Taking it all in

One year ago, I started writing for and about the horticulture industry. That’s one full trip around the sun, one full growing season — really nothing compared to the experience of the people I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with over the last 12 months. I am still a newbie.

Happily, I am at my best when I am learning new things, and this industry has presented a wealth of learning opportunities. I’ve explored cultivation, lighting, water use, shipping, substrates, staffing issues, plant marketing, organics, natives and cultivars and a dozen different ways to grow them. Every time I get the opportunity to step foot into a new growing facility, I discover something new and interesting. I don’t expect that will change anytime soon.

I am constantly amazed by the ingenuity and innovation in the horticulture industry. That’s as true for the suppliers building tech solutions for growers’ problems as it is for the growers themselves finding new ways to improve processes and resource use.

There is one thing that I can say is unique to my experience as a journalist covering this green beat: I get to take a broad view of the industry, from seed to consumer sales. Sometimes, we get locked into to our own metaphorical silos. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing — a little hyperfocus is a good way to get big results. But sometimes, we can forget we are part of a bigger picture. It’s my job, and the job of all of us here at Greenhouse Management, to provide that bigger picture.

That’s why I’m excited about this month’s cover story about how to work with landscape contractors. In this story, we look outside of the grower bubble to understand the needs of the folks who use the plants to build beautiful spaces. Yes, we’re all part of the horticulture industry, and we all want healthy and beautiful plants, but there are also nuances to consider as plants move from production to planting.

We also had the opportunity to speak with new Dümmen Orange CEO Anthony Christiaanse. It’s an enlightening conversation that focuses on a portion of the industry that affects what will be coming into the greenhouse in the coming years. It’s important to understand breeders’ focus on using predictive software to speed creation and improvement of varieties. It’s the kind of upstream change that can affect a grower’s day to day, and I’m excited that we can give you that insight.

With another issue in your hands, I’m excited to embark on another year of learning: taking in the broad view and staying curious about this amazing industry I’ve been so very fortunate to explore. And, most importantly, I’m grateful to be here with you.