March 2022 - 66

5 MINUTES WITH ...
5
MINUTES
-WITH-
CHRISTINE FORTMAN AND
MELINDA WALTON
By Teresa McPherson
Christine Fortman and Melinda Walton are
the third generation to own and operate
Berridge Nurseries in Phoenix, Arizona.
You grew up in the industry and are thirdgeneration
owners-operators of Berridge Nursery;
how do we encourage the next generation to be
interested in horticulture as a career?
We actively support our elementary and middle schools
with in-person visits and product donations to classrooms
and school gardens. We feel the continued education on the
benefits and uses of plants in our homes and surroundings
will encourage the next generation to respond positively to a
future in the industry.
Additionally, through the Arizona Nursery Association
Foundation (ANAFund), we have two named scholarship
funds that are awarded annually to students enrolled in a
horticulture-related curriculum at a university, community
college or continuing education program.
What do you love about your job?
Melinda: I enjoy improving my employees' job satisfaction
by ensuring they have the necessary tools to be successful
in their individual role. I have come to appreciate how
providing the proper equipment, manpower or process can
dramatically reduce employee stress.
Christine: In Arizona, our busy fall season can start as early
as Sept. 1, so we use the summer to organize and design
our vignettes for a fresh new look with pottery, statuary,
and plants throughout the nursery. There's tremendous
satisfaction in seeing your vision completed and ready
for customers to stroll through and be inspired for their
upcoming planting projects.
66 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | MARCH 2022
What keeps you up at night?
Economic outlooks keep us up at night. Regardless
whether it is a relatively positive or a general leveling off
report, we are most concerned to be ready for an adverse
economic environment. The cyclical eventuality of a
downturn forces us to constantly evaluate our staff levels to
help ensure we have a strong foundation.
As a family business, what measures do you take
to separate the family part from the business part?
Zero. None. This nursery is the history of our family, as well
as our future. We love being in this together and resultantly, we
have a wonderful professional relationship and family dynamic.
If you weren't in this profession, what would you
be doing?
Melinda: Most likely I would be a project manager of sorts,
organizing a job site or project to ensure proper job flow.
Christine: Before joining the family's business, I had a
15-year career working with corporations, nonprofits and
startups on messaging and events, so I think I could very
happily return to that field.
Favorite plant to grow? Why?
Melinda: The dwarf jacaranda is by far my current favorite.
The large fern leaves and manageable 15-foot size is perfect
for every garden. The purple flowers are like no other!
Christine: I'm all about my flowers and planting my
geraniums each fall is my favorite. If I plant my decorative
containers at the end of September and fertilize once a week,
I have full, showy blooms for the holiday season.
March 2022

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