The Fall Event 2021 Program

The Fall Event 2021 August 30 - September 02

Wilmington, Delaware

The Fall Event 2021

Our Sponsors

All-America Selections American Beauties / NorthCreek Nurseries AmericanHort Bailey Nurseries Ball Publishing / greenPROFIT manazine Ball Seed Company Bennett Plants Border Concepts Dümmen Orange Epicor for Retail The Espoma Company Garden Center Magazine / GIE Media Glenhaven Home & Holiday GrowTech Solutions Henri Studio Lawn & Garden Retailer Master Nursery Garden Centers Monrovia Morning Dew Tropical Plants National Garden Bureau Overdevest Nurseries Plant Development Services, Inc. Plastec Products Prides Corner Farms Proven Winners North America Proven Winners Color Choice® R.W. Rogers Company Saunders Brothers SimPOS! Software Star Roses and Plants Suntory Flowers Ltd. Tropical Plant International Expo 2022 VMX POS Willoway Nurseries

Be sure to take advantage of the facetime with our Partners for Success and Sponsors who recognize the unique nature of independent garden center operations and are interested in helping you provide the best products for your customers, have the best products for your business, and provide the best resources for your team. Stop by during breaks to visit these sponsors to learn about their products and specials... you’ll be glad you did! And be sure to help us thank our sponsors for making The Fall Event possible!

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The Fall Event 2021

Your Opportunities

The Fall Event is all about sharing, learning and growing, and this year’s event is packed full of incredible networking and learning opportunities for progressive garden retailers, consultants and vendors to learn, network, exchange ideas, collaborate and create new synergies to fuel success. No matter how long you’ve been in retail or what position you hold in your company, there’s still something to learn. There are countless reasons to attend The Fall Event, but we’ve managed to narrow it down to five:

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Connect with your peers. We know you’ve heard it all before, but networking is a huge part of your success. Meeting face-to-face with your peers provides an opportunity to collaborate, hear new ideas, and tap into a wealth of knowledge. You can find a mentor – or become one, and develop relationships that can last a lifetime. The Fall Event provides plenty of white space to engage and connect.

Collaborate with our Service Providers. Our Service Providers are industry experts and solution providers who truly know what is happening in the world of garden center retailing – and they have answers to your questions. The Fall Event provides an opportunity for you to discuss your biggest challenges, explore new ideas, and learn what’s working for others.

Learn from our Speakers and Facilitators. Our speakers are leaders in the industry – thought leaders that embody The Group spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurial drive that will introduce you to new concepts and open your mind to new ways of thinking about how you do business every day.

Engage with our Sponsors. Our sponsors are premier industry suppliers of the products and services you need to run a successful garden center. Although they participate in all sessions, we hope you will invest some time in visiting with them during breaks. See their newest products and spend some one-on-one time discovering what’s new and developing profitable business partnerships.

Relax and have fun. The Fall Event is a lot of learning packed into a short amount of time, but we always make time for some relaxation and fun! You’ll go home re-energized and ready to apply all that you’ve learned to make your center more successful!

Let’s Raise the Bar Together at The Fall Event!

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The Fall Event 2021

Schedule

MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2021 9:00am - 1:00pm Sponsor Setup Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom Foyer 9:30am - 10:30am Epicor Propello Retail Cloud POS Users’ Group Meeting & Demo Hotel Du Pont, 2nd Floor Conference Center, King Sejong Room 9:30am - 10:30am Digital Marketing Solutions Meeting Hotel Du Pont, 2nd Floor Conference Center, Knowles Room 11:00am - 1:00pm Registration Open Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom Foyer 11:00am - 12:00pm Counterpoint POS Users’ Group Meeting Hotel Du Pont, 2nd Floor Executive Conference Center, Greenville Suite 11:00am - 12:00pm Epicor Eagle POS Users’ Group Meeting Hotel Du Pont, 2nd Floor Conference Center, King Sejong Room 11:00am - 12:00pm SimPOS Users’ Group Meeting Hotel Du Pont, 2nd Floor Executive Conference Center, Odessa Room 11:00am - 12:00pm VMX POS Users’ Group Meeting Hotel Du Pont, 2nd Floor Executive Conference Center, Newark Room 11:00am - 12:00pm Digital Marketing Solutions Meeting Hotel Du Pont, 2nd Floor Conference Center, Knowles Room 1:00pm - 1:30pm Welcome Session – Danny Summers Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom 1:30pm - 2:30pm Beyond the Bar of the P&L Study – Steve Bailey & Tim Quebedeaux

Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom 2:30pm - 3:00pm Sponsor Showcase Break, Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom Foyer 3:00pm - 4:00pm Exploring the Best of the Best Results Plus P&L Awards –

Steve Bailey & Tim Quebedeaux

Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom 5:00pm - 6:30pm Welcome to Wilmington Reception Hotel Du Pont, Christina Room 6:30pm Discover Wilmington – Dinner on Your Own 9:00pm The Pro Bar, moderated by Steve Bailey and Tim Quebedeaux Hotel Du Pont, The Green Room Bar

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021 7:00am - 8:00am Breakfast & Special Recognition, Hotel Du Pont, Du Barry Ballroom 8:15am - 9:15am Raising the Bar of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving –

John Kennedy, Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom 9:15am - 10:15am See it to Believe It! What EXACTLY Will Be Above YOUR Bar in 2022? –

Sid Raisch, Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom 10:15am - 10:45am Sponsor Showcase Break, Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom Foyer 10:45am - 11:45am Raising the Bar in HR: Prepare to Future-Proof Your Workplace –

Jean Seawright, Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom 12:00pm - 1:15pm Lunch, Hotel Du Pont, Du Barry Ballroom 1:30pm - 2:30pm Raising the Bar in Business Transitions – Robert Hayter Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom 2:30pm - 3:00pm Sponsor Showcase Break, Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom Foyer 3:00pm - 5:00pm Raising the Bar Breakouts, Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom 5:00pm Discover Wilmington – Dinner on Your Own 9:00pm The Pro Bar, moderated by John Kennedy, Jean Seawright and Robert Hayter Hotel Du Pont, The Green Room Bar

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The Fall Event 2021 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 7:00am - 8:00am

8:00am - 8:15am

8:30am - 8:30pm 9:00pm

Breakfast & Special Recognition Hotel Du Pont, Du Barry Room Load Buses Hotel Du Pont, Lobby, Curbside The Fall Event 2021 Tour The Pro Bar, moderated by Sid Raisch and Steve Kendall Hotel Du Pont, The Green Room Bar

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 7:00am - 8:00am

8:15am - 9:00am

9:00am - 10:00am

10:00am - 10:30am

10:30am - 12:00pm

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Breakfast & Special Recognition, Hotel Du Pont, Du Barry Room Setting the Bar for 2022 – Danny Summers Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom The Nature Fix – Florence Williams Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom Sponsor Showcase Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom Foyer Leveraging “The Nature Fix” Story – Robert Hendrickson and Tom Kegley Hotel Du Pont, Gold Ballroom Sponsor Teardown

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: After more than a year of virtual meetings, we’re excited to see you all face-toface! We ask for your patience as we do our best to accomodate a large turnout for this year’s Fall Event.

We are at capacity in our meeting rooms at Hotel Du Pont and although it may be a little tight, we did not want to turn away anyone wanting to attend. The hotel will do their best to serve us as efficiently and as quickly as possible. There may be times when you have to wait in line a little longer than normal, but hopefully this in-person meeting will make it worth the wait.

At printing, our meeting and tour area has no restrictions or mandates with the exception of masks being required while on our tour buses (due to Federal Transportation Guidelines). We are committed to following the CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 during this 20th Fall Event. Hotel Du Pont is also committed and your health and safety is their top priority. Cleaning protocols have been developed with guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Restaurant Association (NRA), and the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) to deliver peace of mind throughout your stay. For more information on personal protective equipment, cleanliness and safety protocols, service adjustments, and your check-in experience visit https://www.hoteldupont.com/health-and-safety. For your convenience, and to assure the safety of everyone hand sanitizer and masks are available at the registration desk. We ask if you are sick or have any symptoms that you isolate and not risk exposing other people.

The 1st Fall Event - 2001

Just like the resilient group of Charter Members of The Garden Center Group faced the challenge of meeting in Orlando, Florida just days after 9/11, we meet 20 years later with COVID still at our heels.

In that same spirit, we meet in Wilmington, Delaware, committed to providing a safe environment for this 20th meeting of The Garden Center Group.

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The Fall Event 2021

Program Monday, August 30 1:00pm - 1:30pm

Welcome Session

Danny Summers, The Garden Center Group

The Fall Event is all about sharing, learning and growing, and this year’s event is packed full of incredible opportunities. Danny will set the stage for this distinctive, open forum loaded with powerful presentations by inspired thinkers that can help you shape your future in the ever-evolving world of garden retailing. This year’s focus is on Raising the Bar... it’s time to analyze, shift, refine and create a strategy for success! This opening scene is a must-attend spotlighting your next three and a half days in Wilmington!

Let’s begin Raising the Bar with learning how to capture all of the inspiration, creativity, and tap into the wealth of information and knowledge this Fall Event has to offer!

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Beyond the Bar of the P&L Study

Steve Bailey & Tim Quebedeaux, RetailKPI Consulting The Annual P&L Study is an industry-exclusive and the most comprehensive profit and loss study of its kind. While the WDR Report focuses on sales and margins by category and transactions on a weekly basis, the Annual P&L Study includes sales and expenses and compares percent of sales for the garden center to both Best Practices/ High Achievers Group – and the group as a whole.

This study also includes Inventory Turns, Margin targets by category and the resulting Gross Margin Return On Inventory Investment (GMROII).

Steve Bailey (L) and Tim Quebedeaux (R), KPI Consulting

2020 was certainly a year of challenges and, as we discovered, a year of opportunities. The large rise in Revenues increased Profitability, but did it improve management capabilities that will carry into future years?

To answer that question and others, Tim and Steve will dive even deeper into the Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) from The Group’s 2020 Profit & Loss Study. Therein lies your ability to seize the opportunities measured, that you can now manage, in order to increase your Center’s Profitability for years to come.

Even if you didn’t participate in the 2020 P&L Study, you can benefit from Steve and Tim’s analysis of the numbers, ratios and trends. Everyone is invited to join this discussion that can help move your center to a higher level of success. Raise the Bar by gaining a better understanding of the 2020 P&L Study!

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The Fall Event 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Exploring the Best of the Best Results, Plus P&L Awards Steve Bailey & Tim Quebedeaux, RetailKPI Consulting

Now that we have a better understanding of the numbers from The Group’s P&L Study, let’s see if we can Raise the Bar even higher by examining the Best of the Best and learning from these top performing Centers. We’ll break into smaller groups for an up close and personal look at their strategies and secrets of success and a chance for you to ask those questions we know you’ve been waiting to ask. Let’s keep Raising the Bar through sharing and collaboration to make the numbers work for you in 2022!

5:00pm - 6:30pm

Welcome to Wilmington Reception

The Welcome to Wilmington Reception is the perfect time to catch up with old friends – and make new ones. This casual gathering will feature light hors d’oeuvres and beverage. Then, enjoy an evening discovering Wilmington – on your own!

6:30pm

Discover Wilmington – Dinner on Your Own

The culinary scene of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley has its roots in the taverns and inns of Colonial times. You’ll find influences from the farm-to-table values of the Pennsylvania Dutch to the north, the seafaring coastal communities of the Chesapeake Bay to the south, and the global connections forged through the corporate offices and busy ports of the city of Wilmington. You’ll find Le Cavalier at The Green Room in Hotel Du Pont and DE.CO Food Hall connected to the hotel. There’s lots of restaurants nearby the hotel and the Christina Riverfront is only a short ride away. For a complete list of local restaurants visit the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.visitwilmingtonde.com.

We have compiled a list of recommended restaurants available at https://www.thegardencentergroup.com/the-fall-event-2021--best-of-wilmington.

Or ask the front desk for suggestions.

8:30pm

The Pro Bar

Quench your thirst for knowlege every evening at The Pro Bar at The Green Room Bar. This is your “ask me anything” moment. Grab a drink and pull up a chair for an informal gathering of Group Clients and Experts engaging in conversation and Raising the Bar in The Green Room Bar at Hotel Du Pont! The Pro Bar is open at 9:00pm Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday. See the schedule below.

Monday, August 30 9:00pm

The Pro Bar, Moderated by Steve Bailey and Tim Quebedeaux

Tuesday, August 31 9:00pm

The Pro Bar, Moderated by John Kennedy, Jean Seawright

Now’s your chance to “ask me anything” about Financial Matters and Robert Hayter Now’s your chance to “ask me anything” about Team Building, HR and Transitioning

Wednesday, September 1 9:00pm The Pro Bar, Moderated by Sid Raisch and Steve Kendall Now’s your chance to “ask me anything” about Strategies and Marketing Matters

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The Fall Event 2021

Notes

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The Fall Event 2021

Program Tuesday, August 31 8:15am - 9:15am

Raising the Bar of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving John Kennedy, John Kennedy Consulting

Critical thinking is imperative to success and requires careful examination, effective communication, creativity and innovation, problem-solving, objectivity and open-mindedness.

Join John as he helps explore this vital skillset and challenges your preconceived notions, including confirmation bias, as they relate to your decision-making, judgement, problem-solving and thought process.

John will Raise the Bar on developing critical thinking skills and offer actionable steps to immediately implement in your business in 2021 and beyond.

This is a great morning coffee conversation starter and a great way to kick off the day!

Raising the Bar is a Critical Step to Success!

9:15am - 10:15am

See It to Believe It! What EXACTLY Will Be Above Your Bar in 2022?

Sid Raisch, Horticultural Advantage

“Raising the Bar” can be a hollow cliché, a wish, a dream or something you fall short of. This PRACTICAL working session will not leave you reaching into the abyss with blind hope, and half-hearted ambition, fear, and lack of confidence. You’ll be guided through six steps to envision and create a daring yet more likely future reality where you’ll envision exactly what you will do to create the future you want.

Listen to one of the new guard leaders of retail that is blazing the • trail to the future no one has seen before.

Critically YOUR present situation. Get grounded in reality • that is nowevaluate being defined.

Acquire the strengths that will be required of you to meet your • “Above the Bar” future.

Discover why and you will disrupt yourself before you become • disrupted and end how up below the bar.

Discover 8 Critical to systematically create greater value • for yourself now, yourStrategies future self, and those who take your business where it will be going.

Attack a plan of attack that you’ll take home and act upon with old confidence (if you have the guts).

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You’ll receive a preparation packet in advance of this session, and the optional opportunity to involve your entire team in an after-session to get everyone on board and excited about making THEIR dreams come true ABOVE THE BAR.

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The Fall Event 2021 10:45am - 11:45am

Raising the Bar in HR

Jean Seawright, Seawright & Associates

From mandated paid sick leave laws to essential handbook policies, new employer HR risks, must-have recruiting tactics, shifting government agency philosophies, and post-pandemic workplace trends—it’s a new day in HR! To help you future-proof your workplace, the Garden Center Group’s own HR Consultant, Jean Seawright, will get you up-to-speed on the latest HR issues and will provide solutions for HR challenges facing garden centers.

With a passion for sharing HR wisdom that helps businesses grow and thrive, Jean is sure to provide you with practical ideas, useful tips, and vital knowledge to help you minimize HR risk and Raise the Bar in your HR practices.

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Raising the Bar with Business Transitions Robert Hayter, LCG Engineering

Business transition planning is an ongoing process that should be prepared for long before transitioning your business. Whether the transition is to grow, step back from, or exit the business, it is critical to design and implement tactics and strategies to support the transition.

Your business has been successful enough to have provided you and many employees a way of life for many years. No doubt you have committed significant time, energy, and money into your business from its beginning. You likely think of your business as an extension of yourself and can’t or don’t think of it without you. So, a natural question is: Now that I have built this business, what’s it worth? Or more importantly, is the business positioned to “sell” ? At this point in your thinking, the value of your business is not on the financials alone! Ownership Transition value requires thinking differently about value.

Robert Hayter is a Master of strategic planning and implementation and he’s ready to help you Set the Bar at the right height for Ownership Transition!

3:00pm - 5:00pm

Raising the Bar Breakouts Facilitated by Thought Leaders

Sharing and collaboration is at the heart of The Group, and The Fall Event is the perfect time to team up with our experts, other garden retailers and vendors to share new ideas, tap into a wealth of knowledge, and explore solutions to your biggest challenges.

During this two-hour session, we will open the gates to freedom of choice and allow you to pick and choose the topics of most interest to you. Breakout sessions will be lead by thought leaders and topics will be categorized by Finance, Marketing, Technology and HR and based on interest and crowd sourcing.

Raising the Bar through sharing and collaboration is vital for your business!

See Page 7 for details of Dinner on Your Own and the Pro Bar Schedule.

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The Fall Event 2021

Notes

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Tour 8:30am - 8:30pm

The Fall Event 2021 The Fall Event Tour Day

This year’s tour day is jam-packed with garden retailing and horticulture at it’s best! We’ve put together a full day tour of three of the area’s best retail garden centers, two of the industry’s premier growers and a visit to Longwood Gardens – one of the world’s premier horticultural display gardens. So hop on board and be ready to enjoy a beautiful fall day of discovery. This tour will take us on an 87-mi. round trip through the Brandywine Valley!

Buses depart curbside from Hotel Du Pont Lobby at 8:30am and will return at 8:30pm.

It will be a long day but one you won’t soon forget!

NOTE: At printing, our tour day bus company is requiring masks for everyone while on board. We are providing face masks for all Fall Event Tour Participants, or you can bring your own. Our tour stops are all under 30-minute travel time with the exception of one (at 40 minutes.)

The Fall Event Tour Day Stops 6 Total Stops.

See Legend below.

1 2 3 4 5 6 4

6 3 2

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The Fall Event 2021 Gateway Garden Center

7277 Lancaster Pike Hockessin, DE 19707 With only 1.3 acres, Gateway is a prime example of how to maximize sales with limited space.

North Creek Nurseries

388 North Creek Road Landenberg, PA 19350 One of the nation’s strongest promoters of perennial plants and North American Natives.

Star Roses and Plants

25 Lewis Road Cochranville, PA 19330 Long-standing relationships with breeders all over the world have allowed Star Roses® and Plants to bring some of the most revolutionary plants to market.

Mostardi Nursery & Greenhouses

4033 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA 19073 A third generation operation, this is another great example of a highly productive operation on a small footprint.

Terrain at Styers

914 Baltimore Pike Glen Mills, PA 19342 A great place for ideas in visual merchandising. Their ability to connect the urban environment with nature through the use of natural materials can offer all centers inspiration!

Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Road Kennett Square, PA 19348 With more than a thousand acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, woodlands, meadows and majestic fountain displays you’re such to get your nature fix at this premier botanical destination!

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Tour

The Fall Event 2021

Gateway Garden Center We will start the day with a short ride from our hotel to Gateway Garden Center. Founded in 1979 by the Castorani family, Gateway focuses on the importance of ecological gardening and offers a diverse plant selection combining native plants with vibrant annuals and non-invasive plants to provide shelter and food for local fauna.

With only 1.3 acres, Gateway is a prime example of how to maximize sales with limited space.

If you dig a little deeper you will find a connection between Gateway Garden Center and our next stop – North Creek Nurseries.

Gateway was an early member of The Garden Center Group. Owner Peg Castorani and her staff will be on hand to show you their unique center and answer any questions you may have.

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The Fall Event 2021 Gateway Garden Center Profile Owners: Steve and Peg Castorani Managers: Rich Hanrahan, General Manager, Doris Quinn, Tree & Shrub Buyer Matt Mclean, Herbs & Vegetable and Hardgoods; Dawn Desantis, Annuals; Norman Lear, Tree & Shrub Mgr; Susan Dixon, Perennials;

In Business 38 yrs (38 this location); 100% Retail 1 Location, 1.3 Acres, 2,050 SF Covered Retail Shopping Area, 34 Parking Spaces

$2,789,548 Annual 2020 Retail Sales (+ 35% Compared to 2019) (+16% 2021 YTD Week 30) $1,598,425 Achieved 2020 Gross Margin (57%) | 10.8% Net Income Highest Sales Volume Day: Annuals/Herbs/Veggies: Perennials Shrubs: Trees: Tropical: Giftware: Pottery: Hardgoods: Mulches & Soils: Average Sale:

$56,212 (May 2, 2020) $359,745 (13%) 6,296 SF $562,000 (20%) 6,048 SF $593,000 (21%) 7,608 SF $216,969 ( 8%) 3,800 SF $ 96,637 ( 4%) 1,320 SF $ 0 ( 0%) 0 SF $110,311 ( 4%) 250 SF $205,254 ( 4%) 584 SF $160,749 ( 6%) 1,224 SF $ 92.86 $ 99.60 (2021 YTD)

+ 15% Compared to Previous Year + 39% Compared to Previous Year + 41% Compared to Previous Year + 55% Compared to Previous Year + 32% Compared to Previous Year + 0% Compared to Previous Year +126% Compared to Previous Year + 28% Compared to Previous Year + 62% Compared to Previous Year + 15% Compared to Previous Year

Staffing: 6 Full Time, 6 Full Time Seasonal, 5-8 Part Time (Spring) Labor to Sales Ratio: 32% POS: VMX, 2 Registers Online Sales: No

Marketing: Market Area: 5 mi. radius Zip Code Count: 5,859 Households Median Household Income: $128,000 Average Home Value: $372,000 Marketing Budget: $ 14,248 (.05% of gross sales)

0% Newspaper, 0% Radio, 0% Television, 0% Direct Mail, 0% Internet

Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest Mailing List Size: 0 Number of Yearly Mailings: 0 Email List: 3,584 Emails Sent Per Month: 4 Website Cost/Year: $2,000 Other: TV in local athletic club, print ads in non-profit horticulture publication

Constant Contact Open Rate 28 - 35% (43% Mobile) Special Events & Promotions: Jack-O-Latern Jamboree. Community carves up to 70 pumpkins for a free night of touring. 2019 open for two nights with 800 - 1,000 visitors. Float in Hockessin Parade. Partners with local nature and hort organizations to promote gardening and native plants.

Actions Taken to Maintain or Grow Sales and Increase Profits in 2021: Hired a merchandising expert. Keeping inventory levels high to look full. Redesigned our layout. Bringing in larger plants for atmosphere and sales. Made most profitable sections larger. Made sure product did not run out when we could control that. Keeping staff focused on sales and maintaining plants.

What Changes Did COVID Bring About for Your Center That You Plan to Continue?

Outdoor register. More full-time and less part-time staff. 8-5 only; no nights.

What Areas of Your Operation Would You Like Ideas or Suggestions from Fellow Garden Center Owners/Managers?

How can we maximize display space to produce more income?

Do we have enough display or do we need more?

How do we improve our appeal to millenials?

Ways to keep staffed focused in slower seasons?

Layout recommendations?

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The Fall Event 2021

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Tour

The Fall Event 2021

North Creek Nurseries Our second stop is at North Creek Nurseries, located approximately 8 miles from Gateway Garden Center.

Founded in 1988 by Dale Hendricks and Steve Castorani, North Creek strives to promote sustainable outdoor environments. As a wholesale propagation nursery, they provide top quality starter plugs to retail & wholesale nurseries, retail grower, mail order and landscape professionals. From new varieties to triedand-true favorites, ornamentals to treasured natives, they offer a full range of horticultural and Landscape Plug™ sizes to help growers succeed and ecological designs thrive. They specialize in perennials, ornamental grasses, ferns & vines with an emphasis on Eastern US natives.

North Creek is one of the nation’s strongest promoters of perennial plants and North American Natives.

In fact, they, along with Prides Corner Farms created a brand to promote North American Natives, called American Beauties.

Each year, Greenhouse Management and Nursery Management, with the support of Syngenta, honor six green-industry professionals who exemplify the leadership qualities needed to inspire and empower those around them and who work toward the betterment of the entire industry with the Horticultural Industries Leadership Awards. Steve Castorani was a 2020 HILA Award recipient. If you would like to get to know a little more about Steve you may find this article in the July 2020 issue of Nursery Management of interest: https://www.nurserymag.com/article/hila-steve-castorani-north-creek-nurseries/ Steve Castorani, CEO and President (and longtime supporter of The Group), and his staff are ready to show you their beautiful trial gardens, help you grow your perennial plant sales, and answer any questions you may have.

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The Fall Event 2021 North Creek Nurseries Profile Owner(s): Steve Castorani, President/CEO Managers: Tim McGinty, General Manager/COO Erin Kelly, Production Manager Sarah McGinty, Inventory Manager Maddie Maynor, Growing Operations Manager Ryan McGinty, Oxford Farm Manager Jody Stuart, Shipping Manager Addison Van Ness, Customer Service Manager Caarrie Wiles, Marketing Manager Arden Pontach, Plant Trials & Gardens Manager

In Business 33 yrs (33 this location) 2 Locations - 17 acres in Landenberg, PA; 28 acres in Oxford, PA (where they finish and ship material) Greenhouse Square Footage - 111,408 in Landenberg; 200,668 in Oxford

Staffing: 90 Full Time, 5 Full Time Seasonal Products and Programs: North Creek strives to promote sustainable outdoor environments. As a wholesale propagation nursery, we specialize in growing starter plants or plugs of perennials, ornamental grasses, ferns, vines and shrubs with an emphasis on Eastern US native plants. Our plants are used by wholesale growers and landscape contractors. Our Landscape Plugs™ product line provides planting solutions for ecological projects including storm water management, soil stabilization, landscape restoration, and habitat establishment.

Our vision is to be a leader in the development and practice of sustainable horticultural systems while delighting our customers.

Our collections include: Perennials, grasses, sedges, ferns, vines, pollinator-friendly plants, plants for dry shade, ground covers for sun and shade environments with dry and/or moist soil, plants for erosion control, and plants for green roofs.

Research and Development: Our Plant Trials & Gardens department consists of 3 full-time employees and usually at least one 3-month summer intern, it not more. Together, this team manages 3+ acres of storm water management systems including: multiple rain gardens, a bioswale, a tall and mid-height meadow, 2 green roofs, and sun and shade perennial display gardens. Our Upper Trial area is where new genetics are evaluated for garden worthiness. These side by side evaluations are critiqued on 3 guiding principles.

1. Our plants are excellent garden and or landscape performers in the mid-Atlantic region.

2. They are not invasive or overly aggressive.

3. Once established in an appropriate site they require no material input to maintain their ornamental value or garden worthiness.

Typically, plants are evaluated over the course of 2-3 years. Our extensive plant research and evaluation trials afford us the opportunity to study adaptability, vigor, and garden worthiness. Guided by North Creek’s New Plant Principles, we evaluate ecological, functional, and aesthetic characteristics of every plant we propagate. Only after these selections and species prove themselves to our Plant Selection Committee, do we offer them to our valued customers.

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Star Roses and Plants Star® Roses and Plants has been bringing great plants to the world’s gardens since 1897. Originally the Conard-Pyle Company, Star® Roses and Plants is now part of Ball Horticulture Company. Their long-standing relationships with breeders all over the world have allowed them to bring some of the most revolutionary plants to market. From the Peace Rose to the Knock Out® Rose, and from the Blue and China Girl Hollies to Akadama™ Hydrangea, their goal is to identify, develop and introduce plants that offer unique or notable features and performance.

Star® Roses and Plants is a family of brands, but they also have a family of co-workers and colleagues that share the collective vision of bringing breakthrough plants and programs to market so that the growing, sales, retail and gardening experience is one that we can all benefit from. During our visit, you will see a glimpse into the world of new plant development, production techniques, and their trial and display gardens – while enjoying lunch!

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The Fall Event 2021 Star Roses and Plants Profile Management Team: Bradd Yoder, President Tom O’Connell, Director of Sales and Licensing Dave Watkins, CFO John Rausch, COO Kyle McKean, Director of Marketing Michele Scheiber, Director of Breeding Jeff Kunovic, Director of Operations Steve Ramsay, General Manager (PA Facilities)

In Business 124 yrs (12 years this location) 2 Locations - West Grove, PA and Dinuba, CA Greenhouse Square Footage - 180,000 SF. Main greenhouses and research greenhouse.

Staffing: 57 Full Time Products and Programs: Star® Roses and Plants is a family of brands that prides itself in being a one-stop shop for growers, landscapers, retailers, and home gardeners. The company has been bringing great plants to the world’s gardens since 1897, and continues to breed and introduce breakthrough roses, edibles, and woody ornamentals. Their most notable brands include The Knock Out® Family of Roses, Drift® Roses, Bushel and Berry® and Bloomables®. Committed to satisfying a wide range of customers and landscapes, Star® Roses and Plants strives to bring only the very best varieties and programs to market.

Research and Development: Over the years, we have introduced many award winning plants, one of the most notable being Knock Out® Roses. Since our founding, our philosophy when introducing new plants has been based on two principles. First, we maintain very close relationships with hybridizers who entrust us to evaluate their seedlings. Second, we maintain a superior testing facility to ensure that only the best plants are introduced.

Star® Roses and Plants works with well-known and amateur hybridizers to introduce their plants to market. This commitment goes back to the mid-1930’s when Conard-Pyle partnered with Meilland® International, and with Kathleen Meserve, who single-handedly redefined Hollies in North American gar­dens. Those enduring relationships, as well as more recent ones with William Radler, the breeder of the Knock Out® Rose and Dr. James Sproul, creator of Eyeconic® Roses, a collection of break­through, hybrid Hulthemia roses, highlight our commitment to bringing new and excit­ing plants to market.

Trialing Process: We operate full testing facilities on both the East and West Coasts. Roses must per­form well in our three locations in order to be introduced to market. We also con­duct extensive production trials to make sure that each new potential introduction performs well on its own roots, in containers and in the garden. We evaluate our woody, edible, and peren­nial plants along a similarly rigorous evaluation process. By utilizing a select and distinguished group of trial partners all over the country, we can perform intense and thorough zone testing, vigorous trialing in containers and in-ground, and comparison trials against the best introduced varieties. The plants we introduce must do more than look pretty; they must fill a market need. Our commitment to these high standards sets us apart, allowing us to introduce plants that ARE better and ARE different. Our testing and evaluation of rose, shrub, and edible varieties continues to expand as we upgrade and develop newer and more rigorous methods to ensure the excellence of all plants we introduce. We’re constantly striving towards cutting edge genetics and processes to ensure the final product will be highly successful and enjoyable for the end user.

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Mostardi Nursery Serving a growing community since 1976, Mostardi Nursery is a family-owned business in Newtown Square, PA, with one location convenient to the Main Line and western suburbs of Philadelphia. Dedicated gardeners as well as the full spectrum of homeowners depend upon Mostardi Nursery for the best plants in all seasons and for all reasons. They feature distinctive plants for the both indoors and out, along with home and garden accents inspired by nature. Their facility includes greenhouses where they grow many seasonal flowering plants that help to ensure the superior quality and selection that their customers have come to expect.

As a founding Group Member, Mostardi Nursery is a third generation operation and considered the place to go for those who are searching for plants above and beyond the ordinary. Steve and Cecelia Mostardi and their staff will be on hand to share details of their operation – another great example of a highly productive operation on a small footprint.

*Mostardi Nusery was one of the few garden centers forced to close for the longest period of time in 2020. Therefore, we are using 2019 sales figures on the following profile page.

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The Fall Event 2021 Mostardi Nursery Profile Owner(s): Steve Mostardi Managers: Cecelia Mostardi, Store Supervisor / Buyer Deborah Gray, Annuals Buyer Paul Mostardi, Business Manager Alex Iacuzio, Operations Manager

In Business 45 yrs (45 this location); 100% Retail 1 Location, 2.5 Acres, 2.25 Used for Retail 12,000 SF Covered Retail Shopping Area, 75 Parking Spaces

$3,722,000 Annual 2019* Retail Sales ($2,910,500 Annual 2020 Retail Sales -24% Compared to 2019) Sales total YTD through July 2021 is $3,187,662 which is 103% over YTD July 2020 $2,070,000 Achieved 2019* Gross Margin (56%) | 10.8% Net Income Highest Sales Volume Day: $90,000 (May 11, 2019) Annuals/Herbs/Veggies: $ 770,000 (21%) 12,000 SF + 09% Compared to Previous Year Perennials $ 565,000 (15%) 11,000 SF + 07% Compared to Previous Year Shrubs: $ 842,000 (23%) 35,000 SF + 22% Compared to Previous Year Trees: $216,969 (06%) 10,000 SF + 08% Compared to Previous Year Tropical: $ 96,637 (03%) 3,100 SF + 07% Compared to Previous Year Giftware: $ 0 ( 0%)

0 SF + 0% Compared to Previous Year Pottery: $110,311 (03%) 0 SF + 13% Compared to Previous Year Hardgoods: $ 205,254 (06%) 3,000 SF + 09% Compared to Previous Year Mulches & Soils: $ 160,749 (04%) 2,500 SF + 10% Compared to Previous Year Average Sale: $ 84.24 (2019) Average Sale: $ _____ (2020) Average Sale: $ 98.89 (2021 YTD Week 29)

Staffing: 12 Full Time, 6-9 Part Time (Year Round) Labor to Sales Ratio: 30% POS: The Retailer (8 yrs), 6 Registers Online Sales: No

Marketing: Market Area: 7-9 mi. radius Zip Code Count: 8,000 Households Median Household Income: $110,344 Average Home Value: $418,200 Marketing Budget: $ 60,000 (1.06% of gross sales)

0% Newspaper, 0% Radio, 0% Television, .09% Direct Mail Mailing List Size: 15,000 Number of Yearly Mailings: 4 Email List: 4,500 Emails Sent Per Month: 4 Website Cost/Year: Other: Email marketing and advertising cost if $6,500 per year.

Special Events & Promotions: We orchestrate and support our community’s participation in the America in Bloom campaign, currently the only town in Pennsylvania that participates in the program.

Actions Taken to Maintain or Grow Sales and Increase Profits in 2021: We placed a greater focus on sourcing plants from our best performing growers and found growers who were new to us, but who were able to supply what we needed during the demand surge that we experienced this Spring. Raised prices wherever appropriate in several departments such as woody plants, annuals and soils, plus continually monitoring cost increases for hardgoods thereby increasing retail prices accordingly.

What Changes Did COVID Bring About for Your Center That You Plan to Continue?

We added a remote checkout station that helped to alleviate long lines at the indoor checkouts.

What Areas of Your Operation Would You Like Ideas or Suggestions from Fellow Garden Center Owners/Managers? Every area of our operations is in need of ideas for improvement; can’t think of any specific category since we are in a holding pattern in terms of being in a position to do major upgrades.

Certainly all of our outdoor display fixtures will need to be replaced soon, and suggestions along those lines would be welcome.

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Terrain at Styer’s In 2008, Terrain opened its doors in this Flagship location on the historic site of J. Franklin Styer’s nursery, one of America’s most respected names in horticulture since 1890. Renamed “Terrain at Styers,” the new venture enhanced the typical notion of a garden center by combining a retail store, an event space, and a café.

With over five acres of ever-changing blooms and greenery, the nursery, café, and historic buildings provide a unique setting for private events of all varieties and sizes. Guided by the idea of merging house and garden, their aim is to transform the local garden center into a celebration of nature, community, seasonality, and self-expression. With a focus on wellness, sustainability, and design, Terrain is inspired by the idea of merging house and garden to create an experience for all of the senses, as well as catering to our customer with a variety of products and services to captivate her imagination, enhance her life and bolster her community.

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The Fall Event 2021 Terrian at Styer’s Profile Owner(s): URBN - portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, BHLDN, Terrain, Menus & Venues, and Nuuly. www.urbn.com

In Business 13 yrs (13 this location); 100% Retail 7 Locations - Devon, PA; Glen Mills, PA; Bethesda, MD; Century City, CA; Palo Alto, CA; Walnut Creek, CA; Westport, CT 5 Acres Blue Rock Construction transformed the 118- year-old J. Franklin Styer Nurseries into Urban Outfitters’ new outdoor living concept, “Terrain at Styers,” an upscale garden and home store.The indoor-outdoor project included a retrofit of existing buildings, both new and old. Three new green houses, a new barn and new landscape were constructed as well. During the renovation of the existing garden center and old farmhouse, historic details were preserved while reclaimed materials added richness and character to new buildings. The project was completed in just eight weeks in order for Terrain to open for Spring of 2008.

Terrain at Styers is one of the premier contemporary garden centers in the country transforming the local garden center into an experience that celebrates the beauty and abundance of nature while offering an eclectic mix of garden-inspired products tailored for the contemporary customer.

Special Events: With a wide array of gorgeously restored historic buildings on site, Terrain at Styer’s is an ideal location for private brunch, dinner, cocktail events, weddings and event of all kinds and sizes from 15 - 100 guests. The ever-changing gardens provide a layered horticultural experience and each event space offers a beautiful backdrop for additional florals and décor.

Guided by the seasonal harvest, their in-house culinary staff creates locally-inspired menus for all occasions, from plated meals to family-style dining, buffets and cocktail receptions.

Garden Cafe: Terrain’s greenhouse cafe offers seasonally changing brunch, lunch, and dinner menus featuring hand-selected local produce, meats, and dairy alongside a thoughtfully curated beverage program from near and far. Served in a deliberately designed environment to blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, each cafe’s décor is unique, providing an inspiring dining experience every time. Guests are welcome to BYOB at the Terrain cafe at Styer’s.

While we don’t have comparable stats on Terrain at Styers, our focus should be on their visual merchandising savvy and ability to connect the urban environment with nature.Their creativity and use of natural materials, deploying biophylic design, can offer all centers great ideas and inspiration!

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Longwood Garden Making the impossible possible... this is the spirit that led Pierre S. du Pont to build his first conservatory so that he could enjoy fresh produce in the winter.

Today, that same spirit inspires Longwood gardeners and researchers to excellence in growing, breeding, and curating our plant collections. When visiting Longwood Gardens, you are immersed not only in the breathtaking surroundings but in a rich history as well. The traditions and elegance of the gardens have evolved over decades to create the magnificence you see today.

From those first seedlings planted by Pierre S. du Pont in 1907, Longwood Gardens has grown into one of the premier botanical destinations of the world, with more than a thousand acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, woodlands, meadows and majestic fountain displays. Today, Longwood boasts more than 11,000 different types of plants and trees, hosts 800 horticultural and arts events each year, and welcomes more than 1 million visitors annually.

Our visit to Longwood Gardens will allow time for exploring before a private reception and a special fountain show for The Group. Awaken your senses with a stroll along the Flower Garden Walk, hear the Ballad of the Bluebird, measure the height of a tree, discover what’s hiding in Hourglass Lake, and perhaps enjoy a few meditative moments at the Forest Walk. You can certainly get your “Nature Fix” at Longwood Gardens!

Although there will time to explore, our vist will simply not allow time to see the entire garden. Indoor experiences include a 4-acre Conservatory, the historic Peirce-du Pont House, the Webb Farmhouse & Galleries, The Terrace, and the Visitor Center. There are nearly 400 acres that are open to the public.

Walking is the primary way to enjoy the Gardens. Accessible paths are available for guests using a wheelchair or electric scooter. Shuttle service is not provided inside the Gardens except for our Meadow Garden Shuttle that runs between the Peirce-du Pont House and Webb Farmhouse.

We recommend you use the Mobile Map to pre-plan your vist.

Go to lwg.to/map and simply click on the area for details.

Or scan the QR Code to the right.

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Longwood Gardens History There have been many stewards of the land that is now called Longwood Gardens. For thousands of years, the native Lenni Lenape tribe fished the streams, hunted its forests, and planted its fields. In 1700, the course of history changed when a Quaker farmer named George Peirce purchased 402 acres of this English-claimed land from William Penn’s commissioners. Over the next several years, George and his descendants cleared and farmed the rich land, and in 1730 one of George’s sons, Joshua, built the brick farmhouse that, now enlarged, still stands today. In 1798, George’s twin great-grandsons, Samuel and Joshua, began planting an arboretum that eventually covered 15 acres. As the 19th century rolled into the 20th, heirs to the land lost interest and allowed the arboretum to deteriorate. The property passed through several hands in quick succession until a lumber mill operator was contracted to remove the trees from a 41-acre parcel of land in early 1906. It was this threat that moved one man to take action. In July 1906, 36-year-old Pierre du Pont purchased the farm primarily to preserve the trees. But as we know now, he didn’t stop there. Much of what you see today – the majesty and magic that is Longwood Gardens – was shaped by the remarkable vision of Pierre du Pont, one of our nation’s most extraordinary citizens. Learn more history of the garden at https://longwoodgardens.org/history.

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Program

Thursday, September 02 8:15am - 9:00am

Setting the Bar for 2022

Danny Summers, The Garden Center Group

Join Danny as he reviews the past three days of intensive learning, stretching the mind, and expanding the vision to reach new heights in 2022.

As he explores the many opportunities presented at This Fall Event, you will discover there’s plenty of ‘takeaways’ to wrap up and take home!

You’ll be challenged to set new goals, take action, and Raise the Bar in 2022 and beyond. And speaking of next year, you’ll be the first to know which road will lead to The Fall Event in 2022!

But the morning doesn’t end here! Next, you’ll hear a familiar story backed by research but told in a very personal way... a valuable story worth repeating; a story worth reinterpreting for today.

9:00am - 10:00am

The Nature Fix

Florence Williams, Journalist, Author and Podcaster

All Fall Event registrants will receive a complimentary copy of The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative, exploring the hidden connections between our health and resilience, and the natural world.

Florence Williams traveled the globe learning about the cutting-edge science behind why being in nature makes us happier, healthier, and more creative. From the horticulture therapy gardens of Denmark to the forest-therapy trails of Japan, what she learned holds many lessons for interacting with the natural world in good times and bad.

Florence Williams is a journalist, author, and podcaster. Her most recent book, The Nature Fix, was an Audible bestseller and was named a top summer read by J.P Morgan.

She is a contributing editor at Outside Magazine and a freelance writer for the New York Times, New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, The New York Review of Books, Slate, Mother Jones and numerous other publications. She is also the writer and host of two Gracie-Award-winning Audible Original series, including The Three-Day Effect. She also makes podcasts for Outside Magazine. A fellow at the Center for Humans and Nature and a visiting scholar at George Washington University, her work focuses on the environment, health and science. She has received many awards, including six magazine awards from the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the John Hersey Prize at Yale.

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The Fall Event 2021 10:30am - 12:00pm Leveraging “The Nature Fix” Story

Robert Hendrickson, Robert Hendrickson Consulting & Tom Kegley, Kegley Communications The Nature Fix story is a familiar story – a story that’s been told in many different ways. We are all aware of the benefit of plants. Studies show plants improve mental health, improve your productivity, improve your learning ability, improve your relationships, boost your immune system, improve air quality, add more humidity to the home... the list goes on and on. We have the data, we see the proof – in fact, we saw evidence of the need for nature through this recent pandemic as thousands of new customers flocked to your Centers for their “fix”.

In previous years, we’ve crafted messages of hope, joy, oasis, and paradise, but is there a better message we can tell to a much larger audience who is now listening? How can we make our customers understand that although plants have beautiful and captivating features that add visual interest to their home, first and foremost we need plants in our life. They are our closest and convenience link to nature for a quick “fix”.

Florence’s research and personal experience will lay the groundwork for this creative session as our two storytelling experts, Robert Hendrickson and Tom Kegley, help you craft a story – a story to take home and put to use!

Mark Your Calendar...

The Fall Event

September 19 - September 22

2022

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Group Service Providers The Garden Center Group (The Group) was created to provide a full-service menu of expert advice that deals directly with the most important business functions facing garden centers today and in the future. We knew that would mean bringing together experts from within the garden center industry as well as professionals from other fields. The result is a network of professionals with specific talents that provide garden centers with the most innovative ideas and solutions in the industry... proven methods that take the guesswork out of important business decisions.

Managing Director

Danny Summers The Garden Center Group

Client Care Karen Summers The Garden Center Group

Financial Management Steve Bailey RetailKPI Consulting

Financial Management

Tim Quebedeaux RetailKPI Consulting

Business Strategies Sid Raisch Horticultural Advantage

Branding and Marketing Tom Kegley Tom Kegley Communications

Integrated Digital Marketing Steve Kendall The Design Works

Property/Site Design Robert Hayter LKG Engineering

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Marketing Matters Robert Hendrickson Next New Planet

The Fall Event 2021 The Group is a community of professionals with one goal in mind... helping each other build successful companies. We believe that the success of The Group is dependent on the success of each participating company. As a Group Client, you have access to some of the industry’s leading experts on business management issues along with dozens of garden center owners from across the country; centers facing the same business concerns as you. So take some time at The Fall Event to get to know the people of The Group and tap into this wealth of knowledge!

Human Resources

Jean Seawright Seawright & Associates, Inc.

Team Building & Succession John Kennedy John Kennedy Consulting

NEED HELP in connecting or implementing any new services at your business? Contact Danny Summers today and we’ll get you moving toward Harnessing the POWER of The Garden Center Group!

Brand Building Business Strategies Financial Management & Analysis Human Resource Services Marketing Matters Marketing (Integrated Digital) Mystery Shop Program Property Development & Site Design Team Building & Succession

Tom Kegley Communications, Tom Kegley Horticultural Advantage Systems, Sid Raisch* RetailKPI Consulting, Steve Bailey and Tim Quebedeaux* Seawright & Associates, Jean Seawright* Next New Planet, Robert Hendrickson* The Design Works, Steve Kendall Danny Summers, The Garden Center Group* LKC Engineering, Robert Hayter John Kennedy Consulting, John Kennedy*

*Your retainer includes phone and email access to industry experts with expanded service available for additional fees.

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Sponsors All-America Selections National Garden Bureau Diane Blazek 5201 Walnut Ave Ste 3 Downers Grove, IL 60515 Tel 630-963-0770 https://all-americaselections.org

Border Concepts Chris Bednar Christie Fleming Bob Martin 1338 Hundred Oaks Dr Ste G Charlotte, NC 28217-3987 Tel 704-541-5509 cbednar@borderconcepts.com cfleming@borderconcepts.com bmartin@borderconcepts.com www.borderconcepts.com

American Beauties/ NorthCreek Nurseries Steve Castorani 388 North Creek Rd Landenberg, PA 19350 Tel 610-255-0100 steve@northcreeknurseries.com www.northcreeknurseries.com

Dummen Orange Meghan Owens 71 Clapboard Rd Portland, ME 04103 Tel 207-572-0465 M.Owens@DummenOrange.com na.dummenorange.com/site/en

AmericanHort Ken Fisher 2130 Stella Ct Columbus, OH 43215-1033 Tel 614-487-1117 kenf@americanhort.org www.americanhort.org

EPICOR Software Corporation Sam Kirkland Thom Taylor 605 Yorktown Rd De Forest, WI 53532 Tel 608-213-4966 skirkland@epicor.com ttaylor@epicor.com www.epicor.com

Bailey Nurseries Ryan McEnaney Heather Poire 1325 Bailey Rd St. Paul, MN 55119 Tel 800-829-8898 ryan.mcenaney@baileynurseries.com heather.poire@baileynursery.com www.baileynurseries.com Ball Seed Jeff Gibson 622 Town Rd West Chicago, IL 60185 Tel 630-588-3268 jgibson@ballhort.com www.ballseed.com Ball Publishing-Green Profit Magazine Jennifer Polanz Bill McCurry PO Box 1660 West Chicago, IL 60186 Tel 440-749-2131 jpolanz@ballpublishing.com wmccurry@mccurryassoc.com www.ballpublishing.com Bennett Plants Bill Bennett 272 County Rd 854 Heflin, AL 36264 Tel 256-499-6881 bill@bennettplants.com www.bennettplants.com

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The Espoma Company Shawn Shockey 6 Espoma Rd Millville, NJ 08332 Tel 800-634-0603 sshockey@espoma.com www.espoma.com Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (TPIE) Linda Adams 1533 Park Center Dr Orlando FL 32835 Tel 407-295-7994 ladams@fngla.org www.fngla.org Garden Center Magazine/GIE Media Kate Spirgen 4012 Bridge Ave Cleveland, OH 44113 Tel 216-236-5744 kspirgen@gie.net www.gardencentermag.com Glenhaven Home & Holiday Tom Durkin 213 Maple St Northfield, MN 55057 Tel 507-458-6343 tom@glenhavenhomeholiday.com www.glenhavenhomeholiday.com

The Fall Event 2021 GrowTech Solutions Sam Burks 2754 W Appaloosa Rd Tucson, AR 85742 Tel 417-753-2555 sburks@growtechsolutions.com www.growtechsolutions.com

Plastec Products Hunter Eichelberger 61 Texaco Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 Tel 717-766-1578 heichelberger@plastecproducts.com www.plastecproducts.com

Henri Studio Frank Honold Jill Honold 1250 Henri Drive Wauconda, IL 60084 Tel 800-323-4784 fhonold@henristudio.com jhonold@henristudio.com www.henristudio.com

Prides Corner Farms Tim Kane 122 Waterman Rd Lebanon, CT 06249 Tel 860-642-7535, 6032 tkane@pridescorner.com www.pridescorner.com

Lawn & Garden Retailer Teresa McPherson 75 Applewood Dr, Ste A Sparta, MI 49345 Tel 616-520-2163 tmcpherson@greatamericanpublish.com www.lgrmag.com Master Nursery Garden Centers Pat Flaherty 190 S. Orchard Ave Ste -230 Vacaville, CA 95688 Tel 707-359-2700 pat@masternursery.com www.masternursery.com Monrovia Tim Barthel 817 E Monrovia Place Azusa, CA 91702 Tel 626-334-7956 tbarthel@monrovia.com www.monrovia.com Morning Dew Tropical Plants Kingston White 601 North Congress Ave, Ste 436 Delray Beach, FL 33445 Tel 561-266-0188 kingston@morningdewtropical.com www.morningdewtropical.com Overdevest Nurseries David Wilson 578 Bowentown Rd Bridgeton, NJ 08302-6203 Tel 888-842-6567 david@overdevest-nurseries.com www.overdevest-nurseries.com

Proven Winners North America Jessica DeGraaf 426 West Second St Rochester, MI 48307 Tel 616-706-7970 jessica@provenwinners.com www.provenwinners.com Proven Winners/Spring Meadow David Arsenault 12601 120th Ave Grand Haven, MI 49417 Tel 616-223-3374 david@springmeadownursery.com www.springmeadownursery.com R.W. Rogers Company Bob Rogers 610 S Kirk Rd St. Charles, IL 60174 Tel 630-377-9033 brogers@rwrogerscompany.com www.rwrogerscompany.com Saunders Brothers Sonya Westervelt 2717 Tye Brook Hwy Piney River, VA 22964 Tel 434-277-5455 sonya@saundersbrothers.com www.saundersbrothers.com SimPOS! Software Bob Schmitz Brian Wilson 21414 Ricci Rd Monroe, WA 98272 Tel 206-914-0470 simpos@simpos.com www.simpos.com

The “Partners for Success” status is offered to a limited number of companies that recognize the unique nature of the independent garden center operation and are interested in developing methods that can help improve retailer/vendor relationships through open dialog, new product introductions and when possible, special pricing for Group garden center clients. Take the time to talk with our Partners for Success...

They’re here to help you succeed!

47

The Fall Event 2021 Star Roses and Plants Tyler Brown Tim Wood 25 Lewis Rd West Grove, PA 19390 Tel 610-869-2426 tybrown@starrosesandplants.com timwood@starrosesandplants.com www.starrosesandplants.com Suntory Flowers Delilah Onofrey 1961 Dover Center Rd Westlake, OH 44145 Tel 440-522-1447 donofrey@gmail.com www.suntoryflowers.com VMX Software Meg Wilson 5485 Hwy 280 E Birmingham, AL 35242 Tel 205-368-2115 meg@vmxllc.com www.vmxllc.com Willoway Nurseries Paul Doherty 4534 Center Rd Avon, OH 44011 Tel 866-934-4435 pdoherty@willowaynurseries.com www.willowaynurseries.com

48

The Fall Event 2021

Participants - Alphabetical by Company American Beauties/ NorthCreek Nurseries Steve Castorani 388 North Creek Rd Landenberg, PA 19350 Tel 610-255-0100 steve@northcreeknurseries.com American Tree John Brzozowski Connie Brzozowski Joseph Brzozowski 3903 VanDyke Almont, MI. 48003 Tel 810-798-2525 info@americantreeinc.com Atlantic Nursery Sig Feile Christina Feile 250 Atlantic Ave Freeport, NY 11520 Tel 516-378-7357 sigfeile@atlanticnursery.com christinafeile@atlanticnursery.com B.B. Barns Ned Gibson | ned.gibson@bbbarns.com Thomas Gibson | thomas.gibson@bbbarns.com Jon Merrill | jon.merrill@bbbarns.com 3377 Sweeten Creek Rd Arden, NC 28704 Tel 828-650-7300 Bailey Nurseries Ryan McEnaney Heather Poire 1325 Bailey Rd St. Paul, MN. 55119 Tel 800-829-8898 ryan.mcenaney@baileynurseries.com heather.poire@baileynursery.com Ball Horticulture Co. Jeff Gibson Martin Jones 622 Town Rd West Chicago, IL. 60185 Tel 630-588-3268 jgibson@ballhort.com mjones@ballhort.com Ball Publishing-Green Profit Jennifer Polanz Bill McCurry 622 Town Rd West Chicago, IL. 60185 Tel 440-749-2131 jpolanz@ballpublishing.com wmccurry@mccurryassoc.com

Beaver Bark Garden Center Renae Bobbett Jackie Bobbett 607 Aaron Dr Richland, WA. 99352 Tel 509-946-1000 office@beaverbark.com Bedford Fields Bill Zeolie 331 Route 101 Bedford, NH 03110 Tel 603-472-8880 bill@bedfordfields.com Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse Russ Bedner | russ@bednersgreenhouse.com Melanie Bedner | melanie@bednersgreenhouse.com 315 Coleman Rd McDonald, PA 15057 Tel 724-926-2541 Bennett Plants Bill Bennett 272 County Rd 854 Heflin, AL 36264 Tel 256-499-6881 bill@bennettplants.com Berns Garden Center Mike Berns | mike@bernsgardencenter.com Shannon Irving | shannon@bernsgardencenter.com Keith Berns | keith@bernsgardencenter.com Scott Berns | scott@bernslandscaping.com 825 Greentree Rd Middletown, OH 45044 Tel 513-423-5306 Beyond Behnke Stephanie Fleming PO Box 247 Lisbon, MD 21765 Tel 240-508-5054 sfleming@behnkes.com Border Concepts Chris Bednar Christie Fleming Bob Martin 1338 Hundred Oaks Dr Ste G Charlotte, NC 28217-3987 Tel 704-541-5509 cbednar@borderconcepts.com cfleming@borderconcepts.com bmartin@borderconcepts.com

49

The Fall Event 2021 Participants Bountiful Acres Andrew Eckhoff PO Box 577 - 5074 York Rd Holicong, PA 18928 Tel 215-794-7043 andy@bountifulacres.com

Del’s Garden Center Todd Brockshus 1808 11th St SE Spencer, IA 51301 Tel 712-262-4912 todd@delsgardencenter.com

Broccolo Garden Center Laurie Broccolo Albert Broccolo 2755 Penfield Rd Fairport, NY 14450 Tel 585-424-4476 lrbroccolo@broccologroup.com abroccolo@gmail.com

Dothan Nurseries JD Boone | jdboone@dothannurseries.com Rhoda Boone | office@dothannurseries.com Madeline Paige | design@dothannurseries.com Emily Pilcher | emily@dothannurseries.com 1300 Montgomery Hwy Dothan, AL 36303 Tel 334-333-8927

Buchanan’s Native Plants Zach Buchanan | ops@buchanansplants.com Heather Buchanan | admin@buchanansplants.com Marta Lafaver | marta@buchanansplants.com 611 East 11th St Houston, TX 77008 Tel 713-861-5702

Dummen Orange Meghan Owens 71 Clapboard Rd Portland, ME 04103 Tel 207-572-0465 m.owens@DummenOrange.com

Bucks Country Gardens Thomas Hebel Ryan Hebel 1057 N Easton Rd Doylestown, PA 18902 Tel 215-766-7800 thebel@buckscountrygardens.com rhebel@buckscountrygardens.com Burnett’s Country Gardens Todd Burnett | todd.burnett@burnettscg.com Meghan Burnett | meghan.burnett@burnettscg.com Amanda Pezzulo | amanda@burnettscg.com Beth Stewart | beth@burnettscg.com 380 New London Rd Salem, CT 06420 Tel 860-949-8722 Cahoon Nursery & Garden Center Brian Corrigan | brian@cahoonnursery.com Dana Corrigan | dana@cahoonnursery.com 27630 Detroit Rd Westlake, OH 44145 Tel 440-871-3761 Civano Nursery Chris Shipley Mel Taylor-Shipley 5301 S Houghton Rd Tuscon, AZ 85747 520-546-9200 chris.civanonursery@yahoo.com mel@civanonursery.com Corso’s Flower & Garden Center John Corso | jcorso@corsos.com Robert Weaver | robert@corsos.com 3404 Milan Rd Sandusky, OH 44870 Tel 419-626-0765

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Earth Works Unlimited Jason Duffney Rhonda King | rhonda.earthworks@gmail.com Terri McGregor | terri.earthworks@gmail.com Matthew Barlow | treetitan@gmail.com 12501 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32246 Tel 904-996-0712 j.duffney@gmail.com EPICOR Software Corporation Sam Kirkland Thom Taylor 605 Yorktown Rd De Forest, WI 53532 Tel 608-213-4966 skirkland@epicor.com ttaylor@epicor.com The Espoma Company Shawn Shockey 6 Espoma Rd Millville, NJ 08332 Tel 800-634-0603 sshockey@espoma.com Fairview Garden Center Heather Rollins | heathercrollins@gmail.com Susan Rollins | susanrollins@bellsouth.net Chance Smith | chance.g.smith@yahoo.com 8224 Holly Springs Rd Raleigh, NC 27606 Tel 919-851-6821 FarWest Landscape & Garden Center Dennis Fix | dennis@farwestlandscape.net Maya Fix | maya@farwestlandscape.net 5728 W State St Boise, ID 83703 Tel 208-853-4000

Alphabetical by Company Fiddleheads Garden Center Sam Brown Crystal Hedden 1237 W Walnut Ave Dalton, GA 30720 Tel 706-529-6584 fiddleheadsdalton@gmail.com Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Linda Adams 1533 Park Center Dr Orlando, FL 32835 Tel 407-295-7994 ladams@fngla.org For Garden’s Sake Scott Pearce | scott@fgsdurham.com Amanda Henry | amanda@fgsdurham.com Marsha Pearce | marsha@fgsdurham.com Julia Sampson | julia@fgsdurham.com 9197 NC Hwy 751 Durham, NC 27713 Tel 919-484-9759 Forest Lake Greenhouses Harriet Charles | harriet@forestlakegreenhouses.com Claudia Venable | claudia.venable@gmail.com Laura Hoefer | laura@forestlakegreenhouses.com Caroline Vanderhyden | caroline@forestlakegreenhouses.com 3108 Alligator Rd Florence, SC 29501 Tel 843-662-5666 Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery Vic Vanik | vanik@animas.net Gail Vanik | gail@animas.net 26650 Road P Dolores, CO 81323 Tel 970-565-8274 Garden Center Magazine/GIE Media Kate Spirgen 4012 Bridge Ave Cleveland, OH 44113 Tel 216-236-5744 kspirgen@gie.net The Gardener’s Center and Florist Kris Barker | kris@gogcf.com Sean Corenki | sean@gogcf.com 1396 Post Rd Darien, CT 06820 Tel 203-655-2549 Gateway Garden Center Peg Castorani | peg@gatewaygardens.com Rich Hanrahan | rich@gatewaygardens.com Doris Quinn | doris@gatewaygardens.com Matt Mclean | matt@gatewaygardens.com Nancy Bell | nancyebell@hotmail.com 7277 Lancaster Pike Hockessin, DE 19707 Tel 302-239-2727

Gauge Digital Media Brett Callegary 289 East Main St Westminster, MD 21157 Tel 410-376-7709 brett@gaugedigitalmedia.com Glenhaven Home & Holiday Tom Durkin 213 Maple St Northfield, MN 55057 Tel 507-458-6343 Tom@glenhavenhomeholiday.com Green Haven Garden Center Carol Thomas 1181 Hughes Drive Hamilton, NJ 08690 Tel 609-584-6930 cthomas@greenhavengardencenter.com Grey Goose Farm Donnie Whitmeyer | donnie@greygoosefarm.com Stacey Whitmeyer | stacey@greygoosefarm.com 23000 Davis Mill Road Germantown, MD 20876 Tel 301-977-7555 GrowTech Solutions Sam Burks 2754 W Appaloosa Rd Tucson, AR 85742 Tel 417-753-2555 sburks@growtechsolutions.com Henri Studio Frank Honold | fhonold@henristudio.com Jill Honold | jhonold@henristudio.com 1250 Henri Drive Wauconda, IL 60084 Tel 800-323-4784 Homestead Gardens Brian Riddle | brian@homesteadgardens.com Larry Hoffman | larry.hoffmn@homesteadgardens.com Clint Albin | clint.albin@homesteadgardens.com 743 W Central Ave Davidsonville, MD 21035 Tel 410-798-5000 Horticultural Advantage Sid Raisch 631 N High St Hillsboro, OH 45133 937-302-0423 sid@horticulturaladvantage.com John Kennedy Consulting John Kennedy | john@Ishakeitup.com Souny Kennedy | souny@agritourism.life 5527 Sully Lake Dr Centreville, VA 20120 Tel 443-605-7095 john@Ishakeitup.com

51

The Fall Event 2021 Participants Kennedy’s Country Gardens Chris Kennedy | chris@kennedyscountrygardens.com Lisa Wells | storemanager@kennedyscountrygardens.com 85 Chief Justice Cushing Hwy Scituate, MA 02066 Tel 781-545-1266 Kerby’s Nursery Joey Bokor John Hodgson 2311 S Parsons Ave Seffner, FL 33584 Tel 813-685-3265 admin@kerbysnursery.com jhodgson@kerbysnursery.com Lawn & Garden Retailer Teresa McPherson 75 Applewood Dr Ste A Sparta, MI 49345 Tel 616-520-2163 tmcpherson@greatamericanpublish.com Lindley’s Nursery & Garden Center Debbie Pell Jennifer Pell 1232 Canal St New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 Tel 386-428-7298 lindleysgarden@msn.com jennilynn.pell@gmail.com LKC Engineering Robert Hayter PO Box 499 Independence, VA 24348 Tel 910-420-1437 robert@lkcengineering.com Longfellow’s Greenhouses Scott Longfellow Will Longfellow Ellie Longfellow 81 Puddledock Rd Manchester, ME 04351 Tel 207-622-5965 slongfellow@longfellowsgreenhouses.com will@longfellowsgreenhouses.com ellie@longfellowsgreenhouses.com Louisiana Nursery Mitch Mayes Eugene Rogers 8680 Perkins Rd Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Tel 225-766-0381 mmayes@louisiananursery.com erogers@louisiananursery.com Master Nursery Garden Centers Pat Flaherty 190 S Orchard Ave Ste B-230 Vacaville, CA 95688 Tel 707-359-2700 pat@masternursery.com

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Meadows Farms Jay Meadows | jmeadows@meadowsfarms.com Doreen Meadows | assttopres@meadowsfarms.com Ron Meadows | rmeadows@meadowsfarms.com Bobby Lewis | blewis@meadowsfarms.com Karen Shores | kshores@meadowsfarms.com Dave Slack | dslack@meadowsfarms.com Mike Futrell | mfutrell@meadowsfarms.com Brad Bobenrieth | bbobenrieth@meadowsfarms.com 43054 John Mosby Hwy Chantilly, VA 20152 Tel 703-327-3940 Monrovia Tim Barthel 817 E Monrovia Place Azusa, CA 91702 Tel 626-334-7956 tbarthel@monrovia.com Mostardi Nursery Steve Mostardi Cecelia Mostardi 4033 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA 19073 Tel 610-356-8035 steve@mostardi.com cecelia@mostardi.com My Secret Garden Sonya Harrison 3420 Woodhill Dr Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 Tel 678-805-8812 sonya@mysecretgardenga.com New Garden Landscaping and Nursery Alonso Johnson 5577 Garden Village Way Greensboro, NC 27410 Tel 336-288-8893 ajohnson@newgarden.com Next New Planet Robert Hendrickson 55891 Oak Brook Rd New London, MO 63459 Tel 443-255-8282 robert@nextnewplanet.com Overdevest Nurseries David Wilson 578 Bowentown Rd Bridgeton, NJ 08302-6203 Tel 888-842-6567 david@overdevest-nurseries.com Plant Development Services, Inc. (PDSI) Jim Putnam 17325 County Rd 68 Loxley, AL 36551 Tel 251-964-6778 horttube@gmail.com

Alphabetical by Company Plastec Products Hunter Eichelberger 61 Texaco Rd Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 Tel 717-766-1578 heichelberger@plastecproducts.com

RetailKPI Consulting Steve Bailey 59 Lake Indian Hills Circle Carbondale, IL 62902 618-521-5225 stevebailey@gardencenterprofit.com

Prides Corner Farms Tim Kane 122 Waterman Rd Lebanon, CT 06249 Tel 860-642-7535, 6032 tkane@pridescorner.com

RetailKPI Consulting Tim Quebedeaux 16038 Timberstone Prairieville, LA 70769 Tel 770-355-6249‬ timq@tqconsulting.biz

Proven Winners North America Jessica DeGraaf 426 West Second St Rochester, MI 48307 Tel 616-706-7970 jessica@provenwinners.com

Ritters Garden & Gift Ginger Wyman | ginger@4ritter.com Meagan Wyman | bookkeeping@4ritter.com Denise Thompson | denise@4ritter.com 10120 N Division St Spokane, WA 99218 Tel 509-467-5258

Proven Winners/Spring Meadow David Arsenault 12601 120th Ave Grand Haven, MI 49417 Tel 616-223-3374 david@springmeadownursery.com Randy’s Nursery and Greenhouses David Waters 523 W. Crogan St Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Tel 770-822-0676 intheyardga@gmail.com Ray Wiegand’s Garden Center Erma Rhadigan 47747 Romeo Plank Rd Macomb, MI 48044 Tel 586-286-3655 erma@wiegandsnursery.com Reems Creek Nursery Joseph Reavis Susan Reavis Marie Elliott 70 Monticello Rd Weaverville, NC 28787 Tel 828-645-3937 josephreavis605@gmail.com susan.r@reemscreek.com marie.e@reemscreek.com Reston Farm Garden Market Lowell Weinstein | lowell@restonfarm.com Bonita Weinstein | bonita@restonfarm.com Isaiah Weinstein | isaiah@restonfarm.com 10800 Baron Cameron Av Reston, VA 20190 Tel 703-759-0000

Rockledge Gardens Kevin Riley | kevin@rockledgegardens.com Theresa Riley | theresa@rockledgegardens.com Liz Lark-Riley | liz@rockledgegardens.com Chris Kelly | chris@floridakellys.net Cindy Kelly | cindy@floridakellys.net 2153 S US #1 Rockledge, FL 32955 Tel 321-636-7662 Rogers Spring Hill Garden & Farm Center 1269 Boston Rd Bradford, MA 01835 Mikaela Rogers | mikaela@rogersspringhill.com Jason Haberland | jason@rogersspringhill.com Tel 978-372-4780 Rolling Green Nursery Rick Simpson | rick@rollinggreennursery.com Beth Simpson | ere.simpson@gmail.com 64 Breakfast Hill Rd Greenland, NH 03840 Tel 603-436-2732 Romence Gardens Katey Romence 265 Lakeside Drive NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Tel 616-451-8214 kateyr@romencegardens.com Round Rock Garden Center Jeff Ramert | jefframert@roundrockgardens.com Terra Campbell | terrac@roundrockgardens.com Diana Lind | dianalind@roundrockgardens.com 901 Sam Bass Rd Round Rock, TX 78681 Tel 512-255-3353

53

The Fall Event 2021 Participants Saunders Brothers Sonya Westervelt 2717 Tye Brook Hwy Piney River, VA 22964 Tel 434-277-5455 sonya@saundersbrothers.com www.saundersbrothers.com Seawright & Associates Jean Seawright 100 E Ventris Ave Maitland, FL 32751 Tel 407-645-2433 jseawright@seawright.com Shonnard’s Lynnette Shonnard | lynnette@shonnards.com Andrea Shonnard | andrea@shonnards.com Heidi Thomas | heidi@shonnards.com 6600 SW Philomath Blvd Corvallis, OR 97333 Tel 541-929-3524

Suntory Flowers Delilah Onofrey 1961 Dover Center Rd Westlake, OH 44145 Tel 440-522-1447 donofrey@gmail.com Terra Gardens Nursery & Bark Pam Estacio | pamestacio@aol.com Dan Estacio | nursery@terragardens.net 270 Cordon Rd NE Salem, OR 97317 Tel 503-581-0441 The Design Works Steve Kendall 15948 Frederick Rd Woodbine, MD 21797 Tel 443-977-6441 steve@thedesignworks.com

Skinner Garden Store Cameron Rees 4237 NW Lower Silver Lake Rd Topeka, KS 66618 Tel 785-233-9657 cameronr@skinnergardenstore.com

The Garden Center Group Danny Summers Karen Summers PO Box 801494 Acworth, GA 30101 Tel 678-909-7770 danny@thegardencentergroup.com karen@thegardencentergroup.com

South Pleasantburg Nursery Jim Borenstein 1135 South Pleasantburg Dr Greenville, SC 29605 Tel 864-299-6677 spnursery@bellsouth.net

Tom Kegley Communications Tom Kegley 4349 Piney Woods Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073 Tel 843-991-4366 tkegley@rev.net

Star Roses and Plants Tim Wood Tyler Brown 25 Lewis Road West Grove, PA 19390 Tel 610-869-2426 timwood@starrosesandplants.com tybrown@starrosesandplants.com

Tropical Plant International Expo Linda Adams 1533 Park Center Dr Orlando, FL 32835 Tel 407-295-7994 ladams@fngla.org

Sunny Meadows Garden Center Ethan Weber Janel Weber 7437 Sharpsburg Pike Boonsboro, MD 21713 Tel 301-302-0740 ethan@sunnymeadows.net Sunnypoint Gardens Kori Zawojski | tkzawojski@aol.com Tony Zawojski | admin@sunnypointdoorcounty.com 6939 State Hwy 42 Egg Harbor, WI 54209 Tel 920-868-3646

54

Joanna Veltri 7118 Maple Ave Takoma Park, MD 20912 Tel 240-883-8494 joannaveltri@gmail.com VMX Software Meg Wilson 5485 Hwy 280 E Birmingham, AL 35242 Tel 205-368-2115 meg@vmxllc.com Warren’s Southern Gardens Bernice Warren | bernice@warrens.us Dean Warren | dean@warrens.us Alisha Mello | alisha@warrens.us Timothy J Mello 1675 North Park Dr Kingwood, TX 77339 Tel 281-354-2789

Alphabetical by Company Watters Garden Center Ken Lain | kenlain@wattersgardencenter.com McKenzie Lain | mckenzie@wattersgardencenter.com Katelyn Lain Cespedes | katelynlain@gmail.com Jeremy Cespedes | jeremy@wattersgarrdencenter.com 1815 W Iron Springs Rd Prescott, AZ 86305 Tel 928-445-4159

THE POWER OF SHARING

Wells Medina Nursery Wendy Wells | wendy@wellsmedinanursery.com Lisa Freed | lisa@wellsmedinanursery.com 8300 NE 24th St Medina, WA 98039 Tel 425-454-1853 White Oak Gardens 3579 Blue Rock Rd Cincinnati, OH 45247 Tel 513-385-3313 Jeff Webeler | jeff@whiteoakgardens.com Patty Webeler | patty@whiteoakgardens.com Evan Webeler | evan@whiteoakgardens.com Nancy Coons | nancy@whiteoakgardens.com

WHAT DO YOUR

stomers White River Nursery Sarah McCue 5635 E Huntsville Rd Fayetteville, AR 72701 Tel 479-841-5531 sarah@whiterivernursery.com

K OF YOU? Florence Williams 5045 Cathedral Ave NW Washington, DC 20016 Tel 303-319-1092 willflo1@gmail.com

Willoway Nurseries Paul Doherty 4534 Center Rd Avon, OH 44011 moneyTelon866-934-4435 your bottom line. pdoherty@willowaynurseries.com

Wilson’s Garden Center Brian Wilson | bwilson@great-gardeners.com uestion isHolly “We Wilson • Did they find what they were looking for when they | kidsclub@great-gardeners.com t really sure.” came in?

10923 Lambs Lane y study sales • What wasNE the overall experience like doing Newark, OHbusiness 43055with you? can get into All of these questions are very important for your some POSTel 740-763-2873

how often your business, but most customers just don’t have the time to give you the answers. So, one very effective nd help you Winding Stair Farm Nursery of) in retaining way to measure the experience in your store is a Stacy Bredendieck | stacy@windingstairfarm.com can observe Mystery Shopper Program.

Amanda Chappell | amanda@windingstairfarm.com their comments.

Andrew Kelton | andy@windingstairfarm.com Asking All the Right Questions Katie

is questionDoe andPutkowski An effectively designed Mystery Shopper Program | katiedoe@windingstairfarm.com can help 57 Saunders Roadyou see through your customers’ eyes. Did y to really Franklin, NC you notice 28734I said “effectively designed?” Once you s about your begin considering such a program, the next step is to Tel 828-369-9778 ng business with decide what questions to ask the shopper. Developing your own questions can help you make sure you have k in the door? your store’s basic principles in view. during their What do you want your store to look like in the eyes of the customer? I will provide you with some

ARCH 2019

Being independent is great, but you’re on your own to figure out how to grow and manage your business. The Garden Center Group (The Group) is an alliance of garden centers, consultants, service providers and vendors who work together creating a community of professionals with one goal in mind ... helping each other build successful companies.

The Group is your resource for solutions for garden retailing — benchmarking, budgeting, inventory and margins; marketing, merchandising, brand building, property and site design; human resources; team building and succession, and more. We offer direction, support and step-by-step assistance in some of the most important aspects of operating a successful garden center today to reduce the time and trials of doing it alone.

When you join The Group, you will have access to the industry’s leading experts and more than 120 garden center owners from across the country — centers facing the same business concerns as you. Although we are innovative and don’t like limitations, we actually like to “think in the box” because our box is full of a culmination of hundreds of years of experience, boundless energy, brilliant ideas, and an openness to share.

Unlike a buying group that boosts your purchasing power on products that you sell, we focus on business solutions designed to help you increase sales, improve operations and retain more profit. The Group’s Exclusive Annual Profit and Loss Study, now in its 15th year of extensive financial benchmarking, is unmatched in helping garden centers make solid financial decisions.

By consolidating garden centers that agree to work together toward a common goal, The Group is able to provide a network of professionals and business services most centers would not be able to afford on their own.

So why go it alone? Tap into the power of The Garden Center Group today.

For more details, visit www.thegardencentergroup.com.

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The Fall Event 2021 Participants Linda Adams..........Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Association David Arsenault................................. Proven Winners/Spring Meadow Steve Bailey.......................................................... RetailKPI Consulting Kris Barker...................................... The Gardener’s Center and Florist Matthew Barlow................................................. Earth Works Unlimited Tim Barthel............................................................................. Monrovia Chris Bednar............................................................... Border Concepts Russ Bedner.......................................... Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse Melanie Bedner..................................Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse Nancy Bell...................................................... Gateway Garden Center Bill Bennett.....................................................................Bennett Plants Mike Berns...........................................................Berns Garden Center Keith Berns..........................................................Berns Garden Center Scott Berns..........................................................Berns Garden Center Jackie Bobbett.......................................... Beaver Bark Garden Center Renae Bobbett.......................................... Beaver Bark Garden Center Brad Bobenrieth.......................................... Meadows Farms Nurseries Joey Bokor....................................................................Kerby’s Nursery JD Boone................................................................... Dothan Nurseries Rhoda Boone............................................................. Dothan Nurseries Jim Borenstein..........................................South Pleasantburg Nursery Stacy Bredendieck.....................................Winding Stair Farm Nursery Laurie Broccolo............................................... Broccolo Garden Center Albert Broccolo............................................... Broccolo Garden Center Sam Brown................................................Fiddleheads Garden Center Tyler Brown........................................................ Star Roses and Plants John Brzozowski.............................................................American Tree Connie Brzozowski.........................................................American Tree Joseph Brzozowski.........................................................American Tree Heather Buchanan........................................ Buchanan’s Native Plants Zach Buchanan............................................ Buchanan’s Native Plants Sam Burks............................................................. GrowTech Solutions Meghan Burnett...........................................Burnett’s Country Gardens Todd Burnett................................................Burnett’s Country Gardens Brett Callegary...................................................... Gauge Digital Media Terra Campbell......................................... Round Rock Garden Center Steve Castorani.................. American Beauties/ NorthCreek Nurseries Peg Castorani................................................. Gateway Garden Center Jeremy Cespedes............................................. Watters Garden Center Amanda Chappell......................................Winding Stair Farm Nursery Harriet Charles............................................ Forest Lake Greenhouses Nancy Coons......................................................... White Oak Gardens Sean Corenki.................................. The Gardener’s Center and Florist Brian Corrigan.................................Cahoon Nursery & Garden Center Dana Corrigan.................................Cahoon Nursery & Garden Center John Corso........................................Corso’s Flower & Garden Center Jessica DeGraaf...................................Proven Winners North America Paul Doherty........................................................... Willoway Nurseries Jason Duffney.................................................... Earth Works Unlimited Tom Durkin................................................Glenhaven Home & Holiday Andrew Eckhoff............................................................. Bountiful Acres Hunter Eichelberger.................................................... Plastec Products Marie Elliott........................................................ Reems Creek Nursery Pam Estacio..........................................Terra Gardens Nursery & Bark Dan Estacio...........................................Terra Gardens Nursery & Bark Christina Feile...............................................................Atlantic Nursery Sig Feile........................................................................Atlantic Nursery Dennis Fix..................................FarWest Landscape & Garden Center Maya Fix....................................FarWest Landscape & Garden Center Pat Flaherty........................................Master Nursery Garden Centers Stephanie Fleming........................................................Beyond Behnke Christie Fleming.......................................................... Border Concepts Lisa Freed...........................................................Wells Medina Nursery Mike Futrell................................................. Meadows Farms Nurseries Ned Gibson...........................................................................B.B. Barns Thomas Gibson....................................................................B.B. Barns Jeff Gibson............................................................ Ball Horticulture Co.

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Alphabetical by Last Name Jason Haberland.................Rogers Spring Hill Garden & Farm Center Rich Hanrahan................................................ Gateway Garden Center Sonya Harrison.........................................................My Secret Garden Robert Hayter.............................................................LKC Engineering Tom Hebel.......................................................Bucks Country Gardens Ryan Hebel......................................................Bucks Country Gardens Crystal Hedden..........................................Fiddleheads Garden Center Robert Hendrickson.................................................... Next New Planet Amanda Henry.........................................................For Garden’s Sake John Hodgson..............................................................Kerby’s Nursery Laura Hoefer................................................ Forest Lake Greenhouses Larry Hoffman.......................................................Homestead Gardens Frank Honold..................................................................... Henri Studio Jill Honold.......................................................................... Henri Studio Shannon Irving....................................................Berns Garden Center Alonso Johnson.......................New Garden Landscaping and Nursery Martin Jones.......................................................... Ball Horticulture Co. Tim Kane..............................................................Prides Corner Farms Tom Kegley............................................. Tom Kegley Communications Chris Kelly............................................................. Rockledge Gardens Cindy Kelly............................................................. Rockledge Gardens Andrew Kelton...........................................Winding Stair Farm Nursery Steve Kendall...........................................................The Design Works John Kennedy............................................... John Kennedy Consulting Souny Kennedy............................................ John Kennedy Consulting Chris Kennedy..........................................Kennedy’s Country Gardens Rhonda King...................................................... Earth Works Unlimited Sam Kirkland........................................ EPICOR Software Corporation Marta Lafaver............................................... Buchanan’s Native Plants Ken Lain........................................................... Watters Garden Center McKenzie Lain.................................................. Watters Garden Center Katelyn Lain Cespedes..................................... Watters Garden Center Liz Lark-Riley......................................................... Rockledge Gardens Bobby Lewis............................................... Meadows Farms Nurseries Diana Lind................................................ Round Rock Garden Center Scott Longfellow..........................................Longfellow’s Greenhouses Ellie Longfellow............................................Longfellow’s Greenhouses Will Longfellow.............................................Longfellow’s Greenhouses Bob Martin.................................................................. Border Concepts Mitch Mayes........................................................... Louisianna Nursery Sarah McCue.........................................................White River Nursery Bill McCurry...............................................Ball Publishing-Green Profit Ryan McEnaney..........................................................Bailey Nurseries Terri McGregor................................................... Earth Works Unlimited Matt Mclean.................................................... Gateway Garden Center Teresa McPherson...........................................Lawn & Garden Retailer Doreen Meadows....................................... Meadows Farms Nurseries Jay Meadows.............................................. Meadows Farms Nurseries Ron Meadows............................................. Meadows Farms Nurseries Alisha Mello.............................................. Warren’s Southern Gardens Timothy J Mello........................................ Warren’s Southern Gardens Jon Merrill.............................................................................B.B. Barns Steve Mostardi............................................................Mostardi Nursery Cecelia Mostardi.........................................................Mostardi Nursery Delilah Onofrey............................................................ Suntory Flowers Meghan Owens......................................................... Dummen Orange Madeline Paige.......................................................... Dothan Nurseries Scott Pearce............................................................For Garden’s Sake Marsha Pearce........................................................For Garden’s Sake Jennifer Pell................................... Lindley’s Nursery & Garden Center Debbie Pell.................................... Lindley’s Nursery & Garden Center Amanda Pezzulo.........................................Burnett’s Country Gardens Emily Pilcher.............................................................. Dothan Nurseries Heather Poire..............................................................Bailey Nurseries Jennifer Polanz.............................................................. Ball Publishing Katie Doe Putkowski............................................... Winding Stair Farm Jim Putnam........................... Plant Development Services, Inc. (PDSI)

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The Fall Event 2021 Participants Tim Quebedeaux.................................................. RetailKPI Consulting Doris Quinn..................................................... Gateway Garden Center Sid Raisch........................................................Horticultural Advantage Jeff Ramert............................................... Round Rock Garden Center Susan Reavis.................................................... Reems Creek Nursery Joseph Reavis................................................... Reems Creek Nursery Cameron Rees................................................... Skinner Garden Store Erma Rhadigan..................................... Ray Wiegand’s Garden Center Brian Riddle..........................................................Homestead Gardens Kevin Riley............................................................. Rockledge Gardens Theresa Riley........................................................ Rockledge Gardens Eugene Rogers....................................................... Louisianna Nursery Mikaela Rogers....................Rogers Spring Hill Garden & Farm Center Heather Rollins................................................Fairview Garden Center Susan Rollins...................................................Fairview Garden Center Katey Romence.......................................................Romence Gardens Julia Sampson.........................................................For Garden’s Sake Jean Seawright................................................ Seawright & Associates Chris Shipley................................................................ Civano Nursery Shawn Shockey................................................ The Espoma Company Lynnette Shonnard..............................................................Shonnard’s Andrea Shonnard................................................................Shonnard’s Karen Shores.............................................. Meadows Farms Nurseries Beth Simpson.................................................... Rolling Green Nursery Rick Simpson..................................................... Rolling Green Nursery Dave Slack................................................. Meadows Farms Nurseries Chance Smith..................................................Fairview Garden Center Kate Spirgen................................Garden Center Magazine/GIE Media Beth Stewart................................................Burnett’s Country Gardens Danny Summers.......................................... The Garden Center Group Karen Summers........................................... The Garden Center Group Thom Taylor.......................................... EPICOR Software Corporation Mel Taylor-Shipley........................................................ Civano Nursery Carol Thomas..........................................Green Haven Garden Center Heidi Thomas......................................................................Shonnard’s Denise Thompson...............................................Ritter’s Garden & Gift Caroline Vanderhyden................................. Forest Lake Greenhouses Gail Vanik.............................. Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery Vic Vanik................................ Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery Joanna Veltri.................................................... My New Garden Center Claudia Venable.......................................... Forest Lake Greenhouses Bernice Warren......................................... Warren’s Southern Gardens Dean Warren............................................ Warren’s Southern Gardens David Waters.................................Randy’s Nursery and Greenhouses Robert Weaver..................................Corso’s Flower & Garden Center Evan Webeler........................................................ White Oak Gardens Jeff Webeler.......................................................... White Oak Gardens Patty Webeler........................................................ White Oak Gardens Ethan Weber.......................................Sunny Meadows Garden Center Janel Weber.......................................Sunny Meadows Garden Center Lowell Weinstein...................................... Reston Farm Garden Market Bonita Weinstein...................................... Reston Farm Garden Market Isaiah Weinstein...................................... Reston Farm Garden Market Lisa Wells.................................................Kennedy’s Country Gardens Wendy Wells.......................................................Wells Medina Nursery Sonya Westervelt.................................................... Saunders Brothers Donnie Whitmeyer.................................................... Grey Goose Farm Stacey Whitmeyer.................................................... Grey Goose Farm Florence Williams......................................................Florence Williams David Wilson....................................................... Overdevest Nurseries Meg Wilson..................................................................... VMX Software Brian Wilson....................................................Wilson’s Garden Center Holly Wilson.....................................................Wilson’s Garden Center Tim Wood.......................................................... Star Roses and Plants Giner Wyman.......................................................Ritter’s Garden & Gift Meagan Wyman..................................................Ritter’s Garden & Gift Korig Zawojski...................................................... Sunnypoint Gardens Tony Zawojski....................................................... Sunnypoint Gardens Bill Zeolie........................................................................Bedford Fields

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Alphabetical by Last Name

What Our Clients Say...

Just like you, customer satisfaction is important to us. But our ultimate goal is to help our Clients build successful businesses. You can reply on us to help you increase sales, improve operations and retain more profit. We earn our wings every day and will continue to provide essential programs and services we’ve become recognized for, while continuing to look for new ways to exceed your expectations.

But don’t take our word for it... read what our Clients have to say at https://www.thegardencentergroup.com/what-our-clients-say

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OUR PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS While The Garden Center Group’s primary focus is helping garden centers develop better business skills, we also understand the long-term benefit, for everyone involved, to work closely with a select number of product suppliers.

The “Partners for Success” status is offered to a limited number of companies that recognize the unique nature of the independent garden center operation and are interested in developing methods that can help improve retailer/vendor relationships through open dialog, new product introductions and when possible, special pricing for Group garden center clients.

Take the time to talk with our Partners for Success...

They’re here to help you succeed!

The Garden Center Group | PO Box 801494 | Acworth, GA 30101 Tel 678.909.7770 | Fax 678.909.7771 info@thegardencentergroup.com | www.thegardencentergroup.com