August 2023 - 4

EDITOR'S LETTER
Introducing the
Innovators!
This issue features Lawn &
Garden Retailer's Innovator
of the Year award recipients.
These 10 independent garden
centers from around the
country elevate the customer
experience with great service
and inspiring store displays,
make a name for themselves
with involvement in their
communities, and find success
with inventive ways of doing
business. I could go on, but
it's probably best if you just
read about them. Find all the
winners on page 14.
Winner Winner Veggie Dinner
As some of us are nearing the peak of our vegetable
gardens, it's natural to want to take a look back
and see what succeeded and what didn't. Editorial
director Abby McGarry lays out All-America Selections'
(AAS) National Winners and the primary attributes
breeders are working toward when it comes to new
vegetable introductions. Higher yields and improved
nutritional value are top priorities for them, as well as
disease resistance, pest resistance and an extended
growing season - something all home gardeners will
appreciate. Turn to page 34 for more.
And speaking of top priorities, do you know why
your customers choose to grow vegetables? A survey
from TreeTriage.com on America's gardening habits
found more than two in three (68%) of respondents
grow their own food and that, on average, they said
their homegrown food saves $65 in groceries monthly.
What's more, 92% also said their food tastes better
than grocery store food, and 85% said they believe
gardening helps them eat healthier.
I know that when my tomatoes and summer
squash start ripening I feel like I'm helping the whole
neighborhood eat healthier! And there's no doubt the
taste of these homegrown goodies is on a whole new level
compared to store-bought produce.
I'd love to hear what your best-selling veggies
were this spring - did tomatoes top the list, or
did lettuce lead? Drop me a note at tmcpherson@
greatamericanpublish.com.
@LGRmag
Winner of 2010, 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2018 EDDIE awards for Best Full Issue
Teresa McPherson, MANAGING EDITOR
616.520.2163 | tmcpherson@greatamericanpublish.com
4 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | AUGUST 2023
@lgrmag
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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
JD Boone
Melissa Frank
Jessie Jacobson
Jennifer Moss
Tiger Palafox
Stan Pohmer
Danny Summers
Dothan Nurseries
Weston Nurseries
Tonkadale Greenhouse
Moss Greenhouses
Mission Hills Nursery
Pohmer Consulting Group
The Garden Center Group
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http://www.TreeTriage.com

August 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of August 2023