In this episode of the GH Squad podcast, Seth and Mason detail their trip to five different Illinois greenhouses and garden centers earlier in the week. No, Mason did NOT buy any ladybeetles on the trip, but he did order a bunch of bugs online … The Squad discusses how every store is unique and dives into the dynamics of retail greenhouses during peak season. Expect brilliant takes on industry trends, community engagement and lunch stops. They also spin the Plant Wheel of Excitement and land on Nicotiana (… which is not very exciting but they have some thoughts on this old-school annual.) There are a lot of hot takes this week so be sure to listen all the way to the end. Follow The Squad on Instagram: @GHSquadPod00:00 - Introduction and podcast overview02:00 - The significance of native plant displays and industry commitment07:00 - The benefits and challenges of selling ladybugs and beneficial insects12:00 - Insights from their Illinois garden center tour and different retail formats24:00 - Inventory management during peak season and consumer buying patterns36:00 - Community outreach, local partnerships and innovative marketing ideas45:00 - Travel stories, road trip banter and behind-the-scenes humor58:00 - Weather impacts and seasonal challenges faced by the industry68:00 - Summarizing industry observations, closing thoughts and upcoming plans

The Squad is back after a one-week hiatus to recap last week’s Darwin Perennials Day and share what they’re obsessed with in their own gardens this year. Then the discussion turns to overrated plants and concepts before they spin the wheel of plant excitement and land on Astilbe. Listen all the way to the end for some solid hot takes.

Follow the Squad on Instagram: @GHSquadPod

In episode 26, the Squad discusses how boredom can be a catalyst for creativity, the influence of childhood interests on adult careers and the importance of pursuing passions over expectations. The topic of the week is what careers Seth, Mason and Bill would have if they never decided to get into horticulture. Join the Squad for the usually array of funny stories, brilliant advice and random thoughts that challenge conventional thinking about what drives success and fulfillment. Plus … thoughts on Cosmos, handheld water games, high school theater, public speaking and Bill’s crazy 24 hours.00:00 - The chaos of a busy family weekend and intro00:50 - Childhood summers of parties, farm life, and the freedom of youth02:00 - The shift from carefree summers to organized activities and careers03:07 - The significance of baseball, grad parties, and social adventures in youth04:30 - How boredom and boredom threshold differ across generations05:22 - The importance of intentional boredom to boost curiosity and creativity06:37 - Childhood games like Yahtzee and their nostalgic value07:53 - The impact of screens and technology on modern boredom and patience09:15 - Classic street games and the decline of traditional playgrounds10:09 - Speculative talk on school activities like Hangman and their educational value11:11 - The science behind boredom and mental health benefits12:18 - How childhood hobbies like propagating plants influence adult passions13:00 - Exploring alternative career interests from high school years14:00 - The high pressure of academic success and career projections15:09 - Consideration of careers in engineering, medicine, law, and horticulture16:49 - Reflection on college applications, majors, and the influence of guidance counselors18:00 - The value of exploring careers like pharma, agriculture, and science19:23 - The evolving opportunities for teenagers to choose meaningful paths20:12 - Personal stories about switching majors, career reconsiderations, and the role of passion21:55 - The importance of authenticity in choosing a career and hobbies22:35 - The challenges and rewards of teaching young children vs. teenagers23:27 - The role of extracurriculars like theater and choir in personal development24:44 - The advantages of rehearsing and preparing for presentations and performances28:22 - Public speaking, humor, and the art of engaging an audience29:50 - The craft of storytelling and delivery in professional and personal communication31:15 - Differences in rehearsal styles and authenticity in presentations33:00 - The influence of participating in theater on confidence and social skills35:52 - Sharing musical talents and the importance of pursuing diverse interests37:37 - The vibrant culture of a cappella groups at Cornell and college life39:13 - The adventures of plant variety hunting and the nostalgia for Cosmos41:47 - The historical presence of Cosmos in gardening and wildflower mixes43:00 - Market availability, growth habits, and seed varieties of Cosmos45:04 - Practical tips for planting Cosmos and timing for optimal growth46:30 - Final plant shout-out: Cosmos as a symbol of beauty and resilience47:17 - Upcoming trip and reflections on community and service48:00 - Wrapping up with listener engagement, social media shout-outs, and upcoming topics