Top 9 Garden Center posts of May 2017

Last month, a few major stories broke in the horticulture industry, not least of all the news that several popular varieties of petunia were suspected of being genetically engineered, making them unauthorized for production in the United States. The developing situation was followed closely by Garden Center readers throughout May.

Visitors to our site were also drawn to new developments in garden retail, including the closing of two McDonald Garden Center locations and the launch of new IGC in upstate New York.

We've compiled a list of the 9 most popular news posts, magazine articles and multimedia projects posted to gardencentermag.com in April, as ranked by total page views:

1. McDonald Garden Center closing two of three locations - The company’s Virginia Beach store and its seasonal markets will remain open.

2. Breaking: Finnish report prompts petunia genetics investigation in the U.S. - The USDA is working with breeders to move forward after the discovery of potentially genetically engineered petunias.

3. Unauthorized GE petunias: USDA, industry weigh in - USDA says genetically engineered petunias pose a compliance issue, not a safety concern. Breeders, growers and retailers discuss the impact on their businesses.

4. New look, new Glee - The annual trade show is revamping its website and marketing strategy while preparing for the 2017 event.

5. New York garden retailer opens at peak season - Lake Effect Nursery & Garden Center in Camillus, N.Y., launched at a hectic time, but is starting to get its bearings.

6. Stepables wins copyright claim - A jury awarded $1.2 million in damages stemming from the unauthorized use of copyrighted photographs.

7. Mother's Day spending predicted to reach record high in 2017 - National Retail Federation says survey results show people will spend $23.6 billion on mom.

8. Find your flavor - Garden center café and restaurant business models may vary, but a local focus and attention to trends are common ingredients for success.

9. Bailey Nurseries launches digital initiatives to connect with consumers - The social media, text and other strategies focus on educating and entertaining current and potential customers.

Photo taken at Bachman's Lyndale location, by Tracy Walsh.