Digger magazine

Written to make you a nursery industry expert.

Everyday things matter

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As Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention, he was reportedly asked what kind of government the founders would propose. He replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” This phrase has resonated through American history. It has been tested through a civil war, world wars, and even the toxic sludge of political discourse we are […]

Speaking for the trees

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Recently, I found myself thinking about the classic children’s book “The Lorax,” written by Dr. Seuss. In his typical writing fashion, Dr. Seuss weaves profound lessons within the book’s fun and whimsical pages. In this story we meet two polarizing characters: the Once-ler, a greedy industrialist who made a living by cutting down beautiful truffula […]

NWFCS, Farm Credit West create new association

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Stockholders of Northwest Farm Credit Services (NWFCS) and Farm Credit West overwhelmingly approved a merger of their associations. The new association, AgWest Farm Credit, will serve more than 22,000 customers throughout seven western states. The merger was effective January 1, 2023. The new association will be led by past Farm Credit West President and CEO […]

Bailey Nurseries announces leadership transition

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Bailey Nurseries’ Chief Executive Officer Terri McEnaney will step away from the day-to-day operations to focus on strategy and the future of Bailey, the company announced in a press release. “It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve in this role,” McEnaney said. “The legacy of humility, long-term strategic thinking, active industry participation, […]

Terra Nova Nurseries announces Plant Pairings for Viva Magenta, Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year

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Terra Nova Nurseries (Canby, Oregon) has released its annual Pantone Color of the Year Plant Pairings list to commemorate the recently announced PANTONE® 18-1750 Viva Magenta for 2023. “Viva Magenta is described as brave and fearless, a pulsating color with an exuberance that promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration that writes a new narrative,” says […]

January 2023: The Retail Issue

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The New Year’s issue of Digger tracks the trends steering sales for retail nurseries and garden centers: A string of succulent successes: Thanks in large part to social media, the market for indoor succulents is larger, more varied and more popular than ever before. By Emily Lindblom. Taking your plants to market: Farmer’s markets, gardening […]

A string of succulent successes

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Thanks in large part to social media, the market for indoor succulents is larger, more varied and more popular than ever before Ann Patterson, houseplant buyer at Portland Nursery, said she has been collecting succulents for a long time. She called them lovely, intriguing little plants. “They’re interesting looking with lots of different textures,” Patterson […]

Events to bring in the masses

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In a post-pandemic world, retailers can use classes and events to establish new traditions and spur repeat customer interactions Retail garden centers and nursery operations looking for more customer traffic often turn to in-store special events and classes. These give customers an added reason to drop in. While there, they may be tempted to buy […]

Boxing out boxwood blight

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Growers must work vigilantly to keep the fungus that causes boxwood blight out of their nurseries Boxwood is one of the most popular landscaping plants around. It’s evergreen and pretty, it provides natural privacy, it’s easy to maintain and it can be shaped into attractive ornamental topiaries. In fact, so popular is boxwood that it’s […]