup Complete by Nov 1, Preview Night, Open House, Train + Santa set-up, Grand Illumination, Girls Night Out - both stores
DECEMBER
Holiday Selling Season, Photos with Santa, Employee Discount Week, Benefit Open Enrollment, End of Year
H O M E S T E A D
G A R D E N S STORE 6 - SEVERNA PARK
STORE 4 - SMYRNA
STORE 2 - HORT SUPPLY
STORE 1 - DAVIDSONVILLE
HOMESTEAD GARDENS LOCATIONS Retail Facilities STORE 1 - Davidsonville Store 743 W. Central Avenue Davidsonville, MD 21035 410-798-5000 STORE 4 - Smyra DE Store 5580 Dupont Pkwy Smyrna, DE 19977 302-653-6288 STORE 6 - Severna Park Store 522 Ritchie Hwy Severna Park, MD 21146 410-384-7966
Wholesale Facility STORE 2 - Horticultural Supply
1238 Governor Bridge Rd Davidsonville, MD 21035 410-798-1873
HOMESTEAD GARDENS ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
On The Job We are very excited to get you “on the job!” Our success depends on high quality staff who are involved and excited about our business. We want you to be empowered to act in the Company’s best interest. You will find lots of hands-on opportunities for learning as well as on-demand videos, slide-shows, and follow-up quizzes to help you be the BEST that you can be. Our goal is to facilitate your success throughout your career at Homestead Gardens.
Our Core Values Make us a Great Team Our success depends on high quality staff who represent our values and vision for the contribution we make to our community. Our core team values are vital to our sucsess at retaining the earned 50 years of loyalty from our customers, neighbors and industry. Among those values, we cherish : • Honesty & Integrity • Respecting Each Other • Teamwork • Collaboration • Positive Attitude • Exceeding Expectations • Accountability • Resourcefulness • Quality Work and High Standards • Loyalty from Customers • Loyalty from Associates
Creating a “Sense of Place” Homestead Gardens takes pride in creating an environment where the community may celebrate the seasons in an agricultural environment. Homestead provides a venue for birthday parties and special events in our Barnyard area such as our annual Fall Festival. We are also famous for our holiday tree lighting ceremony where over 200,000 lights come to life all at once. Families so count on us for their hallmark holiday events for their children featuring Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.
• During our peak seasons, we employ 250-280 individuals among 5 locations • Homestead has provided the Christmas tree, complete with trimmings and holiday decorations for Historic Downtown Annapolis • Homestead Gardens has supported the Annapolis Flower Program since its inception in 2004 • Our property is home to alpacas, llamas, chickens, pigs, cows, ducks, and goats. • Homestead Gardens is committed to strengthening and building community based organizations and supports over 100 each year. • Homestead Gardens is committed to supporting the revitalization of our agricultural community through leadership, education and sponsorships that help create a sustainable agricultural community and preserve open space. • We strive to be champions of the environmental community. We even have our own South River restoration project on our property.
H O M E S T E A D
G A R D E N S
Who to call? You will meet many people while working for Homestead Gardens, but it’s not always easy to know who to call. Below is a quick list: Your Manager You can contact your manager directly several ways:
Paylocity Message Email Voicemail
Please make sure to get your Managers contact information on your first day
You can call the main number of the store if you cannot reach your manager directly
Davidsonville: 410-798-5000 Severna Park: 410-384-7966 Smyrna, DE: 302-653-6288
Payroll
Jenny Selby Located in Admin. Office
Office: 443-607-1916 jselby@homesteadgardens.com
Human Resources
Christine Martein Located in Admin. Office
Office: 443-607-1946 Text: 443-203-8971 christine.martein@homesteadgardens. com
Customer Service
How do I see my schedule? We use Paylocity for our time clock and scheduling. Once you have activated your account and set your availability, you will get scheduled! You will receive a notification letting you know you are scheduled. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time to allow time to get settled and clock in.
Where do I see my paycheck? We use also us Paylocity for all things Payroll , Time + Attendance, and Human Resource notices. You can use this program/app to: • View current paycheck and pay history • Manage direct deposit accounts • Edit your address and personal information • Customize your employee profile • Many other features are avaiable to you. Explore! Paylocity Mobile is available on the Apple ITunes App Store and Google Play for Android
Homestead Gardens’ Safety Philosophy “Safety first. A safe work environment is everyone’s responsibility. If you see something, say something.” - Brian Riddle, Owner + President
SAFETY - FIRST, LAST, ALWAYS Working safely in a safe environment is everybody’s responsibility. It not only effects you but also your co-workers, customers and even your friends and family. Accidents will happen, but many can be prevented by following safe work procedures. We all need to think safety first each every day while at work and home.
EACH ASSOCIATE’S RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING SAFETY • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Notify your supervisor of any emergency situation. Know the locations of fire extinguishers. Know the location of the facility first aid kits. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with the job you are performing. Assume responsibility for safety in your work area. Maintain a clean work area. Returning tools to their proper storage, removing empty pallets from the sales floor, ensuring that hoses are not a tripping hazard, and no litter or other obstructions in the work area. Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe equipment to your manager immediately. When working above your reach, always use a ladder, making sure that it is properly secured. When needed, grab a ladder-buddy. Ask for assistance when lifting or pushing heavy objects and use proper body mechanics. When loading large, heavy items (e.g. trees, big shrubs, pottery, statuary +fountains) into customers’ cars, two associates must perform the lift. If you are injured, no matter how minor, you must inform your supervisor immediately and complete a written accident report within 24 hours. If you become sick at work, notify your supervisor immediately. Review and sign-off on your weekly safety awareness worksheets Work with safety in mind; take the time to perform your task safely.
Store + Product Overview
Store + Product Overview ANNUALS
HOUSEPLANTS/SPECIALTY SELECTIONS
Plants that grow, bloom, seed and die in a year are Annuals. They are usually planted in the spring after the last frost (safest after Mother’s Day). Annual plants provide instant, long-lasting color in garden beds and containers from late spring through fall, and need to be replanted every year. Vegetables, herbs, Ashley’s Annuals - grown locally and Peace Tree Farm Organics and our signature HG Combo Planters are also part of this plant department. We also offer custom containers for every season. Homestead Gardens is proud to be a Proven Winners® destination.
Foliage plants that are best grown in contain-
ers in a warm, indoor environment are in the Houseplant department. These plants grow best indoors and can provide clean air and health benefits, such as reducing allergies and improving mental health. Houseplants are not winter hardy, and should only be grown outdoors in the summer months if desired. We have seasonal flowering houseplants such as cyclamen, African violets, and hydrangeas as well as the largest selection of pointsettia varities in the area. We also have an incredible selection of tropicals available throughout the summer such as passionflower, jasmine and oleander.
PERENNIALS Herbaceous plants that return 3+ years are offered in this department. They have great value to the environment by adding bio-diversity in the garden. They promote returning insects, birds and others wildfower because they provide both food and shelter. Perennials can add color and interest to site-specific locations where other plants may not grow. They are highly adaptable, winter hardy and easy to maintain once established in the garden. Ornamental grasses and ground covers tie-in with the rest of the Perennial department.
NURSERY Woody plants that form shrubs or trees growing spring to fall, going dormant during winter, and increasing to a mature size each year are all offered in the nursery. Some trees and shrubs are deciduous, (seasonally lose their leaves), and others are evergreen, (retaining their leaves/needles year round). This diverse department includes all hardy trees and shrubs including those that fruit + flower and fine topiaries and roses. We also offer a private label brand Homestead Garden Grown.
Store + Product Overview
PATIO
POTTERY + GARDEN ACCENTS
Our patio department features a large selection of patio furniture made from all-weather wicker, quality wrought iron, cast aluminum and much more. We offer easy care, commercial grade frames and cushions available in Sunbrella® Fabric. With dozens of deep seating and dining patio sets, we offer the area’s largest selection of outdoor furniture. We are the main purveyor of Hanamint Luxury Furniture®. High quality and weather resistant furniture covers to protect all of our patio sets are available as well. Our wide selection of patio umbrellas are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Our gas burning fire pits are available with select patio sets but most fire pits are sold individually. This product is sold by a well trained team in the special and custom ordering processes.
This large department has all types of pottery, including terracotta, ceramic, resin, fiberstone, plastic and wood. We offer concrete and fiber fountains and statues, along with a wide selection of iron garden accessories including trellises, shepherd hooks, metal planter baskets and arbors. They are unique and playful decor that includes garden statues, colorful planters and so much more. We continually look for the latest styles, colors and products to go with every individual’s taste.
GRILLS We are proud to offer a fine selection of Weber® and Big Green Egg® grills and accessories for our customers entertaining lifestyle. Gas and charcoal style grills are available. We also stock a large selection of grilling accessories for all brands. An assembly & delivery service is also available to our customers.
GARDEN SUPPLY + DIAGNOSTICS Everything you need to keep your garden healthy, including fertilizers, soils, mulches, insect and disease control, weed killers, and repellents. Grass Seed, garden and flower seeds, tools, gloves, and accessories along with a full wild bird selection of food, feeders, houses and bird baths. DeWitt, Corona, Burgeon and Ball, Felco and other reliable brands. We are especially proud to offer professional diagnostics provided by trained team mebers to solve issues with plants and soil.
Store + Product Overview EVELYN’S
PANTRY
Homestead Gardens carries a year-round assortment of themed interior home accents. These lifestyle collections are refreshed each season with on trend product selection targeting our customers’ interests. Home fragrance, candles, bath and body collections and epicurean merchandise in the Gourmet Shoppe.
Our food products feature locally and thoughtfully sourced brands such as Fisher’s Popcorn, Otterbein’s Bakery and McCutchins.
Key categories within this shop include fashion, jewelery, textiles and linens for the home as well as a variety of entertaining pieces. We also have a year-round assortment of toys, books, games, activities and plush in our Children’s Boutique. This assortment is expanded during our holiday gift giving season. Our goal is to carry brands not found in department stores and our collections feature on-trend pieces at reasonable prices. Merchandise in this department is ever-evolving with new product offerings frequently being introduced into the department.
BELLA’S GARDEN TAG Exclusive to Homestead Gardens, the Bella’s Garden label indicates a personally sourced collection of seasonal products. It can be seen throughout a variety of products including Christmas merchandise, Garden and Home Accents.
We offer seasonal favorites and samples throughout the year such as fresh apple cider, sauerkraut and pickles to name a few. Our coolers are also filled with novelty beverages found in the general stores of yesteryear.
WAREHOUSE/RECEIVING This critical department receives and maintains inventory of store merchandise. They are also involved in customer pick up’s, deliveries, and inter-store transfers.
Store + Product Overview FARM + PET (DV + SP ONLY)
CUSTOMER SERVICE + CASHIERS
Homestead Gardens Farm + Pet strives to enrich the relationship between pets and their owners by providing education and products that support the well-being of the animals while providing excellent customer service. We boast a very popular Frequent Buyer program for dog + cat foods as well as a farm delivery service for horse + livestock. We offer domestic pet treats, collars, leashes, CBD oils and elixirs, chew toys and nutritional treats. Homestead Gardens is a leading purveyor of Purina and other well-known brands. We offer high-quality foods for chickens, rabbits, goats and llama.
Front End associates manage all POS (Point of Sales) and Customer Service functions including: Plant Warranty Returns (Return Policy- printed on receipts), Garden Rewards Program, scheduling customer deliveries, pick ups and holds, managing donation collection (American Cancer, Trees for Troops and others), Landscaper Program and discounts, order store supplies, and supports delivery, installation and planting service.
PROUD PURINA® STORE (DV + SP ONLY) We are a very proud dealer of Purina Mills® Feeds for farm or domestic animals. Purina Mills® leads the industry in animal nutritional research and aids the Homestead team with knowledge and products. Purina® horse feeds and supplements start with state-of-the-art research and high-quality ingredients.
Store + Product Overview LIFE-LIKE TREES, WREATHS & GARLANDS We offer dozens of different styles of lifelike trees in our tree forest. We also carry a large variety of coordinating wreaths & garlands along with a wide selection of lights and accessories. • The trees are made with PVC, back filler and PE, plastic molded tips, materials to create a “feel-real” look. • Homestead offers a variety of down swept trees, up-swept and mid skirting perfect for presents to fit underneath. • Most of our models are also Power Connect trees. This is a pole to pole lighting system which eliminates the need for connecting multiple light strings. LIVE GREENS We offer a huge selection of the most popular live Christmas tree, the Fraser Fir, from 6-12 ft. We also offer fresh cut greens, winter porch pots, roping and wreaths. CUSTOM WREATHS + PORCH POTS Each year we design our own decorative wreaths and signature porch pots.
ORNAMENTS & HOLIDAY DECOR We work hard to be the premier destination in the Mid-Atlantic area for all things related to Christmas. Each year our stores are transformed into a Christmas Wonderland with over 20 themed holiday collections in each store. Ornaments are our biggest sales driver. Homestead carries thousands of different ornaments sourced from around the world, many of which are exclusive to us. Our store teams work for months to setup their displays and themed trees, each adding unique touches and creative expressions to designs. Homestead often marks the start of the holiday season for many local families who count on and marvel at our efforts. It is our joy to set our communities holiday season off right and cherish being a part of their traditons.
Plant Return Policy • Merchandise credit only for perished plants • Trees & Shrubs within 1 year of date of purchase • Perennials & Roses within 30 days of purchase • House & Tropical plants within 30 days of purchase
Exclusions include: 1. Homestead Garden Centers is not responsible for plants that are damaged by physical injury, lack of care or extreme natural conditions. 2. Replacement plant material does not carry a warranty.
Merchandise Return Policy • Returns accepted within 30 days of purchase. • All merchandise must be in sale-able condition for a credit or refund to be issued. • No damaged merchandise will be accepted.
Manner of Refund 0 Returns will be refunded in the following manner: 0 Perished plant returns will be issued a Merchandise Credit only. No cash refunds or credit card adjustments will be issued on perished plants. 0 Credit card adjustment or refund will be issued for qualifying merchandise 0 Returned with receipt and the returned product. 0 All check refunds will be given after 10 business days. 0 Cash refunds over $50 will only be refunded by check.
Personal Check Policy Our valued customers must present your Rewards Card when using a personal check for payment. If the guest is not currently a member, they can easily sign up for one at any register.
Garden Rewards Program
Memeber Benefits
Special Advanced Email Notification
Online Purchase History & Plant Information Once registered online, you’ll be able to track your Rewards points, see if you have a reward waiting and how many points until your next reward. You’ll also be able to see your plant purchase history and link to helpful information to keep your plants happy, healthy and thriving!
Members will receive advanced email notification of special sales, events and plant information throughout the year.
Magazine
Rewards member will receive our seasonal Inspirations Magazine, mailed right to their home. Receipt-FREE Returns It will include valuable gardening information and a guide to what’s happening at Homestead No need to worry if a guest has lost a receipt, we Gardens and Garden Rewards member-only can look-up all previous purchases at any retail coupons. location including previous receipts too.
Rewards Points Program As a Homestead Gardens Rewards Member, guests will receive Rewards points throughout the year on EVERY RETAIL PURCHASE they make. By using their Rewards number during checkout, they will help earn two (2) points for every dollar ($1.00) of goods purchased. The rewards will be loaded right onto their Homestead Gardens’ account. Rewards dollars do not expire. Returned items will show as adjusted (deducted) points. Points are not transferable and not redeemable for cash. Gift cards, planting services & delivery fees are excluded from Rewards points calculation.
Military & Senior Discounts 10% discount offered every Wednesday at all retail locations.
No Annual Fee Homestead Gardens Rewards membership has no annual fee.
CHICK SALES ONLY Homestead Gardens Rewards members are eligible to purchase chicks. Homestead Gardens Rewards membership
Houseplants QUICK NOTES TOP 10 MOST Popular Plants
Plant Name
High Light
Med Light
Low Light
Water
Sansevieria sp. snake plant
low
Dieffenbachia sequine dumb cane
med
Monstera deliciosa split-leaf philodendron
med
Pilea peperomioides coin plant
med
Ficus benjamina Ficus tree
low
Streptocarpus s. Saintpaulia African violet
med
Orchid varieties
low
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ZZ plant
low
Spathiphyllum wallisii peace lily
med
Epipremnum pinnatum pothos
low
Pet Safe
ok dogs
Easy Care
TROPICAL QUICK NOTES TOP 8 MOST Popular Plants
Plant Name
Full Sun Part Sun Shade 8+/- hours
6+/- hours
4+/- hours
Pollinator Flower Color Attractant
Mandevilla sanderi Mandevilla vine
red white pink
Passiflora sp. passionflower vine
red purple
Bougainvillea glabra Bougainvillea
coral hotpink light pnk white yellow
Cannaceae indica canna
yellow orange red pink speckled
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis tropical hibisucus
white pink red
Nerium oleander Oleander
white pink red melon
Musa sp. banana
none
Cordyline terminalis sp. Hawaiian ti
none
ANNUALS QUICK NOTES TOP 10 MOST Popular Plants Plant Name
Full Sun Part Sun 8+/- hours
6+/- hours
Shade
4+/- hours
Pollinator Flower Color Attractant
Petunia × atkinsiana petunia
multi
Pelargonium sp. Geranium
white pink red coral
Ipomoea batatas Sweet Potato Vine
chartreuse tri-color bronze black
Zinnia elegans Zinnia
Red yellow orange purple white
Dahlia pinnata Dahlia
multi bi-color
Coleus scutellarioides Coleus
multi bi-color tri-color
Portulaca oleracea Portulaca
multi
Calibrachoa parviflora million bells
multi bi-color
Pentas lanceolata pentas
white pink purple red
Impatiens hawkeri New Guinea impatiens
multi
PERENNIALS QUICK NOTES TOP 10 MOST Popular Plants Plant Name
Asclepias sp. butterfly weed Rudbeckia coneflower Hylotelephium Sedum Ornamental Grasses Ferns Hosta Echinacea coneflower Heuchera coralbells Perovskia atriplicifolia Russian Sage Nepeta sp. Catmint
Full Sun Part Sun 8+/- hours
6+/- hours
Shade
4+/- hours
Pollinator Flower Color Attractant
HERBS QUICK NOTES TOP 5 MOST Popular Plants Plant Name
Full Sun 8+/- hours
Part Sun 6+/- hours
Shade
4+/- hours
Pollinator Attractant
Flower Color
Basil
white
Sage
white blue
Rosemary
blue
Thyme
white pink
Lavender
purple white
VEGGIES QUICK NOTES TOP 5 MOST Popular Plants Plant Name
Full Sun 8+/- hours
Part Sun 6+/- hours
Shade
4+/- hours
Pollinator Attractant
Flower Color
Tomato
white
Strawberries
white
Squash
yellow
Peppers
white
Lettuce
white
SHRUBS QUICK NOTES TOP 5 MOST Popular Plants Plant Name
Full Sun 8+/- hours
Part Sun 6+/- hours
Shade
4+/- hours
Pollinator At- Flower Color tractant
Buxus sp. boxwood
na
Rhododendron azalea
multi
Hydrangea macrophylla hydrangea
white pink/blue/purple
Spirea meadowsweets
white pink
Vaccinium blueberries
white
TREES QUICK NOTES TOP 5 MOST Popular Plants Plant Name
Lagerstroemia Crape Myrtle
Full Sun 8+/- hours
Part Sun 6+/- hours
Shade
4+/- hours
Pollinator Attractant
Flower Color
multi
Acer sp. Japanese Maple
na
Thuja occidentalis Arborvitae
na
Cornus Florida dogwood Acer r. ‘October Glory’ red maple
white pink red na
Hardgoods Product QuickNotes
H O M E S T E A D
G A R D E N S
Homestead Gardens tag programs When in doubt - read the tag.
Pot Size at a Glance
COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Since 1973, giving back to the community has been a top a priority of Homestead Gardens. Each and every year, Homestead has and will continue to support over 100 non-profit organizations, civic associations and schools in the community with their fundraising effort. LOCAL HOSPITAL DONATION CAMPAIGNS • Anne Arundel Medical Center • Baltimore Washington Medical Center • VCA South Arundel Animal Hospital Homestead Gardens has been raising donations for the following community groups and associations: • Annapolis Rotary Club • Arundel Rivers Federation • Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) • Watershed Stewardship Academy (WSA) • American Cancer Society ANNAPOLIS FLOWER PROGRAM Homestead Gardens supports the flower baskets and pots that adorn downtown Annapolis. Now in its 17th year, Don Riddle, Steve Samaras, George Nasaaf and Rusty Romo and the Annapolis Business Association kicked off the first program to beautify downtown Annapolis with flowers. It was met with opposition but prevailed and has bloomed into the program we know today – “Annapolis in Bloom,” under the direction of the Main Street Partnership and City of Annapolis.
PLANTING WITH A PURPOSE Partnering with local volunteers, Planting with a Purpose is aimed at beautifying the city of Annapolis and its surrounding communities. Thousands of flowering trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals have been planted in community areas. The goal is to continue planting trees and shrubs throughout the city each year with the help of volunteers. LOCAL COMMUNITY DONATIONS We also participate in several other charitable organizations through speaking engagements, donations of plants and donations of funds to local family-oriented groups such as Davidsonville Community Association (DACA)St. Mary’s High School in their mulch fund-raising campaign, South River High School’s STEM program. Southern High School’s FFA program, Make-a-Wish Foundation, local Boy & Girl Scout troops, community gardens and many others. LEADERSHIP ANNE ARUNDEL - LAA Building and Enabling Leaders in Anne Arundel County for Over 25 Years. LAA sits at the intersection of personal, professional and community development. LAA’s mission is to provide people of diverse backgrounds with the education, resources, and networks necessary to become successful, proactive leaders. Members of the Homestead Leadership are LAA alumni are committed to igniting other leaders within the company and throughout our community.
Our Growing Facilities GROWING OUR PLANTS True to our PLANTS FIRST mission, whenever possible, we source our plant material as locally and thoughtfully as possible.
TIDAL CREEK The majority of your annuals and some of our perennials are grown for us at Tidal Creek Growers located a mere 5 miles away from the Davidsonville Store (Store 1). By propagating from seeds and cuttings, Tidal Creek Growers produces the live product sold at Homestead Gardens. This translates into the greatest number of varieties and the largest selection of fresh, high quality plants available to our customers. HOMESTEAD GROWERS Our house brand, Homestead Grown, is actualy grown at our Davidsonville location by our own growers. A small, but unique collection of some of our best sellers including trademarked plants from Star® Roses and Plants and Proven Winners® are among our offerings. LOCAL AND NATIVE SOURCING OF PLANTS We select only the most relevant plant material and order that curated plant list from most respectable growers in the country. Whenever possible, we source as locally as possible. We have the unique opportunity to be in the center of the birthplace of the original container gardening industry. The Mid Atlantic is home to the first growers of trees, shrubs and perennials of the original colonies. We cherish the opportunity to purchase plant material from growers as old as the mid 1800’s. SELECTING THE BEST OF THE BEST However, there are exceptions. Orchids for example will be shipped in from Hawaii, large selections of trees may come from Oregon, and Venus Fly Traps may come from North Carolina because then best of the best plants are grown there.
H O M E S T E A D
G A R D E N S
Garden Coach A successful Garden Coach will create loyalty, trust and credibility by offering a complete gardening solution that exceeds the guest’s expectation. A Garden Coach is presented with challenges that the guest is relying on us to solve. The Garden Coach’s solutions should be horticulturally sound, meet the aesthetic tastes of the guest and include all of the necessary tools for success. As a Garden Coach it is critical to make the most of our time with the guest, so preparation is key to maximizing your time. This service is exceptional and differentiates us from other garden centers. Once a guest is booked, a member of our elite coaching team will be selected to do the in-take before the appointment. That information will be used to prepare advanced solutions to make sure the guest gets the most for their money. If you are selected for this elite team, additional training and a Garden Coach Playbook will be provided.
Repotting We offer repotting services for all plants purchased at Homestead Gardens. From repotting a plant from a grower’s pot into one of our beautiful decorative pots to up-sizing an over-grown plant into something larger, we offer immediate solutions. Specialized planting for plants such as orchids or very large plants may need a scheduled appointment or a drop-off and pick up. No matter what the situation, we will find a solution.
Installation + Planting Services From the installation of small foundations to planting trees and shrubs - Homestead Gardens has you covered. Whether it is a complex design, foundation planting, or simply a privacy screen, plants can enhance any property. We offer these services almost year round. • Custom Planting Beds • Specimen Plantings • Property Screening • Rain Gardens • Native Plantings • Large Tree Installations • Depending on the scale of your project, you may need to work with one of our professional landscape designers.
LANDSCAPE DIVISION Homestead Gardens is proud to transform landscapes into distinctive outdoor living spaces and has done so successful for over 30 years. Our expert designers work hand-in-hand with the in-house stone masonry team to deliver premium, lasting quality. Homestead Gardens provides full-service landscape for our customers’ convenience. We offer the ability to design, install and coordinate all facets of your landscape project. Projects large and small are orchestrated by our devoted team of project managers, designers and installation crews. Our history and reputation demand the highest level of detailed work in all aspects of landscaping. AWARD-WINNING - Hardscaping + DESIGN walls walkways patios outdoor kitchens water features & fountains stone masonry Planting Small foundation plantings to comprehensive landscape designs Design & Planning Design, installation and coordination of all facets of your project Maintenance Annual & seasonal maintenance options to preserve the health and beauty of your landscape Lighting Residential & commercial holiday lighting special event lighting