Columns

One can’t be green without the green industry

By Jeff Stone — Posted February 22, 2022

The nursery and greenhouse industry knows a simple truth. And that truth is: what the green industry grows and ships throughout the country and world is a benefit to the climate. It is as real as the promise of buds in spring and the trucks waiting to be loaded with product. You can imagine the […]

Fly like an EAGL!

By Josh Robinson — Posted February 22, 2022

I am heading to Austin, Texas shortly. I’m going to assist my brother, Chris (president of Robinson Nursery Inc.), and his wife, Marie (marketing director at Robinson), in finishing the capstone course for Dr. Charlie Hall’s EAGL program (Executive Academy for Growth and Leadership). For those of you who haven’t heard about this program, it […]

Emerging with confidence

By Mike Darcy — Posted January 25, 2022

As we enter year three with COVID-19 and its variants raging around us, it appears that most garden centers have made the necessary adaptations to stay open. Initially there was much confusion, and rightly so because we have never been in a situation like this. Many garden centers were temporarily closed to make the necessary […]

Ag overtime should not pit owner versus worker

By Jeff Stone — Posted January 25, 2022

As Oregonians, we have a long and storied tradition of political compromise. I believe that any policy debate should include a range of perspectives. This discussion can lead to mutually satisfactory solutions. That’s why the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) is disappointed with ongoing efforts by PCUN (Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste), the farmworkers […]

It’s about relationships

By Josh Robinson — Posted January 25, 2022

As we turn the page to February, there are a flurry of things that come to mind. Digging, inventory, and orders have been finalized — and now, we gear up for the craziness of shipping. We use the month of February to knock the rust off and prepare for peak shipping to come. Coming off […]

It is go time

By Jeff Stone — Posted December 20, 2021

It seems like the same narrative happens at the beginning of every year: “This is a make-or-break year for the industry.” But I am going to say it: 2022 will be a defining year. We grow, sell and ship the best nursery and greenhouse products in the country. But every year, there has been a […]

What sets Oregon apart

By Josh Robinson — Posted December 20, 2021

The Nursery Country issue of Digger is quite possibly my favorite edition of the magazine each year. We get an in-depth look into the nursery and greenhouse operations that make our members world-class. With COVID-19 still in effect and tours being tough to come by, this issue is the best thing short of a tour […]

An endless source of joy

By Mike Darcy — Posted November 28, 2021

Maurice Horn and Mike Smith founded Joy Creek Nursery in 1992 with a simple motto: “We are creating the nursery we always wanted.” Sadly, after almost 30 years, it was announced in October that, Joy Creek Nursery would close on November 7, 2021. Much has changed since 1992 when they opened a specialty nursery in […]

La familia de viveros e invernaderos

By Jeff Stone — Posted November 28, 2021

The word “familia” has a long history of referring to close relations or connections. In Spanish, “la familia” variously refers in English to one’s family, circle of friends and coworkers, teammates, or other close communities or organizations. So, as many of you will know, the Spanish headline above refers to “the family of nurseries and […]

With purpose comes passion

By Josh Robinson — Posted November 28, 2021

Fall has arrived and is running its course. The deciduous trees have progressed through their show of fall color and have dropped their leaves. In the plant grower’s world, this turns the page to harvest season. At the mention of the words “harvest season,” a litany of tasks runs through my mind — all associated […]