Digger magazine

Written to make you a nursery industry expert.

Meeting online customer expectations

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Prepare before jumping into online retail, lest the opportunity become a pitfall COVID-19 pushed many garden centers to catch the growing wave of online shopping. E-commerce sales are forecasted to account for nearly a fifth of all U.S. retail sales by 2025, according to Statista. Total retail e-commerce sales in 2021 increased 17.9%, according to […]

Power pact

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Nurseries and landscapers look at electric alternatives to traditional equipment Many garden retailers and nursery owners are starting to turn away from gas-powered equipment as technological advancements make it possible to go all-electric.  In California, all new landscaping equipment will be required to be zero-emission by 2024 or as soon as the California Air Resources […]

Growth from above

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Nurseries explore new uses for drones, from inventory to scouting to spray treatment Initially a tool for the military and aviation hobbyists, unmanned aerial systems — better known as drones — have a wide range of applications. Filmmakers, search and rescue, farmers and ranchers, surveyors, even archeologists find uses for them. Will the nursery industry […]

GK Machine Inc.

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Founded: 1976 by Gary and Keith Grossen OWNER: Gary GrossenKNOWN FOR: Branded agricultural equipment, and custom manufactured equipment.PEOPLE: Gary Grossen, CEO and outside sales; Keith Grossen, co-owner (retired); JoAnn Agee, Vice President and CFO, Connie Lindsay, marketing; Mike Mader, equipment sales, Brent Selnau, equipment sales; Derrick Bratton, greenhouse sales.CONTACT: P.O. Box 427, Donald, OR 97020-0427503-678-5525clindsay@gkmachine.comONLINE: […]

Protect your business against cybercrime

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Over the last few years, the green industry has rapidly pivoted to online sales and customer service. Growers and retailers were increasingly forced to interact with clients without face-to-face contact as they switched to online ordering and delivery, curbside pick-up, and virtual or socially-distanced landscaping services. From wholesale growers to garden centers and landscape technicians […]

Show your primary colors by voting

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Going back years, most of my Director’s Desk columns have focused on the evergreen topic of nursery and greenhouse labor —  or more precisely, the lack thereof. Every year, the U.S. Congress proves its consistent, even surgical failure to put politics aside and pass a sensible and sustainable immigration visa system. Agriculture needs it, but […]

Feeling revitalized

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The mask mandate is over. It seems like everyone recently has a little extra pep in their step. Life resembles a somewhat normal state again. Combine that with the spring air and return to outdoor activity, and “revitalized” is the proper word for the feeling. Speaking of revitalization, it is time to look at restoring […]

April 2022 — The Tree Issue

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Welcome to our first-ever Tree Issue! Articles inside include an in-depth analysis of the best crabapples varieties, the recipe for successful tree production, and helping the marketplace meet their customer’s expectations. In the Meet the Leader feature, read about the life and accomplishments of Rod Park, owner of Park’s Nursery and former OAN president and […]

Bailey hires trade communications specialist

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Jasmina Dolce has been hired for a newly created trade communications specialist for Bailey, according to a release from the company. She will write and share stories about the company, Endless Summer® Hydrangeas, First Editions® Shrubs & Trees, and Easy Elegance® Roses with consumer brand licensees, growers, garden centers and other trade audiences. With more […]

Pursell Agri-Tech hires director of turf and ornamentals

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Bill Abetz has been appointed director of turn and ornamentals for Pursell Agri-Tech, according to a release from the company. He has 30 years of green industry experience, which includes 20 years in chemical and fertilizer sales and product development. He previously served as assistant golf course superintendent and nursery operations manager. Abetz will help […]