Art Of Gardening

Retail is a tough business to be in. It can be an even tougher business to thrive in. To thrive, it is important to know what your most valuable customers like about your business. It is equally important to know the type of customers that are attracted to your business.

Retail is a tough business to be in. It can be an even tougher business to thrive in. To thrive, it is important to know what your most valuable customers like about your business. It is equally important to know the type of customers that are attracted to your business.

The horticultural industry has long prided itself as being a ‘green’ industry. We can use the word ‘green’ to describe much of what we do. We provide plants and related products to home gardeners, grow plants, design, install and maintain landscapes, as well as promote green living in our communities. This is particularly important when considering the issue of invasive species.

Where to find ideal candidates

Expanding your knowledge within the independent garden centre sector helps us all

As a business owner or operator, you probably spend the winter months reflecting on the previous year while planning for the coming season. In my experience, horticulture professionals are optimists when planning for the busy season. As they say, hope springs eternal.

You should not wait for a recession or realize you are losing money only to finally reduce your expenses. In fact, a great business will focus on it every day of the year. It becomes a business mantra to eliminate waste.

Art Vanden Enden loved every minute of his 44-year garden centre career with Weall and Cullen and Sheridan Nurseries. In retirement, Art enjoys giving back to the profession with Landscape Ontario’s Garden Centre Sector Group, and sharing his experience with Landscape Trades readers in the Art of Gardening column.