Selected stories in the trade about grasses and Hoffman Nursery
Hoffman Nursery Honored for Excellence in Housing and H-2A Compliance
Greenhouse Grower, February 2024
Nursery Management, February 2024
"Hoffman Nursery was among four growers in North Carolina recently recognized during the 30th Annual Gold Star Growers Meeting held Feb. 1 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh."
Hoffman Nursery announces sales team’s Stormwater Certification
Nursery Management, February 2024
"Because many SCMs use vegetation that is specified in the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Stormwater Design Manual, Hoffman Nursery set a goal for all members of their sales team to earn this certification."
Nursery Management, August 2023
"Find out how Hoffman Nursery gets the workers it needs and no extra headaches."
What Advantage Does An Ornamental Grass Have In Your Landscaping?
House Digest, July 2023
This article discusses the advantages of having ornamental grasses in your landscape.
The May 2023 Issue: Sedge Heads
Landscape Architecture Magazine, May 2023
David Hoffman discusses sedges in this article with Landscape Architecture Magazine.
Greenhouse Management, May 2023
Hoffman Nursery mentioned in a Q&A with Legacy Labor.
Let’s Talk Sedges (floraldaily.com)
FloralDaily, April 2023
FloralDaily showcases our "Let's Talk Sedges" video on their website.
Video of the Week: The Benefits of Burning Grass Liners
Greenhouse Grower, February 2023
Greenhouse Grower chooses our Burning Grasses as their Video of the Week.
Greenhouse Management, February 2023
"With the help of Legacy Labor, Hoffman Nursery has found the workers it needs."
Advantages of Burning Ornamental Grasses
FloralDaily, January 2023
Intentionally setting fire to a landscape can seem counterproductive. But it’s a useful tool for managing forests, prairies, meadows, other grasslands…and now grass liners? Bill Hall walks us through the process.
Hoffman Nursery’s John Hoffman Calls it a Career
Greenhouse Grower, January 2023
John Hoffman announces retirement
Nursery Management, January 2023
Hoffman Nursery owner retires after 40+ years in the horticulture industry
FloralDaily, January 2023
The Hoffman Nursery team in Rougemont, NC, has announced the retirement of Co-Owner John Hoffman as of Jan. 1, 2023. John’s wife and Co-Owner Jill Hoffman will remain as President and CEO, and his son David Hoffman will continue as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
How Growers Are Stepping Up to the Plate to Recruit Best Talent
Greenhouse Grower, September 2022
A tight labor market and tiresome job duties at greenhouses across the country lead to stiff competition to recruit employees. In this excellent article by Greenhouse Grower, learn how growers are working hard to differentiate themselves and recruit the cream of the crop. In it, our Senior Director of HR and Legal, Martha Hamblin, discusses how Hoffman Nursery is attracting candidates through company culture and commitment to the community.
David Hoffman Receives NC State Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Greenhouse Grower, September 2022
David Hoffman received the North Carolina State University (NC State) College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Outstanding Young Alumni Award. The award recognizes former students who have excelled early in their careers and show potential for continued success.
Hoffman Nursery announce promotions on sales and marketing team
Nursery Management, September 2022
We arepleased to announce the promotion of two employees, Stephen Gillis to Sales and Customer Service Manager and Alex Stanley-Stretch to Marketing Coordinator.
FloralDaily, July 2022
A few years ago, we transitioned from growing liners in breakaway trays to plug trays. The plug trays are a favorite of staff and customers alike as they reduce waste and improve the production process. Across the grasses that are grown, some varieties are slow to root or root inconsistently. Those crops required more time to finish and had to be sorted before shipping. The solution is to use a product called a Growcoon. Learn more about them in this article.
FloralDaily, June 2022
Grasses and sedges are often overlooked when it comes to pollinators. But many of our native species provide food and nesting material for butterflies and native bees. See how we have used these grasses and other perennials to create an 'Eco Bank' at the nursery.
Greenhouse Management, June 2022
Three major players in the green industry, including David Hoffman with Hoffman Nursery, discuss how they’re shaping new management teams to secure a bright future in the market.
Greenhouse Grower, June 2022
When asked to write about grasses for their edition featuring fall-blooming perennials, we knew there was a great approach. Capitalize on the peak season for grasses and offer “fall-forward” combinations. Curate simple, set combinations of fall grasses and perennials that peak late season, share cultural requirements, and have multiple benefits. The article outlines the benefits and brings specific suggestions from fellow perennial professionals.
Looking for New Leadership? Think Outside the Plant Box.
Greenhouse Grower, March 2022
We have continued to boost our management team with new hires from outside horticulture. Greenhouse Grower chatted with us to find out how that happened, and how it's brought improvements to the nursery.
VideoReport: A Chat with the Hoffmans
FloralDaily, March 2022
For a look at the past, present, and future of Hoffman Nursery, join them for a chat with founder and owner, John Hoffman, and Chief Operations Officer, David Hoffman in this VideoReport.
Get to Know Hoffman Nursery’s New Operations Manager
Greenhouse Grower, September 2021
In June of this year, the nursery hired Craig Reynolds as our new operations manager. He works closely with David Hoffman, Senior Director of Sales and Operations, to oversee daily operations and manage production, growing, and logistics. Find out more about his role and what he brings to the nursery.
We Are Doubling Propagation Space, as Grasses Are Rising in Popularity
FloralDaily, September 2021
The international daily newsletter writes about the value of grasses, the demand that drives us to expand, and the ways we're meeting challenges.
NCNLA Member Spotlight: Five Minutes with Hoffman Nursery
Nursery & Landscape Notes, Summer 2021
The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association profiles member companies, and Hoffman Nursery got the spotlight in this issue. Our Senior Director of Sales and Operations, David Hoffman, tells us how he got into the business, what a typical days is like at the nursery, and shares some of the issues we're concerned with at the nursery.
Three Questions: David Hoffman
Greenhouse Management, April 2021
Hoffman Nursery’s Senior Director of Sales and Operations discusses plant supply issues, doing substitutes and pivoting when needed.
How Native Plant Species Help Build a Better Green Infrastructure
Greenhouse Grower, March 2021
Urban areas across the U.S. have started to implement green infrastructure to help maintain rainwater and storm draining. One of the recommendations of the EPA when putting these systems into place is to use native hardy plants. Greenhouse Grower sat down with Shannon Currey, Marketing Director at Hoffman Nursery, to discuss how she sees native plants fitting into these developments.
NCNLA Announces 2020 Industry Award Winners
The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association recognized eight industry professionals for their contributions to the North Carolina green industry in 2020. Our Marketing Director Shannon Currey received the Libby Wilder Award. Established in 1999 and named for long-time organizer extraordinaire for the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, this award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry by a female.
How Two Leading Growers Look Different—and Better—in Response to COVID-19
Greenhouse Grower
When the coronavirus first began to shift from being a concern to an all-out global pandemic, everyone had to scramble. Growers were faced with excess inventory that either had to be held for longer than normal, or potentially even destroyed. Greenhouse Grower talked to several business, including Hoffman Nursery, about how adapting had changed and improved their operations.
Problem-Free Production Scheduling for Panicum
Greenhouse Grower, May 2020
Warm-season grasses like Panicum grow best when soil and air temperatures are high. They are some of the last grasses to break dormancy in spring, and their greatest growth occurs in midsummer. That has implications for planning your production. In Greenhouse Grower, Head Grower Bill Hall talks about finishing time and scheduling for Panicum production.
40 Under 40, Class of 2020: Kata Kress Wallace
Greenhouse Product News, May 2020
Every year, GPN recognizes 40 industry professionals under the age of 40 who are helping to determine the future of the horticulture industry. These individuals are nominated by their peers for their accomplishments both in and out of the horticulture world. They are the movers and shakers of our industry and setting the pace for tomorrow. We are excited to announce that our Production Supervisor, Kata Kress Wallace has been named to this prestigious group of individuals. Kata brings joy and determination to the nursery every day and we are so proud of her efforts!
How Hoffman Nursery Managed a Miscanthus Rooting Problem (Video)
Greenhouse Grower, October 2019
Plant quality often starts in the roots, and sometimes it takes trial and error to work through a problem with quality. In this video, Head Grower Bill Hall describes how we turned to a wood fiber substrate to improve the speed and quality of rooting in our dormant Miscanthus liners.
What growers need to know about Baptisia and Panicum
Greenhouse Management, July 2019
This article recaps the education session from Cultivate'19 featuring the Panicum talk given by our Head Grower Bill Hall along with the Bapistia talk given by Laura Robles from Walters Gardens. The session gave growers and other industry stakeholders a feel for these popular perennials and what goes into producing them.
The Magic of Warm Season Grasses
Greenhouse Grower, May 2019
Our marketing director, Shannon Currey, knew about the distinction between warm season and cool season. She had written about it and included it in presentations. But it took a webinar on native, warm-season grasses to understand how magical and fascinating that distinction is. This article, in Greenhouse Grower's Plant Nerd series, discusses the warm- and cool-season distinction and its implications.
How an Online Costing Course Improved Hoffman Nursery's Bottom Line
Greenhouse Grower, May 2019
Slim profit margins are one of the biggest challenges in the greenhouse and nursery industry. For us to continue to succeed, we need a better understanding of true costs. In this article, Jill Hoffman discusses how Hoffman Nursery is getting there.
40 Under 40, Class of 2019: David Hoffman
Greenhouse Product News, May 2019
Every year, GPN recognizes 40 industry professionals under the age of 40 who are helping to determine the future of the horticulture industry. These individuals are today’s movers and shakers who are already setting the pace for tomorrow. We are excited to announce that David Hoffman, our Chief Customer Experience Officer, has been named to this prestigious group of individuals. David served multiple roles at the nursery before stepping up to lead our Customer Experience Team in 2018. We are very proud of David and his efforts here at the nursery!
5 Websites That Will Inspire Ways to Educate Consumers About Plants
Greenhouse Grower, March 2019
Several growers and grower-retailers are providing consumer education on their websites, whether it’s for their wholesale customers or the general gardening public. Greenhouse Grower recognized five websites that will give ideas for how to educate consumers online.
AgPack Strong: The Young Professional
NCSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences News, December 2018
The spotlight turned to our own David Hoffman at the end of 2018 when he was featured in a Young Professionals profile. North Carolina State's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences interviewed him about his career in horticulture. Go, David!
Greenhouse Management, December 2018
Our new greenhouse, which we purchased used, has been a huge boon to our business. Read about the benefits and how we came to this decision in Greenhouse Management's supplement, the 2018 Structural Strategies Guide (p. 16)
Three Questions - John Hoffman
Greenhouse Management, October 2018
Greenhouse Management features notable people in the industry with their "Three Questions" column. In October, they talked with John Hoffman about his busy summer and how his travels inform nursery decisions.
Hoffman Nursery Earns Several Kudos at Perennial Plant Symposium
Greenhouse Grower, October 2018
The Perennial Plant Association announced its 2018 Special Awards on July 31, 2018, during its annual Perennial Plant Symposium. At this year’s host site in Raleigh, NC, the organization recognized multiple award recipients, including Hoffman Nursery co-owners John and Jill Hoffman and their son, David Hoffman.
2018 Horticultural Industry Leadership Awards: John Hoffman
Greenhouse Management, July 2018
John Hoffman was one of the recipients of the 2018 Horticultural Industries Leadership Awards (HILA) bestowed by Greenhouse Management and Nursery Management. The award was presented at the HILA reception at Cultivate’18 in Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday, July 15, 2018. Now in its second year, the 2018 Horticultural Industries Leadership Awards (HILA) honored six recipients who represent the green industry with creativity and compassion.
Greenhouse Management, July 2018
Hoffman Nursery's Propagation Technician, Jessica Foley (Marlowe) spoke with Greenhouse Management on how to add value to horticultural crops with the incorporation of new and improved lighting, especially LEDs, into plant production.
Greenhouse Management, March 2018
Meet Hoffman Nursery's head grower Bill Hall in the March edition of Greenhouse Management. “The thing I like about working in this industry, particularly in growing, is that it requires elements of both science and art, coupled with working outdoors,” Hall says. “I derive a tremendous sense of accomplishment from producing a good crop of plants.”
Greenhouse Management, January 2018
In Greenhouse Management's January cover story, Hoffman Nursery is recognized for using automation to modernize our business and reduce reliance on a shrinking labor pool. Nursery Manager Scott Epps and Project Manager David Hoffman discuss the process we've gone through to make automation work for us. While not fully automated like some large-scale greenhouses, we are able to use technology to increase our production and improve quality.
American Nurseryman, November 2017
Customers are asking for plants that do more than just look good. Carex species provide lush ground cover, help manage stormwater, and provide support for wildlife. In the November issue of American Nurseryman, Hoffman Nursery's Shannon Currey and Zika Wolfe write about what sets sedges apart, the market for sedges and how to use them.
Sick of buying mulch for the garden? The pros have a different idea.
Washington Post, Local Living, July 13, 2017
According to the Washington Post, sedges play key roles in the landscape. Hoffman Nursery talked with columnist Adrian Higgins about the popularity of sedges and their ability to bring a planting together.
Cultivate’17 Preview – Speaker Spotlight. Q&A: Shannon Currey
Nursery Management did Q&As with several speakers on the educational program for Cultivate'17. Hoffman Nursery's Marketing Director Shannon Currey talked with them about her upcoming talk, "Growing with Green Infrastructure." She discussed the value of green infrastructure and ways the industry can engage in this emerging market.
Hoffman Nursery Cheers On the Next Generation of Horticulturists
Greenhouse Grower, April 2017
This March, more than 800 horticulture students converged on the Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, campus for the 41st National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC). John and Jill Hoffman were there to support and encourage them as they competed in real-world events such as annual and perennial plant identification, arboriculture techniques, landscape installation, and more Read about this inspiring event.
Hoffman Nursery Has a New Head Grower
Greenhouse Grower, February 2017
Bill Hall has joined Hoffman Nursery as our new Head Grower. Hall brings more than 30 years of experience in the horticulture industry to Hoffman. In the past, Hall has worked for Carolina Nurseries, AG 3, and ArborGen. Greenhouse Grower magazine recently caught up with Bill to ask him about the industry and his plans.
8 Tips for Healthy Propagation
Nursery Management, December 2016
Hoffman Nursery talks about preventing disease during the propagation process. Learn what Hoffman Nursery does to get ahead of the diseases and get tips in this article.
5 Tips for Overwintering Grasses
Nursery Management, November 2016
Our website post was picked up and posted on Nursery Management's site this month. We give pointers for getting healthy, good-looking plants at the earliest possible time.
How Building New Markets Can Reduce Dependency on Your Current Business [Opinion]
Greenhouse Grower, November 2016
Finding a new market and promoting green infrastructure is a win-win for our industry. Greenhouse Grower Editor Laura Drotleff talks about Hoffman Nursery as she discusses how seeing a need and filling it can be a smart move.
Recapping this year’s Perennial Plant Association Symposium
Greenhouse Management, November 2016
In an issue highlighting perennials, Editor Karen Varga quotes Hoffman Nursery's Shannon Currey. Varga notes that functional landscapes and other changes in our industry will soon become commonplace and expected. She also discusses Shannon's presentation at the Perennial Plant Association's 2016 Symposium.
Hoffman Nursery Embarks On New Opportunities In Green Infrastructure
Greenhouse Grower, November 2016
Editor Laura Drotleff writes about advances at the nursery and our efforts to help develop the green infrastructure market for growers. Read how we've tried to innovate and lead in this new market, which we believe is vital to the future of our industry.
Industry Insight: Creating a Succession Plan
Industry Insight: Positioning Our Industry
Greenhouse Management, October 2016
Greenhouse Management unveiled their annual State of the Industry Report 2016 in the October issue. Magazine staff interviewed Hoffman Nursery owner Jill Hoffman and others for their insights.
How Hoffman Nursery Invests In Technology In Response To Increased Demand
Greenhouse Grower TECHNOLOGY, Sept/Oct 2016
To meet the increased demand for grasses, we have invested in automation and increasing the efficiency of our processes. Editor Laura Drotleff of Greenhouse Grower visited us and documented some of the technology we are using to help us grow. She wrote about it in Greenhouse Grower's TECHNOLOGY publication.
Nursery Management Supplement, Increasing Profits, August 2016
In the business world, there are vendors who are just another invoice number, and there are those who become true partners and friends. When it comes to the latter, this kind of relationship helps each business flourish. Panoramic Farm in Marshville, N.C., has such a partnership with neighboring grower, Hoffman Nursery.
Know Your Market When Choosing Ornamental Grasses
Greenhouse Grower, April 2016
With so many ornamental grases available, how do busy growers choose the ones that will work for them? Even though grasses are very versatile, one size doesn't fit all. This article explores strategies for making smart choices in grass programs. Hoffman Nursery's marketing director chimes in on finding a strategy and following that market.
Nursery Management, March 2016
An article by Brie Arthur in Nursery Management describes a broad view of green infrastructure. This growing trend offers many opportunities for the nursery industry. Arthur talked with Pat Cullina of Patrick Cullina Horticultural Design + Consulting in New York City. He's worked on a number of projects that fit the new approach, and he sees more room for expansion. The article also includes thoughts from Shannon Currey, Hoffman Nursery's marketing director, and with Steven Paulsen, owner of Native Roots in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Greenhouse Management, January 2016
This cover story featured the Hoffmans, along with Candy and Lloyd Traven of Peace Tree Farm and Andrea and Richard Cleaver of Culberson Greenhouses. All three couples have established successful businesses in the green industry. They talk about their working relationships and the lessons they’ve learned together.
Green Infrastructure - Video Interview
Nursery Management, January 2016
At MANTS, Marketing Director Shannon Currey talked about green infrastructure with Brie Arthur. Brie was covering the trade show for Nursery Management, and they discussed some implications of this new market for the nursery industry.
We Could be Growing More Green Infrastructure Plants That Work
Greenhouse Grower, October 2015
At Cultivate’15, Shannon Currey, marketing director, shared results from a 2014 survey of low impact development practitioners. She said the horticulture industry is uniquely positioned and has the expertise to address some of the most common issues green infrastructure projects are having with plants.
Nursery Management, May 2015
How Hoffman Nursery has added a new market for existing products by buying into the green infrastructure movement.
Product Pricing: Don’t Compete on Price
Nursery Management, May 2015
Hoffman Nursery’s approach to providing value to customers—price isn’t the only consideration.
Nursery Management, May 2015
Labor is always one of the biggest challenges for growers. Hoffman Nursery has found success through unconventional means—hiring refugees through organizations that help these displaced people find work in the U.S.
Eco-Conscious Landscapes Fast Track the Rise of Grasses and Native Plants
Greenhouse Grower, April 2015
The demand for grasses and native plants continues to climb in direct proportion to a growing consciousness on consumers’ part that nature-based solutions can help solve man-made problems. “This is the next big market,” says Shannon Currey, marketing director at Hoffman Nursery. “We need to think ahead about how to meet the increased demand for natives and grasses that green infrastructure will bring to the market.” Greenhouse Grower highlights the changes in public perception and its effects on our industry.
Growing the Urban Landscape Market
American Nurseryman, November 2014
Green infrastructure offers the nursery industry a new market for plants and horticultural services. Our Marketing Director, Shannon Currey, co-authored this article with Debbie Hamrick, a colleague with NC Farm Bureau and advisor to the NC Green Industry Council (NCGIC).
John Hoffman Wins PPA Service Award
Nursery Management, August 2014
John Hoffman received the 2014 Service Award from the Perennial Plant association (PPA). The award was presented at the 32nd Perennial Plant Symposium in Cincinnati, Ohio in July. The award recognizes a PPA member who has contributed considerable time and effort to the organization and has demonstrated leadership and outstanding service.
Field Notes: Carex pensylvanica
American Nurseryman, June 2014
Traditional turfgrass struggles in shady conditions, especially in competition with large trees. For a shady site that gets minimal foot traffic, this increasingly popular sedge is a great choice. Hoffman Nursery marketing director Shannon Currey profiles Pennsylvania Sedge.
American Nurseryman, September 2013
It’s a common misconception that shaded gardens can’t support ornamental grasses. Zika Wolfe, formerly with our marketing team, wrote about several selections that thrive in shade and help bring that often-overlooked space to life.
Field Notes: Nassella tenuissima
American Nurseryman, July 2013
It was already her favorite grass, and then the photo from Piet Oudolf’s garden grabbed her and wouldn’t let go. Hoffman Nursery’s marketing director, Shannon Currey, describes this unusual grass with ultra-fine foliage and wispy charm.
The Changing Face of Ornamental Grasses
Greenhouse Grower, April, 2013
The traditional grass palette for greenhouse growers usually includes a few tender selections for color and popular genera like Pennisetum, Miscanthus and Festuca. Those plants are still valuable, and new, exciting varieties continue to emerge. But even more exciting is the changing demand for grasses. Shannon Currey, Hoffman Nursery’s marketing director, describes what’s happening with grasses.
Nursery Management, July 2010
Want a plant that is unusual, fun or just plain useful? Do you need just the right plant for dry or wet shade? How about an evergreen groundcover or lawn substitute? Look beyond the ordinary. Look for a sedge.
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