Sunset magazine, now a box store brand.

Sunset magazine seems intent on dragging itself into the box, and chain stores.  According to SFGate, "Sunset introduced a line of branded plants designed to thrive and shine in virtually every California garden. The introduction was timed to coincide with the release of the ninth edition of Sunset's influential Western Garden Book."  The article continues, "Sunset's Western Garden Collection is on nursery shelves in all 89 Orchard Supply Hardware stores and 40 Lowe's in California, and the company hopes to expand into selected small chains and independent garden centers."

The plants in the Sunset Western Garden Collection are not even new to the trade. They are in most cases already being sold, but will now be "branded" as "The Sunset Collection". Sunset say's, "The Sunset Western Garden Collection is the first live plant collection to focus exclusively on top performing plants for the Western gardener. The Sunset Western Garden Collection will debut this spring." What a bunch of crock! I, and other western independent garden centers have been selling plants that focus exclusively on the western gardener for many, many years. I guess our independent garden center brands don't count with Sunset.

When Sunset released the most recent edition of their "formally" influential Sunset Western Garden Book, many small garden retailers we're upset when the books showed up at Costco first. Topping  it off, they we're at  prices we small retailers would have to pay just to be able to sell them in our stores. Now Sunset disses the small locally owned garden centers that helped build the Sunset Brand over all those years, and heads straight to the box stores with their collection?

What's with all these branded plant collections? Does no one do anything original anymore? It's all cut and paste for these companies. Take existing plants or products, buy the rights, slap your name on them, tell people how original you are, and hope no one notices it's just more noise. Sunset magazine has managed in just a couple of attempts to alienate small locally owned garden centers across the west. Why would an independent garden center sell plants that are easily recognized as a "box store" brand with Sunsets name on them? I know we won't. Like other small western retailers we will concentrate on building our own brand. We have been "focusing exclusively on top performing plants for the Western gardener" long before this recent attempt to stay relevant from Sunset.

The decline of the county fair

The El Dorado County Fair has come, and gone. It's turning into the amazing shrinking county fair, and if the trend continues it may just disappear. Why do we have the fair in June? School is out, and they need kids spending money on the rides to make it work. If they wait till late summer, when fairs would normally be held, the kids have already headed back to school.

According the the fairs website, "The purpose of today’s fairs is to promote agricultural and animal husbandry, local resource and industrial promotion, education, entertainment, competition, youth development, and community outreach. Several trends over the years have allowed the fairgrounds to become revenue generating entertainment and exhibition venue that operates on a year round basis." How can you have a "biggest tomato" or " best tasting apple pie" or "plumpest chicken" contest, when the first tomato hasn't even ripened on the vine?

I wish the fair would go back to being what county fairs once where. A place to show off local agricultural wonders, and have some fun.  The fair has turned into a carnival, with a smattering of agricultural displays. Let's hold the fair in the late summer, and emphasize the agricultural side of the show. Since the fair is already struggling, let's have a make over where the interest in growing your own, and competing with others is the main focus. Sure, the kids will have gone back to school. So what? Hold the fair on the weekend. Give us a place to share and compete with others with real agricultural products. The time is "ripe" to re-emphasize the importance of fresh food, agriculture, and seasonality in our lives by bringing back the county fairs of the past.

The indispensable garden center

The closest hydroponic shop to us is selling plants now. They are also touting the “local”, as in “your local garden center”. Fortunately for us, they don’t know what they are doing, but the trend is clear. Here in California the hydroponic market is beginning the great unwinding we predicted. Also as predicted, the forward thinking garden centers are starting to capture some of the formally exclusive hydroponic market, which includes the coveted “non-gardening” younger generations. You see, they are super enthusiastic about gardening, but on their own terms. Don’t patronize or talk down to these customers. They just want to know the “why” and “how” and “where from” more so than our older customers.

Today a trade magazine representative asked how we feel about our future as a garden center. The future is as bright as it can be in these uncertain times. In this particular northern California location my customer base is likely 50% under 30 years of age. So we have an interested younger group of potential long term customers. The separation of the hydro business and conventional garden centers is blurring, allowing us a larger customer base who just want to “grow their own”. Growing organically is huge and getting bigger. This is perfect for separating our business from the chemically heavy competition of box stores. They don’t carry three types of bat guano, brew their own compost tea, or sell “veganic” nutrients. The uncertainty in the economy, especially here in northern California continues to drive people to grow their own.

The challenges we face in the future should not be discounted. Yet, on this first day of summer I feel like some of what we have discussed and implemented over the last few years is paying off. Stay small, accessible, and enthusiastic. Drop lines and companies that don’t work. Carry stuff the competition doesn't, and be able to explain why it’s better. Go organic, and encourage your customers to do so by having what they need to accomplish it. I foresee a time when the local garden supply store may very well take its place once again as an indispensable part of the community. Be bold, and remember “small is cool”.

Hand crafted garden tools to last a lifetime

Where does one find quality hand made tools made in the USA?  Where would a resident of California go to find these tools? I am not talking about shovels that last a year, but tools that last a lifetime, or more? Tools that when they break can be sent in for repair. I don't think they sell those kind of tools at the local Home Depot. The era of "throw away" still rules, but is beginning to fray around the edges. The future for the small garden business is to embrace quality, and pride of craftsmanship. Rather than designing stuff with a limited lifespan, design stuff that lasts forever. Offer repair on those tools. How about a lifetime guarantee? Smith & Hawken got their start selling high quality English made garden tools because they couldn't find any American made quality tools. Not much has changed since then. Seems we went through a couple of decades of wastefulness in the mean time. We now find Smith & Hawken neutered, and filling shelf space at Target.

We are ripe and ready for a Renaissance of hand crafted tools for the garden. Trowels that after a lifetime of use could be passed on to the kids, or grand-kids. They could have them sent in for repair and get them back like new, to continue working in the garden. Not tools for the rich (they don't dig holes anyway). Tools that save money in the long run, for real gardeners.

Does anyone do this now? I know there are European makers of quality garden tools, but I am interested in tools made on this side of  The Atlantic. If you know of a place that that does this, would you leave their name in the comments for me?

Will you be at The IGC Show in August?

In August the largest trade show for Independent Garden Centers takes place in Chicago. The Independent Garden Center Show website say's,  "...210,000 square feet of vendor exhibits stretch far out toward the stunning blue waters of Lake Michigan at Navy Pier, where more than 1,000 exhibitors meet face-to-face with thousands of IGC buyers – just like you – from all over the country and around the world. The flower-filled streets framing downtown Chicago’s stores, restaurants, attractions and sights, plus spectacular Navy Pier, lakeside Chicago’s No. 1 destination (and proud home to the IGC Show, its largest annual event), add to the excitement." Until last year I had not been to Chicago since the late 70's, passing through on the "old grey dog" (Greyhound). That was a epic trip! Last year I was quite taken with the beautiful shoreline, as well as downtown Chicago. I was pleasantly surprised to find out how much fun walking around downtown Chicago can be. I look forward to returning in August. Our Facebook group, Independent Garden Centers and Nurseries receives special pricing for the workshops, as well as a discounted rate for attending the garden center tour. When your a member of our group you also get to hang with us in "the VIP balcony lounge" upstairs – along with a open free beer & wine bar. We'll enjoy the performance of Dennis DeYoung of STYX.

IGCN BUTTON

If your a owner, or employee of a independent garden center or nursery go here to join our group.

Disclosure: I am a guest of the IGC show, and and as such receive compensation for my attendance.

Plantosaurus Rex

What a fantastic way to spend a day with a child, and let your imagination's run free. The Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco has a new exhibit titled, “Plantosaurus Rex”, and it’s all about ancient plants and dinosaurs. That’s the “hook”  to get the kids interested.  We read in an article of SF Gate that, "I was a huge dinosaur nerd as a kid," admitted Director of Operations and Exhibitions Lau Hodges, who put the display together and wrote its explanatory booklet. "It was a dream come true, a chance to show a lot of plants we don't often display." What a fantastic idea. Kids just love thinking about dinosaurs. To be able to see them in their native surroundings, what a thrill. There is even a T Rex busting through the roof of the conservatory. Oh, and there are lots of plants that even T Rex might have even trampled through. Take a child with you, and ignite their imagination.

The Conservatory of Flowers is located in Golden Gate Park.

Doing what's important

This was the year we decided to close the garden center on Sunday’s for no other reason than it’s the day we decided on. Sure, in the past Sunday's we’re busy days, and I am sure we lose some business. Still, it gives me a chance to spend time with the people that matter, and it gives the nursery some rest time. We also set the phone answering machine to “on”, all day. If we are busy with people in the store, we will let the phone answer. “Hi, if you reached this message during our operating hours we’re out helping a customer and will return you call, just as soon as we’re done”. Now, instead of that frustrated look the in-store customer sees, they see a person who is focused on their needs.

“Hi, is the person in charge of (whatever) available to hear how we can save them money”?  No, they are not. We are a retail store and our phone is for retail business, however you can  e-mail us. “But, can I just have a few minutes…” At that point we hang up. In addition do not call this number again, only e-mail. If they do call back they forfeited their opportunity to sell to us.

When you a small business owner you are the sales department, marketing department, administration, etc. Oh, and we are also nurserymen, which sometimes plays second fiddle to these other needs. I believe much of the burnout and frustration we feel is we allow these other responsibilities to overtake what was the original reason we started in this business, to grow and sell plants.

What if you performed your craft so well that people made it a point to come to the store when you’re open, even if it wasn’t the most convenient time for them? What if you could be relaxed when talking to that customer, instead of stressing over the ringing phone? What if sales representatives actually didn't keep calling you back wondering why you don’t “jump on this deal”?

Just wondering what would happen if we considered our health, peace of mind, and craft as our number one priorities?

Saying one thing, doing another.

An interesting moment on Twitter today when a garden media personality got excited about seeing a certain plant brand in their local Lowe's, and decided to Tweet their excitement. A couple of independent garden centers decided to Tweet their displeasure to the personality. You see, they also carry that particular brand of plants, and are not too happy about being left out of the marketing.

You will see more of this as smaller, locally owned garden centers realize that they have the ability to answer back. It's also going to get a whole lot harder for "media" people and branding companies to claim they want to support independent, locally owned business all the while promoting the box stores instead.

Thanks, and good luck!

What can you say about a company that lays off employees after they return from lunch? No advance notice, just "Thanks, and good luck". Plantation Products out of Norton, Massachusetts recently bought Ferry-Morse Seed, a company founded in 1856. According to WSPD's website,"a large employer lets almost everyone go and the community can't believe how they did it. Employees returned to the job after lunch only to learn they no longer have a job. It happened just after noon Friday at the 53-year-old Ferry Morse Seed Factory in Fulton, Kentucky." Who is Plantation Products? According to their website they, "can be found throughout the United States in national chains such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Osco Drug, Ace Hardware, TruValue Stores, and at many regional outlets." Ferry-Morse has been a box store staple for awhile so the two companies will likely fit well together. Seems they could have handled the employee concerns better. "Thanks, and good luck?"

We do not sell, or intend to sell products owned by these companies.

The new IGC Marketplace

Want to join others who are changing the way business is done in horticulture? The new IGC Marketplace on Facebook is a closed group for vendors to share what they have, and IGC owners & staffers to ask for what they need. It's not mean to take away from the various trade shows available, but rather to enhance the possibilities for members. The rules are simple at The IGC Marketplace.

1. Products posted must be garden related (no iPods, shoes, etc.)

2. Don't post pricing. We don't want issues with price fixing. Haggle that part out via private message.

Well, that seems simple. It's a place to meet, see whats available, and make contacts. If your a vendor be sure to get on the vendor list so potential customers can learn more about you.

Since it's a closed group everyone taking part is identified, which makes it a brighter, friendlier place to do business. No spam, no anonymous posts, no pressure, and no travel.

To change the world, go here.

Does my business belong on Facebook?

With the failed IPO of Facebook (failed for small investors), one wonders what is in store for the medium. If your a small business and have invested time and money having a presence there you might wonder, what's next? I am not sure, but Facebook is peaking and will eventually become MySpace. It's going to happen, as I have become bored with it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy checking up on friends and use the service for my business, but it's lost its cache. Why would I want to use a social media service that promises more advertising, and still more mining of my data? One of the reasons I started with social media was to avoid the advertising. If you have small business presence on Facebook just keep using the service, but be prepared. Things will change rapidly. We have learned in this new world is change happens quick.

What platform should you use? Start collecting your customers e-mail, and ask if they would like to receive your e-news. You own your e-news, and can keep it ad free if you desire. As these social media platforms come an go you will still have your e-mails an a connection with your customers. In the future we will see more closed platforms, where the group can control what's going on. This is where your web site, blog, and e-news will pay off. You own these, and can keep them safe for your readers. Start a garden club, and have people meet at your website. You'll get people who genuinely want to hear what you, and others in the group have to say.

There is something else about the Facebook IPO. I get the impression that the IPO was designed to enrich the founders, friends, and institutional investors. The average retail customer get's screwed, and that doesn't sit well with me. Image is important, and Facebook's image is taking a hit.

Just gardening?

Just received a note from a garden supplier addressed it to a fellow "farmer." I am a nurseryman, but O.K., I get it. We're all farmers now. I think it's our way of describing why we would work hard, get dirty, and end up with sore muscles. Seems we need to call ourselves "farmers" so as to justify the hard work. After all, we are not just making things "pretty", we're feeding the world!

Seems as more people become involved in gardening the desire to justify the work takes hold. You cannot "just garden" anymore, or describe yourself as a "gardener". We are now "guerrilla gardeners", "guerrilla grafters", "farmers", "urban farmers", "garden ranters", "pothole gardeners", "hydroponic farmer", etc.

When you hear that "gardening" is on the "way out" you'll know different. In the past we we're all happy to follow the rules set forth by the "gardening powers to be". Now many want to make it our own. As a garden trade professional, who are you focused on? The "gardening public", or the people who will help keep the business humming? Find a market, and build your biz around that. Don't chase the masses, as you'll end up at the local box store. That's where the "gardening public" goes, and that's the last bastion of  "the gardening powers to be". It's there where they will make their final stand, and that's great. Having all that conventional garden stuff in one place helps  us smaller operations find the smaller, and more interesting niches left.

Facebook is just one of the tools available

For all the hype the Facebook stock offering is getting I find it a bit of a non-event. Sure it will be a way for early investors and insiders to get rich, but for the rest of us? Does anyone think Facebook is the end all when it comes to social media? Another, better one will come along in short order. Frankly the bigger it becomes the less enamored I am with it. Small is cool!

Small business should have a Facebook page, and stay involved. Don't however, put all you eggs in that one basket. Keep your e-mail list safe, and don't forget about reaching people directly with e-news. Facebook is just one of many tools available for small business. It's over-hyped right now, and that usually doesn't play out well. People will soon enough "get used to it" and the novelty will wear off. Look how quickly Pinterest got the attention and eyeballs.

I think the initial stock offering for Facebook may be the companies high point. It will now have to show constant growth for the investors, and that may eventually be it's undoing. It can happen. Remember MySpace?

Exciting times in gardening

I have been remiss in cultivating this blog, and thank a long time reader for reminding me to do just that. We have been busy at the nursery with a spring not dominated by cold and rain, like last year. The weather has cooperated and people continue to buy edibles like there is no tomorrow. I enjoy the edible crowd as they have put a lot of effort into their garden, and they will do what's right to keep it productive. When you hear that generation x or y are not into gardening, check the source. No sign of that here. My customer base is at least 50% under 30 years of age. They are excited about growing the stuff they consume and want to patronize local business, if you have what they want. They don't want synthetics! Get your organic groove on, because they want to know how to do it all! I disagree with those who say we are not in the job of education. I think that's exactly what is needed, and what we should do. Teach a person how to garden...

Small is cool! After thirty years in this biz I can say, keep it small and keep your cool! It's so easy when everything is riding on your decisions to work yourself to exhaustion. If it feels like it's getting out of control, slow down. Take the time to focus on the person in front of you at the moment. That's what it's all about. Not saying we don't need to "make hay while the sun shines", but we can only do so much.

There is no better time for the smaller garden business. Being small means you can react to changes that come faster and faster every day. Being small means you can excel at your craft, and command the price for your work that you need to stay in business. The future of garden bio-diversity rests in the hands of gardeners, and small garden businesses.

How great it is to be alive when so much is changing. In the garden trades we get to help guide people in their efforts to live better.It's a trade that is perfectly suited for the world we live in. Did I say these we're exciting times?

Support your locally run garden businesses

Having been in the garden center business for 30 years, I have seen all sorts of changes. A very powerful and positive change is the ability of gardening businesses to communicate with one another via The Internet. Sure, we communicated before via trade meetings once a month, or phone calls to see what price their petunia six packs we're, but that was about it. Many of us lived in an isolation of sorts, always wondering what other gardening businesses we're thinking and doing.

That's changing, and in a very positive way for smaller garden businesses. With our Independent Garden Center Group we have garden center owners and employees  communicating about all sorts of subjects. It's a place where you can ask your peers if they have ever tried this idea or that one, and receive thoughtful responses quickly. The best part is many of the subjects and ideas worked out in the group are making a real difference to businesses bottom lines. The people in the group want to be there, and that makes all the difference. Look to our group to continue making a positive difference in the garden center trade.

To give our fans a place to show their support we created "LOGON to GROW". It stands for locally owned garden centers or nurseries. We want to spread the news that supporting locally owned, well run business is vital to the community. If you don't, then all we will be left with to buy our garden supplies is box stores, mega growers, and chemical companies. As more and more people dive into growing their own food a resource for information and goods is vital. We have lots of cool ideas to share with you and would like to have your opinion on how we can do a even better job. Come celebrate local, green, garden businesses at LOGON to GROW.