GH Squad Podcast

Ep. 23: Talking Flower Shows & Celebrating Cleveland with Jen Polanz

Cleveland's amazing sports weekend—with the Cavaliers advancing to the Eastern Conference NBA championship AND the Guardians winning the coveted Ohio Cup. Then the four discuss the magic of the Philadelphia Flower Show and why other flower shows just don’t compare (with a few exceptions). The group then explores ways to reinvigorate flower shows and possibly put a more local and commercial spin on them. Plus … Jen’s career as an investigative journalist (getting the inside scoop on a story late-night at Denny’s), old horticultural videos (see the link below), pollinators, Guns ‘N Roses and more! MUST SEE TV! Plants—More Than Just Pretty Videos (scroll ALL THE WAY down the page!): https://americainbloom.org/resources/videos/ (00:02) - Episode intro and Cleveland pride (00:10) - Cleveland Cavaliers' playoff success and Guardians Ohio Cup victory (02:01) - Guest introduction: Jen Polanz, horticulturist and industry expert (07:28) - Jen’s horticultural journey from childhood to professional (16:26) - Walk-up song: Guns N' Roses’ "Sweet Child of Mine" (18:17) - The emotional and visual experience of the Philadelphia Flower Show (22:27) - The "Cirque du Soleil" of plants and artistic display aspirations (26:33) - Nature of exhibitor involvement at major flower shows (31:00) - Most impressive displays, Shakespeare-inspired installations, and floral fashion (36:02) - Impact of regional shows on local garden centers and influence on consumer decisions (43:16) - Timing and scope of Chicago, Northwest, and Philadelphia shows (50:02) - Practical considerations: show dates, location changes, and economic factors (54:38) – Pettitis’ dominance in Cleveland market and industry trends (55:53) - Upcoming PlantCon event details and trendsetting industry programs (72:29) - Pollinator Partnership’s educational programs and retail applications (77:04) - Educational videos emphasizing plant benefits: air purification, health, and crime reduction (78:37) - Wrap-up, guest appreciation, and call for audience engagement

Ep. 22: Hear Me Out! (and Happy Mother’s Day)

In this episode, Mason, Seth and Bill share their deepest darkest horticultural infatuations—like plug trays, trains, animal pests and “pieces.” They also discuss their love of multi-generational businesses, the forgiving nature of plants and the overall “cool factor” of the industry. Plus, a heartfelt Mother's Day message packed with industry humor, Road House, muskrats and more. #hearmeoutcake Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Mother’s Day weekend & upcoming industry events 02:03 - Creative gift ideas for moms—plants and hanging baskets 03:19 - Terminology: 'garden center,' 'nursery,' regional differences 04:36 - The story behind a Montana garden center and industry naming conventions 06:24 - Field trip to Alsip Nursery & the importance of vendor relationships 07:56 - The role of industry themes and seasonal competitions in store culture 08:34 - The diversity of offerings in a well-rounded garden center (perennials, shrubs, pets) 09:38 - An anecdote about a customer with fertilizer in her car1 0:33 - Building vendor relationships and leveraging product support 16:24 - The power of plug trays in propagation—size, numbers, and awe 17:41 - Cost considerations in plant propagation and grower decisions19:37 - Wildlife encounters—mice, snakes, and unexpected yard visitors 21:32 - The industry’s wildlife problem: armadillos, muskrats, and possums 23:50 - Trains, hobbies, and the surprising coalescence with green industry businesses 27:44 - Trains on the farm and the fun of model trains in garden centers 31:30 - The value of family legacy in horticulture—stories from three generations 34:34 - Industry heritage projects—photos, stories, and family history 37:22 - Pride in family-owned businesses and their cultural significance 40:01 - The interconnectedness of horticulture, landscaping, retail, and beyond43:36 - The fun of plant passion—public perception and industry admiration 45:20 - Plants in airports, on planes, and the joy of sharing horticulture everywhere 48:01 - Industry camaraderie and logistical adventures—plant cargo and travel mishaps 52:16 - Celebrating Mother’s Day properly—wife, mom, kids, and traditions 55:19 - The cost of greeting cards versus plants—lessons learned and industry humor 56:37 - Wrap-up thoughts—community, diversity, and the industry’s charm 57:48 - Final thanks and closing remarks—connect with us & share your Mother’s Day stories

Ep. 21: Engaging Students & Weatherproofing Garden Centers (… plus King Charles III & Chicken Wings)

Mason, Seth, and Bill are back together once again as a trio for this episode! They chat about a few different topics this time around—from engaging high school students to get them interested in horticulture as a potential career to potentially brilliant (or crazy) ideas for weatherproofing garden centers. They also discuss King Charles visiting an urban farm while he was in the US and whether chicken wings should be slathered in ranch dressing or not.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and episode overview01:08 - The value of industry involvement with high schools and emerging careers06:24 - Insights from a recent high school tour at Ball Seed and student engagement09:53 - Resources available for high school horticulture education and outreach12:08 - The success stories of industry alumni like Lindsay from Canaan15:09 - Community building through company-sponsored tours and outreach initiatives18:31 - The importance of early planning for industry engagement events19:01 - Creative ideas for weatherproofing garden centers, including food trucks and giveaways28:48 - Strategies for handling inclement weather and maintaining customer interest33:48 - The value of branded experiences during rainy days in retail settings36:39 - Tips on operating greenhouses for better weather resilience41:49 - Industry recognition, hot takes, and memorable moments, including King Charles’ visit to Harlem Grown44:40 - The great chicken wing sauce debate—ranch versus blue cheese and creative dipping options50:25 - Wrap-up, upcoming travel plans, and community call-to-actionResources & Links:KidsGardening.org Resources for High Schools: https://kidsgardening.org/resource-create-and-sustain-a-program/ Seed Your Future: https://www.seedyourfuture.org/ Harlem Grown: https://harlemgrown.org/

Ep. 20: Overrated, Illegal & Banned (Happy Earth Day!)

In this episode, Mason and Bill dive into their 20th milestone discussing the significance of Earth Day and proactive engagement in sustainability, overrated horticultural trends like window boxes and the practicality (or lack thereof) of some garden tools and landscape lighting, as well as garden products and plants that should be banned (metal fire pits). Then they call out industry items that should never evolve—like shovels and wheelbarrows—before discussing industry activities that feel illegal but aren’t. They close with thoughts on what instantly dates a garden, from props to outdated décor. Movies discussed include Dolphin Tale and Anchorman. Weapons discussed include mattocks, axes, hatchets, pruners and folding saws. Timestamps: 00:00 – Celebrating 20 episodes and Earth Day musings 02:05 – Imagining Seth on Earth Day hero missions 03:11 – Eco-friendly kid activities and legacy inheritance 04:58 – Reflecting on progress since the first Earth Day 06:09 – A brief digression on social media detoxes 08:35 – Overrated horticultural trends, starting with window boxes 12:30 – The demise of porch pots and the enduring appeal of traditional pots 13:10 – Perennials and the hype around first-year flowering plants 14:38 – The decline of large vegetable plants at retail 16:43 – The over-competition of ultra-compact plants 17:40 – Overrated tools like aprons and gear in garden centers 19:22 – Industry bans? Metal fire pits and colored mulch 21:29 – The environmental and aesthetic implications of mulch use 22:45 – Debunking landscape lighting and other garden decor myths 26:41 – Items that should be banned for a year (eg, plastic pots, mulch) 29:02 – What industry elements should never be upgraded (e.g., seed crops) 33:16 – The absurdity of unnecessary gardening gadgets like robotic snow shovels 36:45 – Strategies on lawn mowing designs and yard maintenance routines 40:38 – Discussions on durable, classic garden containers and garden props 43:14 – The ‘illegal’ looks of seed-starting grow lights and plant sales 46:19 – The safety and legality of plant items like salvia and other 'forbidden' plants 53:10 – Banana cores, littering perceptions, and the truth about genetically identical bananas 56:51 – Outdated garden center fixtures and the charm of traditional landscape props 59:50 – The importance of functional, timeless garden features and decor 63:01 – Closing thoughts: engaging sustainability and practical tips for garden lovers

Ep. 19: The Happiest Industry on Earth! (Plus … Spring Projects & Circus Peanuts)

The Squad is all together live in one room for this one, which creates a totally different dynamic because we are social creatures and virtual meetings just don’t cut it. This time, Mason, Seth and Bill talk about spring—the season. What’s it look like for the industry, their own jobs, their yards and gardens and even their neighbors’ lawns. They find out Seth is a grass guy and decide horticulture is without a doubt the happiest industry of all time.Other topics discussed include parking at big events, gas prices, Mason’s community pool, a new bagel shop, circus peanuts (the candy), unpaved garden centers, shepherd’s hooks and squash hammocks.Follow The Squad on Instagram: @GHSquadPod Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: in-person recording and conference room vibes00:27 - The squad reunites physically after weeks apart01:00 - Sprin' in the Midwest: weather, outdoor activities, and summer plans02:20 - Spring break adventures: pools, staycations, and sports04:00 - Live sports insights: hockey, parking, and game day experiences06:07 - Parking tips and experiences at major venues, Spot Hero shoutout08:33 - Topic introduction: celebrating spring’s arrival and its impact on industry work09:47 - How spring influences garden centers, growers, and wholesale dynamics11:00 - Realities of busy spring seasons and planning for the upcoming months12:51 - Personal projects: preparing for fall and strategic planning in retail and production14:17 - Rising fuel costs and reflections on gas prices through the years15:28 - Gas prices, childhood memories, and eco-conscious choices19:11 - Favorite spring moments: opening windows, outdoor activities, and weather preferences20:31 - Love for spring rain and green grass, seasonal aesthetic appeal22:54 - Lawn care: overgrown shrubs, yard projects, and neighborly relations27:00 - Seed starting, vegetable gardening, and DIY plant projects30:37 - Garden structure upgrades: beds, wood choices, and DIY framing31:54 - Fun detours into candy: circus peanuts, childhood nostalgia, and taste tests36:23 - Yard and landscape updates: trimming, planning, and neighbor comparisons37:41 - Gardening philosophies: simplicity, overgrown over perfect, and seasonal chaos40:24 - Landscaping choices: functional versus decorative features, and industry storytelling43:47 - Greenhouse setups: dirt floors, plant care, and operational insights45:28 - Garden bulbs, winter planting, and spring surprises48:46 - Yard cleanup plans, landscaping strategies, and seasonal planting goals54:39 - Current projects: mulching, edging, and perennials55:28 - Industry happiness: survey insights, employee satisfaction, and long-term joy62:25 - The industry as a source of happiness and fulfillment64:09 - The distraction factor: fogged windows and overcommunication of negativity65:55 - Wrapping up: future episodes, guest ideas, and upcoming topics such as AI66:48 - Listener interaction: comments, feedback, and the importance of community67:42 - Final thoughts: staying connected through social media, subscriptions, and upcoming content