FNGLA Plant People Podcast

Brantley Nurseries has been a cornerstone of Florida's horticulture industry for generations, and behind its success is the remarkable story of the Klinger family. In this episode of the FNGLA Plant People Podcast, host Linda Adams sits down with brothers P.J. and Bill Klinger to explore the family's journey from a small family nursery to one of Florida's most respected wholesale growers.

P.J., an acclaimed plantsman, breeder, and FNGLA Hall of Fame inductee, reflects on a lifetime of discovering, growing, and introducing plants that have shaped Florida landscapes. Bill shares the business decisions that guided the company through decades of growth, industry change, and relocation while helping position Brantley Nurseries as a leader in wholesale nursery production.

Together, they discuss the rewards and challenges of working alongside family, the evolution of Florida's nursery industry, adapting to rapid development, the importance of innovation, and the lasting impact of servant leadership through FNGLA. Along the way, they share personal stories, lessons learned, and the values that have defined both their family and their business.

Whether you're a grower, landscaper, plant enthusiast, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind Florida's green industry, this conversation offers a fascinating look at one of the families that helped shape it.

As a fourth generation Florida nursery, O.F. Nelson and Family Nursery started as a foliage grower in Apopka in ~1955.  Always open to trying new crops, the Nelson’s expanded its offerings to include roses when the family discovered a rose root stock that would grow successfully in Florida’s unique climate. Nelson’s Florida Roses are still a first-choice plant for Florida gardens and communities as the company continues to evolve in a changing environment.

In this episode, we take a step into the world of politics and why it matters for Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. FNGLA’s retired CEO Ben Bolusky and Jim Spratt of Magnolia Strategies join us to unpack the basics of political engagement and advocacy.

From understanding how policy impacts your business to discovering practical ways you can get involved, this conversation is designed to demystify politics and show how every FNGLA member has a role to play. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking for fresh insights, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how your voice can make a difference.

In this episode, we explore the vibrant history and heart of Florida’s foliage industry through the stories of two of its most passionate advocates: Chet Peckett and Nancy McDonald.

Chet Peckett, former owner of the renowned Apopka-based nursery Peckett’s Inc., played a key role in the growth of the industry through his leadership in the Florida Foliage Association, FNGLA’s Foliage Division, and the Tropical Plant International Expo. Nancy McDonald began her journey at Peckett's in 1979, eventually becoming General Manager before launching her own successful nursery, NGM Productions.

Both Chet and Nancy are recipients of FNGLA’s highest volunteer honor, the Wendell E. Butler Award, and each has dedicated their careers to elevating the horticulture industry through innovation, mentorship, and advocacy.

From award-winning volunteer service to mentoring the next generation, their stories are filled with—you guessed it—plants, people, and passion.

Florida’s tree production industry has grown and evolved over the years, shaped by innovation, research, and dedicated growers. In this episode of the FNGLA Plant People Podcast, we explore the history and transformation of tree production in the Sunshine State with two industry experts: Mike Marshall of Marshall Tree Farm and Dr. Ed Gilman, professor emeritus at the University of Florida.

From shifting growing practices to advancements in tree care and urban forestry, our guests share their firsthand experiences and insights into how the industry has changed—and what the future might hold.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history and global connections of Florida’s foliage industry. From humble beginnings to international influence, Florida’s foliage story is deeply rooted in innovation, collaboration, and the bustling excitement of trade shows like FNGLA’s Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE).

Our guests, Paul Deroose (Deroose Plants) and Chris Beytes (Ball Publishing), share their unique insights and experiences, shedding light on the industry's past, present, and future. Discover how Florida’s foliage has shaped – and has been shaped by – global trends and relationships.

In this episode, ⁠GrowerTalks⁠ editor Chris Beytes shares his unique story and love for Floriculture and Florida, highlighting his career and industry insights.

As the nation's largest state nursery and landscape association, FNGLA represents Florida's nursery and landscape industry which generated $31.4 billion total output sales in 2020 and directly employed 266,000+ people. The Plant People Podcast highlights the valuable stories of our industry's contributors and influencers.

In this episode, UF/IFAS Interim Senior Vice President for Agriculture Robert Gilbert, Ph.D., discusses the rich history of Florida’s green industry, greatly supported by UF/IFAS. Gilbert also shares how Land Grant Universities came into being, and the future vision for UF/IFAS across research, teaching, and Extension.  

Note to listeners: Gilbert shares words from American agronomist E.T. York’s speech at the opening of the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center – the complete speech can be found here.

As the nation's largest state nursery and landscape association, FNGLA represents Florida's nursery and landscape industry which generated $31.4 billion total output sales in 2020 and directly employed 266,000+ people. The Plant People Podcast highlights the valuable stories of our industry's contributors and influencers.

In this episode, 2023 Wendell E. Butler Award Winner Van Donnan highlights the foliage industry's rich history in Apopka and Central Florida. Van recommends reading Jack Christmas' Tales of the Big Potato to learn more about Apopka's heritage.

As the nation's largest state nursery and landscape association, FNGLA represents Florida's nursery and landscape industry which generated $31.4 billion total output sales in 2020 and directly employed 266,000+ people. The Plant People Podcast highlights the valuable stories of our industry's contributors and influencers.

In this episode, Gerry Crouch and Judy Drake (retired) of Sunscapes Landscape Design in Jacksonville highlight the beginnings of their collaborative and creative partnership in fine garden design - a story as delightful as their award-winning designs!

As the nation's largest state nursery and landscape association, FNGLA represents Florida's nursery and landscape industry which generated $31.4 billion total output sales in 2020 and directly employed 266,000+ people. The Plant People Podcast highlights the valuable stories of our industry's contributors and influencers.