Marvin Miller (Part 2): The Analyst, the Cyclist, and the Photographer

Marvin Miller (Part 2): The Analyst, the Cyclist, and the Photographer

In Part 2 of my conversation with horticulture industry veteran Marvin Miller, we go beyond the fascinating intersections of horticulture, data, and business and discuss some of Marvin’s personal passions of travel and photography. We start with an explanation of how Marvin’s graduate research helped analyze the U.S. cut flower industry and shaped the way all of us understand market trends, industry growth, and business behavior. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at his role at Ball Horticultural Company, where he tracks industry data, forecasts trends, helps train sales teams, and advocates for horticulture at the national level. But Marvin's story extends far beyond his professional life. We talk about his commitment to fundraising for multiple sclerosis research through long-distance cycling, his love of photography, and his adventures across Alaska—from photographing polar bears and the Northern Lights to exploring Denali National Park in every season. You'll also hear: • How market research influences the future of horticulture • Why communication matters during times of industry change • Marvin's work with American Floral Endowment, American in Bloom, and other nonprofit organizations • What motivates him to ride 100-mile cycling events for MS • His favorite photography destinations and dream travel locations • His thoughts on Alaska's cut peony industry and the power of simply saying, "How can I help?" Marvin's optimism, curiosity, and dedication to both people and plants shine throughout this conversation. Contribute to Marvin's Tour De Farms Bike MS Ride at: https://events.nationalmssociety.org/participants/Marvin-Miller-2025-2

Marvin Miller: The Making of a Horticulture Economist

What happens when a kid becomes fascinated by a tiny tomato growing in the garden—and then never stops being fascinated by nature? In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, Ellen Wells sits down with horticulture industry veteran Marvin Miller of Ball Horticultural Company to explore the roots of a career that would eventually influence everything from supermarket flower departments to consumer buying habits. Marvin shares stories of growing up in Baltimore, learning from family gardeners and neighborhood mentors, reclaiming a property known as Harmony Acres, and discovering that horticulture could become more than a hobby. He also explains how his interest in both plants and economics led to groundbreaking consumer research that helped make mixed bouquets a supermarket floral staple. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why Marvin calls himself an "extreme gardener" • The influence of immigrant family traditions and neighborhood gardening • What Harmony Acres taught him about plants and hard work • Why he chose Purdue University to study horticulture • How agricultural economics became part of his career path • The research that helped shape modern supermarket floral sales

Jennifer Brennan: Translating Plant Science for Everyday Gardeners

Jennifer Brennan has spent her career helping gardeners succeed—and proving that horticulture can be both educational and fun. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, host Ellen Wells talks with horticultural consultant Jennifer Brennan about her journey from a college greenhouse job and a dorm room overflowing with plants to becoming one of the most trusted gardening educators in the Chicago area. Along the way, Jennifer shares how she helped introduce Hello Kitty to the United States, why she returned to horticulture after a detour into sales, and how she built a career translating plant science into practical advice for everyday gardeners. Jennifer also discusses the biggest mistakes gardeners make, the challenge of combating misinformation on social media, and why listening skills are just as important as plant knowledge. In this episode: • How a greenhouse job for extra pocket money sparked a lifelong love of plants • The surprising career detour that eventually led back to horticulture • Why watering is the most misunderstood gardening skill • The importance of chemistry and science in plant care • How to handle social media’s unfortunate gardening advice • The reward of helping gardeners succeed Connect with Jennifer Brennan: info@jenniferbrennanhorticulture.com

Jazmin Albarran: Encouraging Careers in Horticulture

How do we inspire the next generation to choose horticulture careers if they don’t even know the industry exists?   We are celebrating Women in Horticulture Week with Seed Your Future Executive Director Jazmin Albarran. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Ellen Wells talks with Jazmin about women in horticulture, workforce development, and the challenge of helping students, parents, and educators understand the breadth of opportunities available in the green industry.   Jazmin shares how her background in psychology, youth development, and communications unexpectedly led her into horticulture—and why she now believes the industry offers some of the most meaningful and fulfilling careers available.   The conversation explores: * Why horticulture is often an “accidental career” * The growing role of women in industry leadership * How Seed Your Future is connecting students with horticulture careers * The importance of social media in reaching younger generations * Why horticulture needs future leaders in technology, automation, business, marketing, and science   Katie Dubow, president of Garden Media Group, makes a special appearance to talk about the reasons GMG began Women in Horticulture Week in 2020 and how we can participate in lifting up women during this week of recognition.   Learn more: Seed Your Future [https://www.seedyourfuture.org/] - https://www.seedyourfuture.org I Am Horticulture Campaign [https://www.seedyourfuture.org/greenpro_under_40] - https://www.seedyourfuture.org/greenpro_under_40 [https://www.seedyourfuture.org/greenpro_under_40] Women in Horticulture LinkedIn Group [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16299029/]- https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16299029/

Michelle Opela: A Journey from Sea Turtles to Plant Pests

What do sea turtles, corpse flowers, aphids, and philodendrons have in common? For Michelle Opela, they’re all part of a career journey that somehow led to horticulture. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Michelle shares how she went from marine biology adventures in Alaska and Australia to becoming deeply involved in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), biological controls, and plant health in the horticulture industry. Michelle also shares some of her pest and disease expertise. She breaks down complicated topics in a way home gardeners and industry pros alike can understand, including how to spot plant problems before bringing them home, why beneficial insects aren’t always simple for consumers to use, and the growing pressure to produce “perfect” plants. We also talk about: * Growing up obsessed with insects in rural New York * Working aboard fishing vessels in the Bering Sea * Tagging sharks and sea turtles in Australia * Beginner-friendly biological controls * Fungus gnats and dramatic houseplants * Michelle’s obsession with corpse flowers and other unusual plants Most importantly, Michelle reminds listeners that every gardener deals with pests eventually — and that it doesn’t make you a bad plant parent. Mentioned in This Episode * Cornell University * NOAA Fisheries * Costa Farms * BioWorks Learn More * BioWorks [https://bioworksinc.com] * Costa Farms [https://costafarms.com]