In February, we did a piece in our newsletter with Merrifield Garden Center about “Getting Ready for Spring.” Because it is officially springtime (For a couple of weeks, anyway), we decided to check in on our friends at Merrifield and see how they’re doing. Here’s our interview with Kevin Warhurst of Merrifield Garden Center:

Kevin: The weather has been great this spring, and this has definitely been good for business. After two rainy springs in a row, we were fortunate to have a lot of warm and sunny weather from March through this point in May. People were ready for it, too, after such a long and snowy winter.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we continue to have great weather throughout the rest of the year.

Private Garden: Are you noticing that any of your three locations are busier than the others?

Kevin: Fortunately, all three locations have been busy. Our newest garden center in Gainesville – which has only been open for a little over a year – has been doing very well and we are pleased with the customer traffic and sales out there. We just love to hear all the wonderful comments from our customers, who are really enjoying the new facility and all that we have to offer.

Private Garden: How was Mother’s Day weekend for you?

Kevin: Mother’s Day weekend went very well for us. The weather was nice and the parking lot was full. A lot of folks picked up gifts, flowering plants and cut flowers.

Private Garden: Are you noticing an increase in customers as the economy picks up, and interest in vegetable gardening grows?

Kevin: We are seeing increased customer traffic. Part of that, I’m sure, is the nice weather we’ve had, but hopefully people are feeling more optimistic about the economy than they were a year ago. Plus, gardening is something that people can enjoy with their family while improving the overall appearance and value of their property.

Private Garden: What are your top five “Hot Sellers” this spring?

Kevin: At our stores, the hot sellers this spring have been:

-Color – annuals, hanging baskets, potted plants – all have been especially popular after a long winter.

-  Stakes and plant ties to repair storm-damaged trees.

- Containers (especially bright colored pottery).

- Vegetables and herbs.

- New plant varieties – gardeners love trying new things and seeing how they look in the landscape.

Private Garden: Kevin, thank you for taking the time to talk with us and share a little bit about what’s happening in your area of the country.  Happy Gardening!

Kevin: Thank you, Jennifer!