Country Greens doesn't start its own stock, but instead buys from growers as far away as Oregon. This is beneficial, but we have to meet the deadlines to take advantage of it, which can be difficult when we're busy. Because work is steady year-round, Lodwick says, she doesn't issue layoffs, but often loses workers who must return to school in the fall. It's also difficult having to explain to a customer why that plant might not grow well in this region. Still, it's know-how that gives her business an advantage over discount stores selling plants, Lodwick says.
Big chains hurt small garden centers with their buying power.
Now, only 10 to 15 percent of the plants that Linhart sells are grown on the company's 40 acres, she reports. She says her company has evolved since its early days. Being diversified works for us, especially since bad weather can make the nursery business difficult. The floral work is especially lucrative year-round, she says. All rights reserved.