Yes, running a nursery is seasonal work. Indeed, its full of seasons, and all of them VERY busy in their own special way. I’ve worked in this industry for nearly 20 years and have learned to dress for the season, try not to push the season, schedule family vacations in the off-season, and always look forward to the next season. Recently, I was reminded that many mistakenly think winter is a slow season at Holly Days Nursery. Nothing could be further from the truth.
My mother recently asked me, “Why is the nursery open in the winter?” For several years my mother has asked this same question; maybe she can’t remember my answer… I don’t mind, after all, she’s seen more than a few seasons. If I only consider retail foot traffic, then she’s right. Only the hardiest of souls brave the winter cold and walk thru the front door. But our doors are open, the phones are ringing, and Holly Days staff and crews are working THIS season! So long as weather conditions allow, we are planting, grading, and installing patios and walkways. Design work, of course, continues no matter what is happening outside.
Traditionally, winter season is the time to set goals for the new year, sort through file cabinets, and clean out closets and tool lockers. It’s also time for our landscape division to meet with customers and fine-tune their hardscape projects. The pond and aquatic department is already scheduling pond cleanings and installs. Meanwhile, our retail and wholesale nursery managers are busy analyzing last year’s sales and securing the purchase and delivery of our balled and burlap trees, larger shrubs, fruit trees and specialty plants for 2021. As you can see, a lot of work and planning goes into being ready for you when the growing season arrives!
Stop in and see us, we’re here and happy to help you with all your landscape and hardscape needs. After all, the nursery and landscape business is seasonal work – whatever the season may be!
Submitted by: Mark Brock (Mary’s degrees & credentials: B.S. Horticulture; PA Certified Horticulturist; member Holly Society of America)
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