Dayton "Dirt" - March 25, 2011

The plant business is quite similar to the electronic’s business in that developments come at lightning speed.

The list of the new tree and shrubs seems to grow longer every year in that much of the behind-the-scenes work is just now coming into view. And so it is at Willoway Nurseries in Avon, Ohio. Willoway is a national leader in adopting new plants that will work in a climatic zone 5 such as our own and in efficient and innovative methods to bring such plants to market.

The other aspect of Willoway’s new plant introductions that I particularly like is that the new introductions are actually planted in a display garden adjacent to the nursery office. The garden is full of newer introductions from the past several years which is a true test of the plant’s worthiness if it still thrives in the garden that is. Many of the new introductions that Willoway produces have a patent which means they cannot be reproduced without the permission of the patent holder for 17 years. Willoway or any other grower for that matter must possess a license from the patent holder. In this way law suits due to patent infringements are avoided and the plant breeder can rightfully collect royalties on all his or her years of hard work.

Danny Gouge of Willoway Nurseries will be our speaker and has a vast knowledge of new plant selections that will be coming our way.

This is the last in our seminar series as it’s already about time to start working in the yard and garden.

Isn’t it great to have the sun set so late with the longer days and Daylight Savings Time!

I also wanted to welcome the newest member of the nursery staff Lori Shed. Lori was a mainstay in the garden center from 2003 through 2006 but left the nursery to pursue other career opportunities.

Lori is knowledgeable about plants, pest control and fertilizer use but most of all, she likes people and is very friendly.

Sometimes you’ll see her in the store, the market, the perennial house or the annual house as she’s going to “float” around.

Lori will be a welcome supplement to our customer service area and I’m sure you’ll enjoy meeting her – again!

Happy Spring!

Tom