Guest List: Episode Four
Guest List is a new 4-part limited series from PlantPop. Join host, Brie Arthur, and her dinner guests as they share wide-ranging conversations about the world of horticulture.
In this episode, topics range from marketing to a discussion of the value of plants and elitism in horticulture. They also talk about how to influence future generations to be interested in gardening and plants.
Jeremy mentions that using search engine optimization can be hugely beneficial when it comes to people getting interested in plants.
“We’re reaching people that don’t know plants, which is good and also challenging…”
Erin chimes in with this idea of marketing being somewhat of a hindrance to growers.
“What does the grower really take on as the customer service and when does that end?”
The growers tend to spend a lot of time answering questions for customers. Brie points out that the public seems to expect those who work in horticulture to just be able to answer questions anytime.
“[They’re] expecting our expertise for nothing.”
The discussion moves to comments about the idea of a warranty with plants. Erin says she’s dealt with people asking if she guarantees her plants.
“I would say, ‘I can’t guarantee that you’ll take them out of the car.’”
The group talks about how garden centers differ from department stores in the way of showcasing the products carried and how to use them. Leon compares it to the way Ikea showcases exactly what furniture could work in which space.
“If you don’t see it in context, then you’re really asking someone to come up with this imagination…it’s hard for people to imagine it from scratch.”
Brie and her guests then talk about how to impact generations to get involved with gardening. Erin brings up that what furniture designers are doing with outdoor furniture can work in combination with horticulture.
If the horticulture industry wants to cater to the Millennial generation, then they need to adapt to what’s new and work alongside other industries.
Brie Arthur is a Horticulturist and Author from Raleigh, North Carolina. Her goal is to inspire people to foodscape their yards, planting fruits and vegetables alongside their ornamentals. Visit her website for more information and follow her on Instagram.
Erin Weston is the Creative Director at Weston Farms in North Carolina. In 2002, she moved from NYC back to her family’s farm where she decided to create a luxury farm product using the Magnolia leaves from the trees her father grew on his land. Her Magnolia leaves have become a high-quality and popular item. Visit the Weston Farms website and Instagram for more information.
Leon Guanzon is a Norfolk resident. After studying Fine Art at ODU, Leon took a job as a staff photographer for a Fortune 500 company. He formerly worked in graphic design and sales at Lancaster Farms. He was also the main filmmaker for PlantPop from its beginning, up until 2017. He also moonlights as "DJ Khaki Chan," and he is one of the world's leading experts on the art and science of studio time-lapse photography of plants.
Jeremy Schmidt is the Supervisor of Research and Grounds Development at Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, where he has worked for nearly 12 years. Visit the Plant Delights website and Instagram for more information.
