Garden Center announces its 2010 Innovator Award winners

The winners of Garden Center magazine’s 2010 Innovator Award were announced during the Feb. 2 keynote session at American Nursery & Landscape Association’s Management Clinic. Gary’s Gardens, Severna Park, Md.; Blumen Gardens, Sycamore, Ill.; Stauffers of Kissel Hill, Lititz, Pa.; and The Garden Corner, Tualatin, Ore., received this year’s prestigious award.

Garden Center introduced the Innovator Award more than a decade ago to honor a retail operation for outstanding contributions to its customers and to the industry. This year’s winners all have compelling stories, which will be chronicled in detail in the February issue of Garden Center.

Gary’s Gardens was recognized for its disciplined approach to business that has helped it triple the store’s profitability in 10 years. Owners Gary and Mary Blondell have persevered, despite many obstacles common to small retailers. As a result, they’ve created a store that is beloved by locals.

“The most common thing we hear is that we’ve created a warm, friendly atmosphere, and it’s fun to be here,” Gary said.

Blumen Gardens was singled out for its ability to create a “visual wonderland” of plants and merchandise. Over the years, owners Joel and Joan Barczak have worked to develop the business while maintaining the character and charm of their surroundings.

“We purposefully avoid banners, and signage that would give it a commercial look, so that even as it grows, it still feels like you happened upon an avid gardener that lives on your block,” Joan said.

Stauffers of Kissel Hill was recognized for its determination to maintain forward momentum despite obstacles. Two recent projects—the company’s Recession Action Plan and the redevelopment of its Rohrerstown location—show how this 78-year-old business keeps pushing aside roadblocks.

“We’re waiting on the final [2009] numbers,” said corporate operations officer Jere Stauffer. “But we have every indication right now that we’ve had a very dramatic recovery. The moves that we made were the right direction to go.”

The Garden Corner was praised for its lively mix of color, style and energy that makes it a destination spot—despite a location that’s hard to find.

“Our look and feel is consistent only because of our small crew of unique individuals,” owner John Karsseboom said. “We are completely addicted to new ideas and love to experiment with many new concepts.”

Representatives from Gary’s Gardens and Stauffers of Kissel Hill accepted their 2010 Innovator Award at ANLA Management Clinic. Pictured left to right: Yale Youngblood, editor, Garden Center; Mary and Gary Blondell, owners, Gary’s Gardens; Steve Gallion and Jere Stauffer, corporate operations officers, Stauffers of Kissel Hill; Sarah Martinez, managing editor, Garden Center. Blumen Gardens and The Garden Corner, were also recognized onstage, though they were unable to attend the event.