Since the beginning of Gethsemane as a Christmas tree shop, 40 years ago, Gethsemane Garden Center has been reliant on people for its resources. Gethsemane has remained relevant and competitive over decades of changing economic realities and changing customer preferences through its robust green products offerings and ongoing partnerships with growers.
Chefas states that annual flowers make up the majority of our business. He says they have been working with the same growers since the beginning. “Some of my business partners, I began with their fathers and/or relatives. We still work together and plan the season together as to what we’ll grow.”
“Annual flowers make up the largest portion of our business, and we have been working with the same growers since the beginning.” Some of the people with whom I do business are their fathers or close relatives. We’re still doing business together.” — Regas Chefas owner, Gethsemane Garden Center
Since the beginning of Gethsemane as a Christmas tree shop balamb garden, 40 years ago, Gethsemane Garden Center has been reliant on people for its resources. Gethsemane has remained relevant and competitive over decades of changing economic realities and customer preferences. This is thanks to its robust green products offerings and ongoing partnerships with growers in Chicago.
Although Christmas trees are still a popular product for the IGC’s, Regas Chefas states that annual flowers are an important inventory component. Chefas has long-standing relationships with annual flower suppliers which helps him coordinate and plan his spring inventory.
Chefas states that annual flowers make up the majority of our business. He says they have been working with the same growers since the beginning. “Some of my business partners, I began with their fathers and/or relatives. We still work together and plan the season together as to what we’ll grow.”
“Annual flowers make up the largest portion of our business, and we have been working with the same growers since the beginning.” Some of the people with whom I do business are their fathers or close relatives. We’re still doing business together.” — Regas Chefas owner, Gethsemane Garden Center
A Look at the Future
Inclement weather is something that no grower or retailer is immune from. Gethsemane Garden Center is no different. Chefas claims that plant goods suffered from higher than expected temperatures in spring and summer 2016, after a strong year.
“The season started off pretty well, but the heat during the summer has really slowed it down. We started off with a good amount. Through April, May, and June we had some. But, in hot weather, we are slowly gaining it back. It is hard on the plants. It’s still possible to get in people, but not at the same pace as it is during other times of year. It is a little slower each day.
A slow summer will not stop Gethsemane Gardens’ annual mission to self-examine, improve, and expand its inventory to prepare for the coming spring season.
