If you’ll humor me through some reflections of the heart, I’ll share a bit from the post-big-event sidelines…. As nursery store owners, my husband and I are no strangers to the ebb and flow of the seasons. Since 2002, we’ve deftly navigated each season together. Each one bringing its own unique challenges and opportunities, testing our skills as we navigated the tides of our industry, the economy, droughts, severe inclement weather, and even a global pandemic. Seasonally, from the gentle swells of Fall to the tumultuous currents of Spring, we’ve ridden the waves, adapting to the changing landscape of our business for 22 years.
Spring: The Rip Tide of the Nursery World
Ah, Spring – a time of renewal, rebirth, and, for us in the nursery industry, what can often feel like a rip tide that threatens to pull us under. As the earth awakens from its winter slumber, so too does the demand for all things green and growing. Customers flock to our store in droves, eager to breathe life into their gardens once more. We of course welcome this buzz of activity, especially after long, wet winters like these past two.
But with this surge in demand comes a host of challenges. Keeping enough product in stock becomes a delicate balancing act, as we strive to meet the needs of our customers without overextending ourselves. Our shelves groan with the weight of young plants, soil, and supplies, as we race to keep pace with the frenzied pace of spring. Our team hurriedly unpacks fresh product daily while management stresses over the orders that didn’t arrive in time for busy weekends, product that arrived damaged, employees that call out sick. The To Do list is never finished. You just call it a day and hope to pick up where you left off the next day. Nursery management is not for the faint of heart.
Balancing Various Job Skills:
Each season brings its challenges and opportunities, but during Spring they culminate and rise to a crescendo.
- Time Management: Spring is a whirlwind of activity, and every minute counts. From managing inventory to scheduling staff, time management becomes a critical skill as we strive to keep our heads above water.
- Event Planning: As the temperature rises, so too does anticipation for our big Spring events. Months of planning culminate in a flurry of activity, as we welcome customers old and new to our store for a celebration of all things green during Spring Garden Faire and then again just 30 days later for our Annual Succulent Extravaganza. And smack in the middle of those two very large events is Mother’s Day, our busiest shopping season of the year.
- Trend Watching: In the nursery industry, staying ahead of the curve is essential. We keep a close eye on emerging trends and customer preferences, adjusting our inventory and offerings accordingly. After all, what’s hot today may be yesterday’s news tomorrow and product must be ordered months ahead of when its needed. So in the midst of Spring frenzy we’re ordering holiday and placing pottery orders for next year.
- Training: With the influx of customers comes the need for extra hands on deck. Training seasonal employees becomes a top priority, ensuring that they’re equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to provide the exceptional service that The Secret Garden is known for.
Surviving the Spring Surge
So how do we weather the storm of Spring? It takes a combination of foresight, flexibility, resilience, laughter and a whole lot of hard work by an amazing team. For years Vic and I were the ones that carried the weight of The Secret Garden. Today we have two of our grown children involved, as well as an awesome, hardworking team of talented individuals. As we geared up for our Spring Garden Faire that was held this last weekend, I was reminded of something Vic said last year about having our daughters working with us now. I’m paraphrasing, but basically he commented on how it used to be just the two of us holding things together, but now we have four solid posts on which the business can flourish and grow.
And then there are our wonderful customers. In the midst of last weeks pre-event frenzy we had a shade sail post snap. While the shade sails threatened to drag product off their shelves in the wind, our girls literally held things together while Vic made the necessary repairs. Customers stopped what they were doing to rush over and spot him while he was up on the ladder, and it was all handled with calm and grace. Team work at its finest.
Yes, Spring may feel like a rip tide that threatens to consume us. But with a team like ours, customers that care, and a supportive community that shows us daily that what we do matters, we know that our feet will stay firmly embedded ashore. So bring on the blooms, the buds, and the buzz of spring – we’re ready for it all! Next up, Succulent Extravaganza!
See you in the garden!
