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May 2022 — The Technology Issue

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Check out the latest, high-tech inventions that were made to solve problems for nurseries, retailers and landscapers. Growers discuss the ups and downs of drone use in the field, lawn care equipment manufacturers share advancements in electrical options, and we even include a profile on GK Machine Inc. and its custom-built farming instruments. Plus, read […]

Keeping lawns healthy

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Research points to certain practices for minimizing invasive annual bluegrass By Alec Kowalewski, Clint Mattox, and Alyssa Cain Desirable turfgrass species in western Oregon include, but are not limited to, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue. Perennial ryegrass will produce a dense, dark green lawn when regularly mowed, irrigated, and fertilized. Tall fescue, on the other […]

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 [email protected]: […]

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 […]