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

Ep. 25: Survival of the Fittest (… plus Cucumbers & K-Pop Hair)

In this episode, the Squad discusses unexpected truths they encountered upon entering the horticulture industry and imagine ways to outfox security if trapped in a Costco overnight. They also determine who would be most likely to survive for a week in a botanic garden by foraging and introduce a fun new segment called the "Plant Wheel of Excitement." Then they discuss Seth’s new hairstyle and love of woodies.NICH Webinar Series—Where Plants Come From (Video Playlist): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1yNe3Yb9E36-oDXE5cUhM5At4TS3-Vtl&si=IGw7bsJds8RDx8UW00:00 - Welcome and episode overview02:07 - The industry’s hidden global supply chains and sourcing insights05:29 - Challenges and surprises: what industry newcomers don’t expect10:02 - The logistics and operational complexity of moving perishable plants13:57 - Surviving in a botanic garden for five days: food and shelter strategies17:07 - Exploring the most consumed meats globally and cultural insights19:59 - Industry revelations: the vast global reach and travel involved in horticulture23:00 - The importance of inter-company relationships and industry camaraderie27:10 - The role of education and outreach, including webinars on where plants come from33:00 - Unpacking the hidden complexity behind plant production processes36:49 - The significance of plant identification skills and industry segmentation44:46 - Growing cucumbers: tips, varieties, trellising, and weed management49:14 - Fun with plant guessing: cucumber plant discussion and rapidfire plant knowledge54:37 - Lighthearted discussion about cats, K-pop, and style trends55:23 - Celebrating milestones: personal shout outs and reflections on graduation57:43 - Wrap-up, feedback, and ways to connect with the show

Ep. 24: Hort Rivalry Week! OHIO VS. MICHIGAN

This episode is all about the rivalry between Ohio and Michigan. But instead of football, Mason and Bill represent their respective states by presenting contributions to horticulture— and sports, culture, industry, number of Amish and covered bridges. They analyze data, crunch numbers, share fun facts and debate which state truly deserves the Midwestern Horticultural Championship Belt. What do you think? Comment and let us know!

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/