This episode is all about the rivalry between Ohio and Michigan. But instead of football, Mason and Bill represent their respective states by presenting contributions to horticulture— and sports, culture, industry, number of Amish and covered bridges. They analyze data, crunch numbers, share fun facts and debate which state truly deserves the Midwestern Horticultural Championship Belt.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!

Cleveland's amazing sports weekend—with the Cavaliers advancing to the Eastern Conference NBA championship AND the Guardians winning the coveted Ohio Cup. Then the four discuss the magic of the Philadelphia Flower Show and why other flower shows just don’t compare (with a few exceptions). The group then explores ways to reinvigorate flower shows and possibly put a more local and commercial spin on them.

Plus … Jen’s career as an investigative journalist (getting the inside scoop on a story late-night at Denny’s), old horticultural videos (see the link below), pollinators, Guns ‘N Roses and more!

MUST SEE TV! Plants—More Than Just Pretty Videos (scroll ALL THE WAY down the page!): https://americainbloom.org/resources/videos/

(00:02) - Episode intro and Cleveland pride

(00:10) - Cleveland Cavaliers' playoff success and Guardians Ohio Cup victory

(02:01) - Guest introduction: Jen Polanz, horticulturist and industry expert

(07:28) - Jen’s horticultural journey from childhood to professional

(16:26) - Walk-up song: Guns N' Roses’ "Sweet Child of Mine"

(18:17) - The emotional and visual experience of the Philadelphia Flower Show

(22:27) - The "Cirque du Soleil" of plants and artistic display aspirations

(26:33) - Nature of exhibitor involvement at major flower shows

(31:00) - Most impressive displays, Shakespeare-inspired installations, and floral fashion

(36:02) - Impact of regional shows on local garden centers and influence on consumer decisions

(43:16) - Timing and scope of Chicago, Northwest, and Philadelphia shows

(50:02) - Practical considerations: show dates, location changes, and economic factors

(54:38) – Pettitis’ dominance in Cleveland market and industry trends

(55:53) - Upcoming PlantCon event details and trendsetting industry programs

(72:29) - Pollinator Partnership’s educational programs and retail applications

(77:04) - Educational videos emphasizing plant benefits: air purification, health, and crime reduction

(78:37) - Wrap-up, guest appreciation, and call for audience engagement

In this episode, Mason, Seth and Bill share their deepest darkest horticultural infatuations—like plug trays, trains, animal pests and “pieces.” They also discuss their love of multi-generational businesses, the forgiving nature of plants and the overall “cool factor” of the industry.

Plus, a heartfelt Mother's Day message packed with industry humor, Road House, muskrats and more. #hearmeoutcake

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Mother’s Day weekend & upcoming industry events

02:03 - Creative gift ideas for moms—plants and hanging baskets

03:19 - Terminology: 'garden center,' 'nursery,' regional differences

04:36 - The story behind a Montana garden center and industry naming conventions

06:24 - Field trip to Alsip Nursery & the importance of vendor relationships

07:56 - The role of industry themes and seasonal competitions in store culture

08:34 - The diversity of offerings in a well-rounded garden center (perennials, shrubs, pets)

09:38 - An anecdote about a customer with fertilizer in her car1

0:33 - Building vendor relationships and leveraging product support

16:24 - The power of plug trays in propagation—size, numbers, and awe

17:41 - Cost considerations in plant propagation and grower decisions19:37 - Wildlife encounters—mice, snakes, and unexpected yard visitors

21:32 - The industry’s wildlife problem: armadillos, muskrats, and possums

23:50 - Trains, hobbies, and the surprising coalescence with green industry businesses

27:44 - Trains on the farm and the fun of model trains in garden centers

31:30 - The value of family legacy in horticulture—stories from three generations

34:34 - Industry heritage projects—photos, stories, and family history

37:22 - Pride in family-owned businesses and their cultural significance

40:01 - The interconnectedness of horticulture, landscaping, retail, and beyond43:36 - The fun of plant passion—public perception and industry admiration

45:20 - Plants in airports, on planes, and the joy of sharing horticulture everywhere

48:01 - Industry camaraderie and logistical adventures—plant cargo and travel mishaps

52:16 - Celebrating Mother’s Day properly—wife, mom, kids, and traditions

55:19 - The cost of greeting cards versus plants—lessons learned and industry humor

56:37 - Wrap-up thoughts—community, diversity, and the industry’s charm

57:48 - Final thanks and closing remarks—connect with us & share your Mother’s Day stories

Mason, Seth, and Bill are back together once again as a trio for this episode! They chat about a few different topics this time around—from engaging high school students to get them interested in horticulture as a potential career to potentially brilliant (or crazy) ideas for weatherproofing garden centers. They also discuss King Charles visiting an urban farm while he was in the US and whether chicken wings should be slathered in ranch dressing or not.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and episode overview01:08 - The value of industry involvement with high schools and emerging careers06:24 - Insights from a recent high school tour at Ball Seed and student engagement09:53 - Resources available for high school horticulture education and outreach12:08 - The success stories of industry alumni like Lindsay from Canaan15:09 - Community building through company-sponsored tours and outreach initiatives18:31 - The importance of early planning for industry engagement events19:01 - Creative ideas for weatherproofing garden centers, including food trucks and giveaways28:48 - Strategies for handling inclement weather and maintaining customer interest33:48 - The value of branded experiences during rainy days in retail settings36:39 - Tips on operating greenhouses for better weather resilience41:49 - Industry recognition, hot takes, and memorable moments, including King Charles’ visit to Harlem Grown44:40 - The great chicken wing sauce debate—ranch versus blue cheese and creative dipping options50:25 - Wrap-up, upcoming travel plans, and community call-to-actionResources & Links:KidsGardening.org Resources for High Schools: https://kidsgardening.org/resource-create-and-sustain-a-program/ Seed Your Future: https://www.seedyourfuture.org/ Harlem Grown: https://harlemgrown.org/

In this episode, Mason and Bill dive into their 20th milestone discussing the significance of Earth Day and proactive engagement in sustainability, overrated horticultural trends like window boxes and the practicality (or lack thereof) of some garden tools and landscape lighting, as well as garden products and plants that should be banned (metal fire pits). Then they call out industry items that should never evolve—like shovels and wheelbarrows—before discussing industry activities that feel illegal but aren’t. They close with thoughts on what instantly dates a garden, from props to outdated décor.

Movies discussed include Dolphin Tale and Anchorman. Weapons discussed include mattocks, axes, hatchets, pruners and folding saws.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Celebrating 20 episodes and Earth Day musings

02:05 – Imagining Seth on Earth Day hero missions

03:11 – Eco-friendly kid activities and legacy inheritance

04:58 – Reflecting on progress since the first Earth Day

06:09 – A brief digression on social media detoxes

08:35 – Overrated horticultural trends, starting with window boxes

12:30 – The demise of porch pots and the enduring appeal of traditional pots

13:10 – Perennials and the hype around first-year flowering plants

14:38 – The decline of large vegetable plants at retail

16:43 – The over-competition of ultra-compact plants

17:40 – Overrated tools like aprons and gear in garden centers

19:22 – Industry bans? Metal fire pits and colored mulch

21:29 – The environmental and aesthetic implications of mulch use

22:45 – Debunking landscape lighting and other garden decor myths

26:41 – Items that should be banned for a year (eg, plastic pots, mulch)

29:02 – What industry elements should never be upgraded (e.g., seed crops)

33:16 – The absurdity of unnecessary gardening gadgets like robotic snow shovels

36:45 – Strategies on lawn mowing designs and yard maintenance routines

40:38 – Discussions on durable, classic garden containers and garden props

43:14 – The ‘illegal’ looks of seed-starting grow lights and plant sales

46:19 – The safety and legality of plant items like salvia and other 'forbidden' plants

53:10 – Banana cores, littering perceptions, and the truth about genetically identical bananas

56:51 – Outdated garden center fixtures and the charm of traditional landscape props

59:50 – The importance of functional, timeless garden features and decor

63:01 – Closing thoughts: engaging sustainability and practical tips for garden lovers

The Squad is all together live in one room for this one, which creates a totally different dynamic because we are social creatures and virtual meetings just don’t cut it. This time, Mason, Seth and Bill talk about spring—the season. What’s it look like for the industry, their own jobs, their yards and gardens and even their neighbors’ lawns. They find out Seth is a grass guy and decide horticulture is without a doubt the happiest industry of all time.Other topics discussed include parking at big events, gas prices, Mason’s community pool, a new bagel shop, circus peanuts (the candy), unpaved garden centers, shepherd’s hooks and squash hammocks.Follow The Squad on Instagram: @GHSquadPod Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: in-person recording and conference room vibes00:27 - The squad reunites physically after weeks apart01:00 - Sprin' in the Midwest: weather, outdoor activities, and summer plans02:20 - Spring break adventures: pools, staycations, and sports04:00 - Live sports insights: hockey, parking, and game day experiences06:07 - Parking tips and experiences at major venues, Spot Hero shoutout08:33 - Topic introduction: celebrating spring’s arrival and its impact on industry work09:47 - How spring influences garden centers, growers, and wholesale dynamics11:00 - Realities of busy spring seasons and planning for the upcoming months12:51 - Personal projects: preparing for fall and strategic planning in retail and production14:17 - Rising fuel costs and reflections on gas prices through the years15:28 - Gas prices, childhood memories, and eco-conscious choices19:11 - Favorite spring moments: opening windows, outdoor activities, and weather preferences20:31 - Love for spring rain and green grass, seasonal aesthetic appeal22:54 - Lawn care: overgrown shrubs, yard projects, and neighborly relations27:00 - Seed starting, vegetable gardening, and DIY plant projects30:37 - Garden structure upgrades: beds, wood choices, and DIY framing31:54 - Fun detours into candy: circus peanuts, childhood nostalgia, and taste tests36:23 - Yard and landscape updates: trimming, planning, and neighbor comparisons37:41 - Gardening philosophies: simplicity, overgrown over perfect, and seasonal chaos40:24 - Landscaping choices: functional versus decorative features, and industry storytelling43:47 - Greenhouse setups: dirt floors, plant care, and operational insights45:28 - Garden bulbs, winter planting, and spring surprises48:46 - Yard cleanup plans, landscaping strategies, and seasonal planting goals54:39 - Current projects: mulching, edging, and perennials55:28 - Industry happiness: survey insights, employee satisfaction, and long-term joy62:25 - The industry as a source of happiness and fulfillment64:09 - The distraction factor: fogged windows and overcommunication of negativity65:55 - Wrapping up: future episodes, guest ideas, and upcoming topics such as AI66:48 - Listener interaction: comments, feedback, and the importance of community67:42 - Final thoughts: staying connected through social media, subscriptions, and upcoming content

In this episode, Bill debriefs on California Spring Trials 2026—which just wrapped up on March 27—and shares his unfiltered thoughts on the event, some of the big picture trends, new variety direction and a bit about the overall vibe of the event. Mason asks him some hard questions and Bill does his best to not dodge them and actually give honest opinions.

Watch CA Spring Trials coverage videos (starring Bill, Chris Beytes and Jen Zurko)

Bill also adds his own thoughts to the garden center good, bad and ugly discussion from episode 17, which he missed while on vacation with his family. Speaking of families … Seth is away this week with his kids on spring break and Mason’s family had a big weekend conducting a “potty learning boot camp.”

Follow us on Instagram: @GHSquadPod

(NOTE: Apologies for the few times video cuts out … no clue what happened and I’m way too busy catching up on work to try and fix it. ~Bill)

In this episode:

• Key takeaways from Spring Trials including plant innovations, sustainability and market trends
• Personal stories from feed stores to greenhouses, highlighting the evolution of gardening and retail experiences
• Insights on the most innovative plants like black-leaf begonias, glow-in-the-dark petunias and trendy dahlias
• Industry trends: conservative product releases, combo recipes and the future of plant breeding
• Behind-the-scenes tales including propane filling, customer interactions and memorable garden center moments
• Food and travel highlights with restaurant recommendations and parenting wins, like potty training success!
• Lighthearted sports banter about baseball rivalries and seasons
• Parenting shout-outs and personal milestones from potty training weekends to family vacations
• Industry observations: sustainability practices and the shift in plant production

It’s another Squad duo-cast! Seth and Mason run the ship because Bill is on vacation. The topic of the week is their favorite AND least favorite experiences working in garden centers—including horticultural lessons learned, customer interactions and the how things have evolved over time. Of course, this dynamic duo drops plenty of brilliant tidbits weaved throughout wacky stories. You’d be disappointed if they didn’t … Be sure to follow the Squad on Instagram: @GHSquadPod

Because Seth is taking the day off to be a fantastic father, Mason (a lifelong Ford guy) and Bill (Ford guy turned Jeep guy) held down the GH Squad fort and finished the California Spring Trials prediction show using storylines from the 2026 LA Auto Show (trust us, it will make sense when you listen). If you haven’t listened to episode 15, maybe jump back in the archives and catch up. After discussing some questions Bill might ask at CAST in a couple weeks—to dig beneath the surface and challenge presenters to talk about solutions—they jump into storylines 6 through 10. In there are some real nuggets of wisdom and two legit controversial hot takes. Does Bill compare big box stores to a global superpower? Does Mason advocate for trials in a convention center? You seriously have to listen because there’s some wisdom to their madness. Plus, they break down good and bad appetizers/finger foods at receptions and Bill subtly requests 1,000 Tri-tip sliders from an exhibitor at Spring Trials. Be sure to follow The Squad on Instagram @GHSquadPod.

Join The Squad as they explore current trends in horticulture and what they think will be key messages at California Spring Trials 2026— all inspired by storylines from this year's LA Auto Show! This episode is only Part One and includes the first five storylines, touching on product maturation, technology integration and market adaptation. Seth, Mason and Bill bring their unique perspectives on how automotive innovations can inform and inspire plant industry strategies. Are perennials the EVs of horticulture? With plants for every price point, can we gain relevance in today’s cost-conscious society?

The Squad also shares some #CASpringTrialsMemories and discusses Monster Jam as a cultural phenomenon.