Remembering Becky Beaver
This week, we said goodbye to yet another of Behnke’s Best. Our friend and co-worker Becky Beaver passed away at her home on July 21st after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Those of us who knew and loved Becky…
The Challenges of AI-Generated Plant Photos in Garden Centers
Lately I have been seeing a lot of unique and unusual plants on social media. The problem is, however, that they are FAKE. In recent years, the rise of AI-generated images has introduced a new challenge: Garden Center customers are bringing in…
Photo Of The Week ~ April Snow 2007
Although snow isn’t in the forecast, April snow in the Washington, DC area isn’t unheard of. In order to be ready for spring sales, garden centers begin bringing in plants in late February/early March, starting with fruit tree and continuing…
From Valentine’s to Spring
As February fades, garden centers buzz with anticipation. New arrivals bring bursts of color, from houseplants to fruit trees.
The Best Time For Planting Is Fall
Fall, some will say, is the best time of the year. I love Spring (saying goodbye to Winter is the best), but Fall has many appealing things to consider. Growing up surrounded by nurserymen, of course, I knew that…
5 Minutes With Stephanie
As with other industries, there are many resources we consult to keep up with things that affect our businesses. There are a number of physical and digital trade magazines for Independent Garden Centers with interesting articles aimed toward professional audiences…
A Visit To Homestead Gardens
National Capital Orchid Show and Sale At Homestead Gardens This past Sunday, my daughter, Jaimie, and I drove to Davidsonville, Maryland, to one of my favorite independent garden centers, Homestead Gardens.The National Capital Orchid Society Show and Sale was happening, and I could…
My Visit To Frank’s Produce & Greenhouses
This week Stephanie stopped in to visit Frank’s Produce & Greenhouses in Elkridge, Maryland
First Garden Center Visit Of 2022 ~ Homestead Gardens
Stephanie’s first visit of 2022 to Homestead Gardens. Looks like they are getting ready for Spring!
It’s All About Orchids
February is all about love and flowers! Roses and Orchids. So many orchids. Read about Stephanie’s conversation with the Orchid Lady plus, save the date for the National Capital Orchid Show and & Sale at Homestead Gardens this month.
Meadows Farms ~ Plant a Little Happiness!℠
Last week, I was on my way to Beltsville and decided to stop in at Meadows Farms in Burtonsville. I was not sure if former Behnke’s Best Anita and Greg were working that afternoon but I wanted to see that new greenhouse I had heard about.
Thanksgiving Farms ‘We Grow Our Own’
Road Trip Last Sunday, my friend Donna and I took a road trip to Adamstown, Maryland, in Frederick County. I have always heard about Thanksgiving Farms, an independent garden center but never had the opportunity to go there. Carol Allen…