The Homegrown Advantage

by Danny Summers

With all the news today about imports, exports and tariffs, it becomes natural to think about what our Centers offer today. The great Trees, Shrubs, Perennials and Annuals you sell are certainly grown close to you or at the very least in the same region or country. Some of you are actually growing some of them in-house. There may be some imported components, whether it is peat or peat substitutes, bamboo stakes, etc., but the majority of what a customer takes home could be considered Homegrown.

Even our great non-plant suppliers, the majority of them produce their products domestically. Just take a look at what you have in your Center today and think about where it is being made. I'm confident the majority of what you see is Homegrown. OK, saying a non-plant item is Homegrown sounds somewhat strange, but you get the point.

Recently, I was talking with Frank Honold, owner of Henri Studio. I had heard Frank say, "Our products are made IN America and made OF America. He goes on to say, "We make our fountains and garden decor of Indiana Limestone + Illinois Sand and Cement + Lake Michigan Water." That's about as Homegrown as you can get.

In talking with Frank, I asked him if he had any videos demonstrating their processes. He said, "We do have one that I did a few years ago that walks you through the casting process. Most people are amazed at the amount of time and effort that goes into our fountains and statuary."

I asked Frank for the video, and he shared it with me. I have embedded it in the blog version of this message. You can see a still image here. Be sure to click on the blog link below to see the actual 4-minute video. It is as if we are there with Frank outside their facility in Wauconda, Illinois, as he shows each step in the lengthy process. I think you will be amazed!

Another of our great hardgoods suppliers that is increasing their Homegrown products is Border Concepts. Their roots began as a steel edging manufacturer, and yet they have expanded into many areas of products for Garden Retail. Border Concepts VP of Sales Bill Sigler said, "The roots of Border Concepts began as a steel edging producer, and with our new facility in North Carolina, we are manufacturing and distributing more Garden Retail Products than ever."

Watch for more details about an optional opportunity to visit the Border Concepts facility at The Fall Event 2025!

And last week, I saw Berns Garden Center's email message that sparked the idea I needed for this message. Thank you, Berns Creative Team.

The email contained an essential message as more of their audience (and possibly yours) is trying to balance their budgets with increased costs. Here's their main image below. Notice the important keywords...

Fresh, Homegrown, Your Garden, and Your Groceries... Just Steps Away.

This can be a winning message for this season.

There are so many more ways we can highlight the Homegrown idea. There is something about Homegrown at the very basic level that is reminiscent of your Grandmother's garden, something so very natural and comforting.

Homegrown can be an important message to your audience!

Happy Sharing!

Danny Summers
[email protected]
Tel: 678-909-7770
Cell: 678-761-7145

REMEMBER: Your interaction (by phone and email) with Group Service Providers such as Tim Quebedeaux, Sid Raisch, John Kennedy, Jean Seawright, and of course Danny Summers are included in your retainer!