Columns

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 […]

No map should muffle our voice

By Jeff Stone — Posted October 26, 2021

Every 10 years, the nation takes a census to find out where our fellow Americans reside, so they can be better represented in the political process. Based on those results, those states or locales that increase in population get more representation; conversely, influence recedes in the states or areas that lose voters. While fairness is […]

The start of a beautiful journey

By Josh Robinson — Posted October 26, 2021

Hello everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Josh Robinson. Alongside my parents, Rick and Roxanne, and brother, Chris, I am a co-owner of Robinson Nursery in McMinnville, Oregon. Mom and Dad started the business in 1984. I consider myself blessed to have been raised on the farm and as […]

Let’s address a dry topic

By Mike Darcy — Posted September 22, 2021

In the August issue of Digger, I discussed some of the effects of the very dry summer season, not only in the Pacific Northwest, but in much of the western United States. Many readers and other gardeners commented about the article. As a result, I looked more closely at the surrounding neighborhood, as well as […]

Ag is united in the face of adversity

By Jeff Stone — Posted September 22, 2021

The fall season signifies a change. Colors explode on our trees, while crisp mornings and the precious opportunities for a warm day combine for a special time in Oregon. While I am a boy of summer, the fall has always been my favorite time of year. My two daughters are away at college, the hard […]