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activities that feel illegal but aren’t. They close with thoughts on what instantly dates a garden, from props to outdated décor.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.

This is a good one! But aren’t they all? In episode 14, Mason, Seth and Bill are pretty focused—sharing Seth and Mason’s takeaways from the iLandscape trade show, plus all the networking opportunities and innovative products at this leading regional green industry event. The Squad shared thoughts based on a listener comment about the challenges horticulturists face as consumers and highlight the importance of engaging the next generation in the industry. The conversation also touched on the significance of trade shows in fostering connections and showcasing new technologies.

In the second half of the episode, the hosts explored the evolving nature of hobbies in the context of social media and influencer culture. They discussed how platforms like TikTok and Instagram have transformed hobbies into competitive activities laden with stress and consumerism. The conversation got into the pressure to post and the impact of social media on personal enjoyment of hobbies. The Squad advocates for a return to the joy of hobbies without the need for validation through social media, emphasizing the importance of individual outcomes and realistic representations in hobby culture.

Some takeaways:

·     The horticulture industry faces unique consumer behavior challenges.

·     Horticulturists often feel guilty about not purchasing plants.

·     Trade shows like iLandscape provide valuable networking opportunities.

·     Engaging students at trade shows can foster interest in horticulture.

·     Innovative products are essential for modern horticulture practices.

·     Sustainability is a growing focus in the horticulture industry.

·     The importance of community and connections in the industry cannot be overstated.

·     Themes at trade shows can enhance the overall experience.

·     Networking at trade shows can lead to valuable business connections.

·     The integration of technology in horticulture iscrucial for efficiency. Social media has turned hobbies into competitive content.

·     Hobbies are now associated with stress and consumerism.

·     The pressure to post can detract from the enjoyment of hobbies.

·     Influencer culture impacts how hobbies are perceived and pursued.

·     Gardening is on the rise due to sustainability and homegrown food.

·     People often feel pressured to monetize their hobbies.

·     Realistic representations of hobbies are needed in media.

·     The joy of hobbies should be prioritized over social media validation.

·     Crayons are often inadequate for quality coloring experiences.

·     AI is likely to influence the future of hobbies and creative activities.

In this episode of the GH Squad podcast, the Squad welcomes special guest Tiffany Heater. They reminisce about how they all met and some of the ways they've worked together in different capacities for 15 years.As a side hustle, Tiffany and her family operate a small "backyard" farm in New Jersey and sell cut flowers and vegetables at a local farmer's market and direct to local businesses. Tiffany and the Squad discuss the current home garden veggie market (Tiffany has represented the Burpee Home Garden plant program for 15 years), who's shopping at farm markets and whether or not cut flowers is a trend with more growth potential.Of course, there's plenty more to this episode including the inside scoop on new Girl Scout cookie flavors!

The Squad is back with another banger. In episode 12, Seth, Mason and Bill cover a wild range of topics from ways to improve some of the more boring events in the Winter Olympics (by adding fire or wolves) to what they’d do if they could start a green industry business from scratch. The winner of the 2026 Fantasy Plant Draft is announced and the losers congratulate him—although he sort of cheated the system … and the Squad answers their first “ask the old guys” question about now-defunct industry businesses they miss. Mason gives a quick recap of Indoor Ag-Con and the Squad talks a bit about CEA and vertical farming.

The episode ends with a rural Florida orchid excursion that almost turned into a horror movie. Other topics include the “Quad God”, snowboarding, Las Vegas fitness centers, NERF and so much more.

REGISTER NOW for Seth’s upcoming Perennial Plant Association webinar: Be A More Resilient(Sustainable) Company! | February 20 at 1:00 PM EST. https://perennialplant.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2014764&group=

Learn more about Digging In—The Association for Professional Container Gardeners: https://digging-in.org/about/

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