The year of “The Weather”
Winter - The shop and 1st greenhouse get a massive overhaul to set stage for a re-envisioned DG concept called “Shop Story”. Shop stories switch like art shows. Unfold like good books. Pop with project parties. And happen with community events. Each seasonal story focuses on one theme.
Spring - On a stormy evening, “Transform” the first shop story opens April 7. The shop highlights the transformation of the Monarch butterfly, introduces fun new succulent containers and features local area artists. In May, Springfest kicks off the flower season with a second, of what would become many, wet event.
Summer - In July, Lisa is invited to participate in a panel discussion on the state of the horticultural industry for the second time at the national Cultivate 14 convention in Ohio.“Community” is the summer shop story. And boy does it earn its name. Gardenstock is dubbed “Mudstock” witnessing the wettest run up to the event in its history. Thursday night before the event sees a storm come through and destroy most all of the tents. Friday morning’s quick response and immediate community support gets the grounds ready to go in record time. Saturday comes and so does the rain. The grounds turn to mud. 14 stuck cars, a ton of big-hearted volunteers and fest goers later, and Gardenstock 16 still manages to raise 16K for the Sinnissippi Centers’ Youth Garden Program.
Fall - DG wins Lawn and Garden Retailer’s “Merchandizer of the Year”. Lisa is asked to sit on the magazine’s editorial board. DG gets a new greenhouse! Carrying on with the year’s muddy tradition the whole front run of the greenhouses is excavated to get water out to the new house. And of course that happens with a hell of a lot of rain. Caving trenches and sneaky, hidden water lines push construction right up to the start of the holiday season.
Holiday Time - DG wins the Facebook Small Medium Business Council Creative Challenge for their Holiday Facebook campaign. “Peace On Earth” shop story opens November 18. By this time weather is an anticipated factor. And it does not fail to deliver. Sleet welcomes the opening. But that doesn’t damper spirits in the slightest. The season flies by in a flurry filled with much good cheer and an overdose of holiday tunes.