Plant people

There’s a phrase I’ve found myself repeating often over the past four years: Plant people are the best people. It’s not a platitude to me — I truly believe it.

In my time as editor of Garden Center magazine I’ve been lucky enough to meet probably hundreds of garden center owners, operators, managers, staff, consultants, suppliers and more, so I feel confident in my opinion that this industry is full of kind, thoughtful and caring individuals.

I’ll be moving on from Garden Center to take an exciting new position working with growers and retailers elsewhere in the horticulture world, but before I do, I want to thank all of you for sharing your stories with me.

I’ve been so inspired by the passion you all have, not only for plants, but for people. The genuine care you show for your work goes far beyond anything I’ve seen in any other industry.

You all give so much every day — to your customers, to your coworkers and to the planet. And you give so much to each other by sharing your experiences, your successes and your mistakes. You truly want to see each other, and your customers, succeed, which is rarer in this world than it should be.

Thank you for sharing your stories, your insights and your passion with me over the past four years. It’s what makes Garden Center magazine what it is. Your candid conversations have given readers ideas to seize opportunities and let them know that they aren’t alone in their challenges.

Change can be daunting and a little scary, but it’s also full of possibilities and growth. Garden retail is certainly facing its fair share of changes from new online competitors to the rise of influencers to the diverse needs and demands of a new generation of shoppers. I can’t wait to see how you face these challenges together.

I hope you’ll continue to reach out and share news of your accomplishments, as well as your questions and comments, in the coming months. During this transition, editorial director Kelli Rodda will be here to listen with open ears. You can reach her at krodda@gie.net.

I wish you all continued success with your businesses, and I hope that while some things will change, the passion you have for plants and people never does. After all, the world is a better place with more plants, and more plant people, in it.