Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Capital press. (Salem, OR) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 19, 2016)
10 CapitalPress.com August 19, 2016 Nurseries become destinations By JANAE SARGENT Capital Press Independent garden cen- ters are adopting the idea of becoming “destination nurs- eries” and offering classes, events and community proj- ects to set themselves apart and compete with box stores. Breanne Chavez, executive director of the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association, said nurseries are positioning themselves as a resource and community partner to bring in new cus- tomers and make shopping more of an experience than can be had at box stores. By becoming a destina- tion spot, garden centers have begun offering instructional classes, yoga classes, large- scale social events and cafés to engage community and get new customers in the nursery and interested in gardening. Garland nursery in Cor- vallis, Ore., is a well-regarded destination nursery. Co-own- ers Brenda Powell, Lee Powell and Erica Powell-Kaminskas said people come to their nurs- ery to be happy and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Janae Sargent/Capital Press Co-owners Brenda Powell and Erica Powell-Kaminskas operate Garland Nursery with their brother and co-owner Lee Powell. The idea of a destination nursery was started by their mother before they took over. Garland nursery offers a rotating monthly class geared toward plant care, regular classes to engage children and teach them to plant and holds four to ive large events each year that are open and free to the public. “Our events and classes are intended to draw in peo- ple who might not be cus- tomers now but may want to in the future. And when they do, they will think of us,” Lee Powell said. Josh Zeilinski, Oregon Association of Nurseries executive committee vice president, said he thinks des- tination nurseries are a good idea. Zeilinski said changing garden centers to destina- tions will take a big shift in mindset but that he sees a lot of value, especially in bring- ing in the millennial genera- tion — those people now in their 20s. Chavez said one major de- bate in the nursery industry is how to bring young people in and get them engaged in gar- dening. 1” 12” or 16” Coverage Loc Seam 36” Coverage 12” 1 1 ⁄ 4 ” 3’ PBR CHOOSE YOUR SIZE 36” Coverage 9” 3’ Magna Rib CUSTOMIZE YOUR DESIGN 3⁄4” SALE White Magna Rib $1.55/LF PRE-ENGINEERED STRUCTURES See our website for additional profiles and products! HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 - 5:30 N16-4/#7 CALL FOR QUOTE! www.metallionindustries.com 503-630-7740 Fax 503-630-7770 850 NW Park Avenue, Estacada, OR N16-7/#7
