Metrolina Greenhouses INC

GrowerTalks asked this year’s Young Grower Award finalists how they balance work and life in this industry. Read their essays (including one from Metrolina's own Horticulture Director Carleton Stuecker) here! Congratulations to Carleton Stuecker and all the nominees, and thank you to GrowerTalks and Jennifer Zurko for this thought-provoking series of essays! #growing #careers #greencareers #horticulture #floriculture #greenhouses #team #nextgeneration #leaders #industry #balance #business https://lnkd.in/g-T_BXjt

On June 6, more than 200 members of the horticulture industry visited Metrolina Greenhouses’ 2024 Trial Gardens. Representatives from plant breeding companies, live inputs brokers, hard goods vendors and various members of the allied trade observed how well new plant varieties perform in minimal care, home garden conditions in the North Carolina climate. More than 2,000 varieties are planted each year in the 3-acre gardens. The trial process is essential for observing new genetics for improved plant breeding, and introducing new plants to the market. The Metrolina Greenhouses Research & Development team trials upwards of 15,000 every year in public and private trials. The following day, June 7, Metrolina Greenhouses opened the trial gardens to approximately 500 home gardeners for our general open house and Home Garden Panel consumer research focus groups. We provided four flags to each visitor, asking them to mark their favorite items in the garden. This consumer feedback also helps to inform our variety selection process, so we can grow the plants home gardeners like best and bring them to market! All in all, it was a great and rewarding week - one that the Metrolina team looks forward to every year. This week, we're analyzing data and developing reports to provide insight to our internal teams and retail and industry partners. Onward! #trialgardens #metrolina #grownfreshforyou #industry #consumers #gardening #horticulture #floriculture #greenhouses #plants #flowers #june #spring #northcarolina #MetrolinaGreenhouses #southerngardentour

We're thrilled to be listed among the Top 100 Growers in Greenhouse Grower magazine's annual ranking of the largest controlled environment greenhouse operations in the United States. The industry continues to evolve, with many changing dynamics at play. Metrolina Greenhouses is honored to be included among the most innovative growers in the business. Thanks to Greenhouse Grower, and of course to our team, partners, vendors and customers for all of their contributions to our success. Check out the full ranking and story here: https://lnkd.in/e6RDUbj3 #floriculture #horticulture #business #greenhouses #controlledenvironment #cea #plants #flowers #industry

Nice piece in the local press this week from WBTV and its QC Life program. The segment provided an overview of Metrolina Greenhouses for its "Made in the Carolinas" feature, showing local residents how and where ornamental plants are produced in their own backyard! We enjoyed our visit with reporter/videographer Brian Stephenson and appreciate the coverage! #community #news #press #PR #horticulture #floriculture #business #plants #flowers #greenhouses #local #jobs #sustainability https://lnkd.in/etCKZgJF

Hey #horticulture and #floriculture industry folks, just a reminder that if you plan to attend the Southern Garden Tour June 4-6 at Young's Plant Farm, Inc. and Metrolina Greenhouses INC, you need to register at each event at https://lnkd.in/ebxQfFF7. That's where you'll sign up for the event, along with lunches, etc. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you! #industry #events #plants #flowers

Plants and trees are crucial to using carbon dioxide and producing oxygen to help clean the air and improve the environment. But have you ever stopped to think about the practices used to produce them? Metrolina Greenhouses, one of the largest and most innovative wholesale greenhouse operations in the U.S., is observing Earth Day this year by highlighting the sustainability efforts it has in place and practices every day, and its ongoing commitment to Earth-friendly initiatives. #earthday #sustainability #growingpractices #horticulture #greenhouses #plants #flowers

Members of the Southern Garden Tour collaborated to develop a website containing all the information needed, registration and travel resources for #horticulture industry folks attending trial garden open houses during the week of June 4-7. Check it out here! #southerngardentour #trialgardens #floriculture #plants #flowers #trials #gardens Young's Plant Farm, Inc. Trial Gardens at UGA The University of Georgia

Metrolina Greenhouses' York facility is featured this month on the cover and in the cover story of GrowerTalks, a prominent horticulture industry trade magazine. The article discusses the benefits of acquiring a facility versus buying new, and reached out to Metrolina to learn about how the operation retrofitted the York facility to fit its needs when it was purchased in 2013. Metrolina's perennial production operation in York, SC, was formerly Stacy's Perennials. After a long-standing contract growing relationship, Louis Stacy sold the property to the VanWingerden family. Since then, Metrolina has continued to expand and adapt the land and greenhouses. Check out the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eDcBUQqK. Thanks, Jennifer Zurko and Ball Publishing! #horticulture #floriculture #greenhouses #perennials #industry #business #growing #team #onemetrolina

Hear from Metrolina Greenhouses co-CEOs Art and Abe VanWingerden on the Keeping it Green Podcast, brought to us by the Penn State Extension Green Industry Team. The conversation with hosts Margaret Pickoff and Tim Abbey ranges from labor dynamics to the company's commitment to sustainability practices. Art and Abe also discuss the crop selection process, facilitated by public and private trial gardens, and the relationship with plant breeders and consumers. But it's not all business! Find out how the VanWingerden family relieves stress and strengthens bonds through a common fun activity! #horticulture #floriculture #greenhouses #plants #flowers #business #trials #sustainability #labor #team #podcast https://lnkd.in/eBC2UAjw

Hear from Metrolina Greenhouses co-CEOs Art and Abe VanWingerden on the Keeping it Green Podcast, brought to us by the Penn State Extension Green Industry Team. The conversation with hosts Margaret Pickoff and Tim Abbey ranges from labor dynamics to the company's commitment to sustainability practices. Art and Abe also discuss the crop selection process, facilitated by public and private trial gardens, and the relationship with plant breeders and consumers. But it's not all business! Find out how the VanWingerden family relieves stress and strengthens bonds through a common fun activity! #horticulture #floriculture #greenhouses #plants #flowers #business #trials #sustainability #labor #team #podcast https://lnkd.in/eBC2UAjw