March 2019 - 18

Fresh Perspectives
But at the core of what we have crafted here is our heart and soul. At the risk of
sounding super cheesy, I'll continue. Our people (and likely your people too!) are
seeking authenticity. Originality. They can sense it here. We are genuine in our love of
what we do and that love pours over into everything that goes on here.
When your motivation is pure it is so easy to go above and beyond expectations on the
regular. You try new and weird things; you're vulnerable and excited. And it's contagious!
Our whole team feeds off of each other creatively, influencing and encouraging each
other. We give them the space to develop their creativity. Sure, some creative skill is
innate but, like anything else, it can be developed with willingness and practice.
I take great pride in knowing that the same members of our team who can run the
registers can throw together a beautiful planter with ease! This dynamic energy does
not hide well. Our customers sense it and they keep coming back for more.
It's a wonderful challenge to be constantly creating! And that right there may be our
hallmark: that we grow and make special, different things in a special and different
place. If you're in the market for the unique, beautiful and original, I can guarantee
you'll find it here.
This may be obvious, but I feel compelled to point it out. Do you really want your
defining feature to be your prices? To anyone else, is your store interchangeable with
another down the road? When you are offering your customers a totally different, highquality
product and shopping experience they will recognize it and seek you out.
Make your product your selling point, not your price. Excellence and originality are
appealing to all demographics.
Speaking of excellence, while the creative aspect is arguably more glamorous than
growing, I doubt any long-term customer would forgo plant selection or quality in
favor of lovely visuals or interesting ideas. Yes, much of gardening these days can
be considered " decorating, " with customers choosing plants based solely on color
schemes. But we are doing a disservice to all if we prioritize style over substance. Even
those who simply want to decorate want the tools to find long-term success.
We are picky about the plant material we choose to grow and sell. In the off season
we put in the work by visiting trials, reading up on interesting new selections and
gardening on a personal level.
With their knowledge, experience and artistic eye, our team is able to educate and
empower our customers to made successful decisions.
As we approach another spring season, I would encourage you to see with new
eyes and an open mind. Find fresh inspiration. Allow yourself and those around you
to exercise creativity. Focus where your passion lies. I'm certain that you (and your
customers!) will be amazed.
Anna Mary Barcus is retail manager at Henrys' Farm & Greenhouses in Holtswood,
Pennsylvania, and a member of GPN's 40 Under 40 Class of 2018. She can be reached at
henrysgreenhouses@gmail.com.
G12-M-C Mandarin Globe
R
Serving Specialty
Stores since 1994
Showroom:
The Gardens®
AmericasMart
Building 2 #9A37
DESIGNS
www.achla.com
info@achla.com
New for Spring 2019
BH-01-S Lina Hanger
FT-58 Samsara Trellis
FB-65 Julia Plant Stand
Circle 110
18 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | MARCH 2019
GBS-04 Globe Stand

http://www.achla.com

March 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2019