As we move into mid-winter at the nursery, we are actually thinking about spring most days. We hit the ground running after the New Year getting a house ready for our H2A crew, who will arrive in mid-March. This will be the first year using the program, and we are happy with the process so far.  Maggie Thomas Harper and Joey Thomas have both joined the SGN Team full time, and they are each focusing on this new initiative over the winter.  We can’t wait to see what grows for our SGN Team in 2023!

In the field, our SGN Trees are enjoying a nice winter rest. We are starting to follow more climate data on a new Grower Climate Hub we put together after working with Dr. Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist. Here are some fascinating links to absorb:

GROWER CLIMATE HUB

It will be interesting to go through some of these tools and see how this winter is measuring up against previous ones in recent years. So far, it seems to be pretty mild and a bit dry. It has been a peaceful winter so far in the nursery, and we are looking forward to savoring every minute of the “off season” just like our trees are doing in the field.

Outside of the nursery, we are re-charging ourselves for the season at several Green Industry events. We love connecting with old friends and meeting new ones at winter trade shows and educational gatherings. First up, we are heading to InVigorateU in Bloomington, IL Jan 17-18, 2023. Stop by and visit the SGN Trees booth. We would love to talk about trees with you!

A few of our SGN Team Members will also be participating in some of the educational sessions on Wed, Jan 18. The morning Keynote “Putting the Bloom on Your Company Culture” will feature a panel discussion by Becky Thomas from Spring Grove Nursery, Graham Hill from Platt Hill Nursery, and Landon Kirby from Knob Hill Landscape. The discussion will be moderated by Mark Butler from Paszkiewicz  Marketing. Later in the Grower’s room, Maggie Thomas Harper will be presenting with IL State Climatologist, Dr. Trent Ford, “Linking Climate & Weather Data to Nursery Planning Decisions“.  Join us in Bloomington for a great few days of education and fun!

Next, we will be heading to the iLandscape Show Feb 1-3 in Schaumburg, IL. Stop by our booth #1513 for some fun Games in the Gardens!

Later in February, several educational events have caught our eye. We are looking forward to learning more at these Green Industry events:

• Nursery Weed Management Workshop – Feb 23, 2023 at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL
• Spring Training – Feb 28 at Stoneleaf Nursery, Eureka, IL
• ISU Shade Tree Short Course – Feb 21-23 at Iowa State University, Ames, IA

In the SGN Trees office, we are updating inventory and getting ready for spring planting and harvesting. We are finalizing plans for what we will plant this upcoming spring. At the same time, we are making our final harvest decisions based on sales and production projections. We have already started to do some spring tagging. By the time spring rolls around, we will be READY! The winter pace in the office does allow for more breaks. Grandpa Jamie especially like to take reading breaks with Fern. Here they are in the middle of Go Dog Go!

Winter is a perfect time to visit the nursery. If you would like to visit us or our trees, please reach out. And if you are at any of these fun winter events, be sure to stop by and say Hello!