Green Industry Leaders Network

In 2020 there were and estimated 16-20 million new gardeners in the US who took up the activity for the first time. We saw an explosive demand for plants and supplies from home-bound residents who wanted to be active outside, grow fresh food and take advantage of time spent at home to work on projects. With all those new gardeners and DIY homeowners, many enjoyed it but weren't necessarily sure what to do or had the skills to be successful.Seeing there was a need on a national level for quality content and information born out of the pandemic, LaManda Joy, owner of City Grange garden centers based in the Chicago suburbs, and founder of the Peterson Garden Project, a non-profit victory garden, rose to the challenge. She and her team put together the Great Grow Along, a virtual learning series.For a one-time fee, people across the country, from all growing zones and garden interests could participate in the live event and ask questions of the well-recognized pool of presenters and experienced horticulturists. I