Episode 27: Everde Growers x LandscapeHub

On this episode of From the Field, Joe and Will have a fantastic conversation with Nicholas Staddon, Spokesperson and Plantsman for Everde Growers, a nationwide grower of high quality Nursery material. Nicholas has an impressive list of accomplishments and involvement within the Green Industry.

He tells us more about where he got his start to where he's at now, including a high level view and history of Everde Growers as an organization. Nicholas also shares some great advice about being a better person - both personally and professionally. Joe, Will, and Nicholas talk about the importance of interaction and connection, a key part of a successful business. (shout out to MANTS, the Mid Atlantic Nursery Trade Show) 

Tune in to get to know Nicholas, he's a wealth of knowledge and an overall great "Chap". Cheers!

Episode 26: Farmer Law PC x LandscapeHub

Labor is one of the hottest topics in the Green industry today! Maintaining your staff and keeping your bench full is key to sustaining the overall health of your operation. When it comes to using H2B and H2A to supplement your needs, there's a lot of uncertainty of where to start, and how to find the right support to responsibly engage with these programs. 

In this episode, Will and Joe sit down with Kyle Farmer for an initial Cliff notes version of H2A and H2B. For the meat of the convo, they talk through some general NEED to know info about the both programs, accompanied by some great conversation - Kyle is passionate about what he does! 

You'll get a better understanding of the services they provide, how Farmer Law PC is actively engaging with the Green Industry, and how a business can easily lean into working with them... Enjoy!

Episode 25: Ivanhoe Nursery and Farms x LandscapeHub

On this episode Russ Stokes and Joe talk about Ivanhoe Nursery located in Mundelien, IL. 

Owned by the Wirtz Family (for all you BlackHawk Fans), Ivanhoe has become a staple name in the Northern Illinois market. Russ shares his knowledge over a lifetime spent in the nursery.  

Tune in to hear what Ivanhoe has done to succeed and how they can help you with your material needs!

Episode 24: Millcreek Gardens x LandscapeHub

Fred Higginbotham, Growing Operations Manager at Millcreek Gardens shares his many years of experience in the Green Industry!

Millcreek Gardens is located in Ostrander, OH and has been around since 1978. They grow a lot of different material but perennials are the backbone at this nursery.

Joe and Fred dig into conversations around labor, logistic, and inventory. Of course, Fred shakes up he crystal ball and predicts that technology is the future and it's here to make everyones lives easier. 

Tune in and check out Millcreek's quality material on The Hub!

Episode 23: Willoway Nurseries x LandscapeHub 

On this episode of From the Field, Joe sits down with Danny Gouge of Willoway Nurseries located in Avon, OH.

Danny gives us a glimpse into what it takes to run a highly efficient operation that Willoway has known to be. Joe and Danny chat about labor, how the H2A program has helped them throughout the years, and how the culture at Willoway fosters growth and dedication. 

Danny shares how he started in the industry and how he keeps the customer in the know of the 7000 SKU's that Willoway has to offer. Tune in for some good laughs and a great conversation! 

Episode 22: Waverly Farm x LandscapeHub 

Will and Joe sit down with Laura Hagmann of Waverly Farms located in Adamstown, MD.

Laura gives us a great overview of the high quality material Waverly grows in the field as well as her perspective as she starts her second life in the green industry. Tune in and check out their premium quality B & B, landscape-size ornamental trees & shrubs on The Hub!

Episode 21: Home Nursery x LandscapeHub 

On this episode Joe chats with Home Nursery sales manager and fellow ILLINI, Hilliary Metzger. 

They dive into Home's history, their diverse product mix of perennials and shrubs, and what's on the horizon for production. Listen in to learn the difference in the 8" perennial pot versus the traditional #1 container, how they handle their logistics across their markets, and future labor force. If you are interested in doing an internship this is the episode to hear!

Episode 20: Charleston Aquatics x LandscapeHub

Stu, the owner of Charleston Aquatics, chats about their natives plant production in South Carolina.  

Charleston Aquatics also grows salt water natives. They have an interesting way of production that has helped Stu and his hard working team stand out to provide high quality natives.

Stu was just a ball to chat with and get to know. If you are into Natives, or want to hear more on salt water plant production, tune in!

Episode 19: Kankakee Nursery x LandscapeHub

Nostalgia sets in on this episode... Kankakee is the first ever supplier on LandscapeHub!

4th generation leaders Pete Worth and Amy Baker talk about their 97-year-old labor of love and how it has evolved over the years.  Located in Aroma Park, IL they service Colorado (all you rocky mountain fans out there) to Boston, as well as our friends in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Their diverse plant palette makes them an easy truck filler. 

Looking to the future, Pete discusses their new crop of native trees and evergreens in Root Pouches (another shout out), their benefit of growing in the root pouches, and the Native tree movement here in IL. Amy talks about their long tenured labor force that has become family with next generations stepping up to help keep the nursery growing as a company. Don’t forget – they also do some liners too. 

Tune in to check out the diversity that Kankakee has to offer along with the great people that are continuing the family legacy.

Episode 18: Zirkle's Nursery x LandscapeHub

"Sell plants that sell themselves." - Joe Zirkle 

Joe gives us the download on Kirkle's Nursery located in Bridgeton, NJ. Zirkle's is on 280 acres on land, 40 of the acres are for container production. 

Joe emphasizes how important it is to create a friendly work environment where everyone is invested in the same goal and work as a team to get the job done. You won't have quality material without good workers so it's important to keep them happy!

Learn more about how the H2A program has helped with their labor production, the software programs they use for future availability, and their top sellers. 

Check out their high quality plants on The Hub - you won't be disappointed.