I Dig Your Story

idigyourstory
  • 4.9 (8)
  • Personal Journals

Unearthing the personal stories behind the plants, people, gardens, and green spaces that shape our lives.

  1. Marvin Miller: The Making of a Horticulture Economist

    5d ago

    Marvin Miller: The Making of a Horticulture Economist

    What happens when a kid becomes fascinated by a tiny tomato growing in the garden—and then never stops being fascinated by nature? In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, Ellen Wells sits down with horticulture industry veteran Marvin Miller of Ball Horticultural Company to explore the roots of a career that would eventually influence everything from supermarket flower departments to consumer buying habits. Marvin shares stories of growing up in Baltimore, learning from family gardeners and neighborhood mentors, reclaiming a property known as Harmony Acres, and discovering that horticulture could become more than a hobby. He also explains how his interest in both plants and economics led to groundbreaking consumer research that helped make mixed bouquets a supermarket floral staple. In this episode, you'll hear: • Why Marvin calls himself an "extreme gardener" • The influence of immigrant family traditions and neighborhood gardening • What Harmony Acres taught him about plants and hard work • Why he chose Purdue University to study horticulture • How agricultural economics became part of his career path • The research that helped shape modern supermarket floral sales

    51 min

  2. Jun 2

    Jennifer Brennan: Translating Plant Science for Everyday Gardeners

    Jennifer Brennan has spent her career helping gardeners succeed—and proving that horticulture can be both educational and fun. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, host Ellen Wells talks with horticultural consultant Jennifer Brennan about her journey from a college greenhouse job and a dorm room overflowing with plants to becoming one of the most trusted gardening educators in the Chicago area. Along the way, Jennifer shares how she helped introduce Hello Kitty to the United States, why she returned to horticulture after a detour into sales, and how she built a career translating plant science into practical advice for everyday gardeners. Jennifer also discusses the biggest mistakes gardeners make, the challenge of combating misinformation on social media, and why listening skills are just as important as plant knowledge. In this episode: • How a greenhouse job for extra pocket money sparked a lifelong love of plants • The surprising career detour that eventually led back to horticulture • Why watering is the most misunderstood gardening skill • The importance of chemistry and science in plant care • How to handle social media’s unfortunate gardening advice • The reward of helping gardeners succeed Connect with Jennifer Brennan: info@jenniferbrennanhorticulture.com

    53 min
  3. Jazmin Albarran: Encouraging Careers in Horticulture

    May 26

    Jazmin Albarran: Encouraging Careers in Horticulture

    How do we inspire the next generation to choose horticulture careers if they don’t even know the industry exists?   We are celebrating Women in Horticulture Week with Seed Your Future Executive Director Jazmin Albarran. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Ellen Wells talks with Jazmin about women in horticulture, workforce development, and the challenge of helping students, parents, and educators understand the breadth of opportunities available in the green industry.   Jazmin shares how her background in psychology, youth development, and communications unexpectedly led her into horticulture—and why she now believes the industry offers some of the most meaningful and fulfilling careers available.   The conversation explores: Why horticulture is often an “accidental career” The growing role of women in industry leadership How Seed Your Future is connecting students with horticulture careers The importance of social media in reaching younger generations Why horticulture needs future leaders in technology, automation, business, marketing, and science   Katie Dubow, president of Garden Media Group, makes a special appearance to talk about the reasons GMG began Women in Horticulture Week in 2020 and how we can participate in lifting up women during this week of recognition.   Learn more: Seed Your Future - https://www.seedyourfuture.org I Am Horticulture Campaign - https://www.seedyourfuture.org/greenpro_under_40 Women in Horticulture LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16299029/

    46 min
  4. Michelle Opela: A Journey from Sea Turtles to Plant Pests

    May 19

    Michelle Opela: A Journey from Sea Turtles to Plant Pests

    What do sea turtles, corpse flowers, aphids, and philodendrons have in common? For Michelle Opela, they’re all part of a career journey that somehow led to horticulture. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Michelle shares how she went from marine biology adventures in Alaska and Australia to becoming deeply involved in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), biological controls, and plant health in the horticulture industry. Michelle also shares some of her pest and disease expertise. She breaks down complicated topics in a way home gardeners and industry pros alike can understand, including how to spot plant problems before bringing them home, why beneficial insects aren’t always simple for consumers to use, and the growing pressure to produce “perfect” plants. We also talk about: Growing up obsessed with insects in rural New York Working aboard fishing vessels in the Bering Sea Tagging sharks and sea turtles in Australia Beginner-friendly biological controls Fungus gnats and dramatic houseplants Michelle’s obsession with corpse flowers and other unusual plants Most importantly, Michelle reminds listeners that every gardener deals with pests eventually — and that it doesn’t make you a bad plant parent. Mentioned in This Episode Cornell University NOAA Fisheries Costa Farms BioWorks Learn More BioWorks Costa Farms

    59 min

  5. May 12

    Delilah Onofrey: From "Flower Child" to Industry Storyteller

    For three decades, Delilah Onofrey has helped tell the stories of the horticulture industry, first as editor of Greenhouse Grower and now as Marketing Director for Suntory Flowers. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Delilah joins Ellen to talk about growing up among heirloom flowers in a historic Cleveland-area home, discovering journalism at Kent State University, and unexpectedly building and loving a lifelong career in floriculture. They discuss: The evolution of her time in horticultural trade journalism Why community beautification matters How a trip to Japan changed her career path How friendships and relationships shape business and opportunities Plus, Delilah shares her love of music in our Lightning Round.  Whether you work in horticulture or simply love hearing how careers evolve through curiosity and connection, this episode is full of warmth and perspective as only Delilah can deliver.   Find Delilah and Suntory Flowers: Home - Suntory Flowers - www.suntoryflowers.com (trade site) Home - Suntory Garden Club - www.suntorygardenclub.com (consumer site) Facebook - www.facebook.com/SuntoryFlowers Instagram - www.instagram.com/suntoryflowers.na/   Can't Miss Video! Delilah unveils a special Rolling Stones "time capsule": https://youtu.be/JyR-G1hB7Uw

    38 min
  6. David Bache: Growing What Others Won't

    May 5

    David Bache: Growing What Others Won't

    What happens when a landscape architect realizes the plants—not the plans—are the real passion? In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Ellen Wells talks with David Bache of Garden Industries in Loxahatchee, Florida, about finding your path in horticulture, growing what others won’t, and creating a nursery experience that inspires. David shares how trying different roles—from landscape design to floral importing—ultimately led him back to what he was meant to do. Today at Garden Industries, he grows unique and heirloom plants, breeds new varieties, and believes every customer visit should feel like an experience—not just a transaction. Ellen and David also dig into how the nursery industry has evolved, why social media matters more than ever, and what continues to inspire him after decades in the business.   In this episode, you’ll hear: Why trying different jobs can lead you to the right one How growing uncommon plants sets a business apart How plant trends rise, fall—and come back around again Why knowing your plants is still the most important skill What continues to inspire a lifelong plant person   Connect with David & Garden Industries: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GardenIndustries Instagram: www.instagram.com/mr_plant_man/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mr_Plant_Man-b5w Garden Industries Newsletter Sign-Up: https://mailchi.mp/2fc4ca0532a0/newsletter-signup Garden Industries Website: www.gardenind.com

    57 min
  7. Melinda Knuth: From Floral Ambitions to Consumer Insights

    Apr 28

    Melinda Knuth: From Floral Ambitions to Consumer Insights

    Melinda Knuth didn’t set out to become an academic—but a series of questions, opportunities and one pivotal experience at Disney World led her there. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Melinda shares how her early goal of building a wholesale floral business evolved into a career focused on understanding how—and why—people connect with plants. From her upbringing in agriculture to her graduate work in consumer behavior, her story is a reminder that career paths rarely move in straight lines. We talk about the moment that shifted her thinking, her passion for engaging consumers, and what the horticulture industry still gets wrong about communicating plant benefits. Melinda also shares insights from her research—like how online pre-researching is shaping plant purchases—and why simplifying our messaging may be the key to reaching more people. At the heart of it all is a deep belief in helping others discover their passion for plants. In this episode, you’ll learn: How one unexpected experience reshaped Melinda’s career path Why simplifying plant messaging matters more than ever How consumers are researching plants before they buy The role collaboration plays in horticultural business success Why “points of adversity” can also be moments for innovation Find Melinda: NC State Horticultural Department: https://cals.ncsu.edu/horticultural-science/people/mjknuth/ Cognitive Behavioral Lab: https://cognitivebehaviorallab.cals.ncsu.edu/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mknuth/ CBS News Sunday Morning segment “The Pride and Perils of Plant Parenthood” on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO-61q69PUw

    49 min
  8. Gail Cash: Sticking With What You Do Best in a Changing Market

    Apr 21

    Gail Cash: Sticking With What You Do Best in a Changing Market

    Gail Cash, owner of Flori-Design in Eustis, Florida, has built a horticulture career shaped by resilience, focus and creativity. In this episode of I Dig Your Story, Gail shares her journey from FFA and Virginia Tech to launching her own business, including how she found a niche in carnivorous plants and built memorable products like “Little Pot of Horrors.” She also talks about expanding into dish gardens and terrariums, designing standout products, and what it took to survive the Great Recession. Along the way, Gail shares the lesson that continues to guide her business today: “I really learned during the Great Recession that you need to stick with what you do best and just try to do a better job of it.” We also discuss leadership, team retention, and how treating people well has helped her build a loyal workforce. 🎧 Listen in for a conversation about plants, business, and staying grounded through change. Where to Find Gail: Website: https://www.flori-design.com/ Little Pot of Horrors: https://littlepotofhorrors.com/ Instagram: @flori_design_inc Facebook: Flori-Design Nursery

    42 min
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4.9
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Unearthing the personal stories behind the plants, people, gardens, and green spaces that shape our lives.

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  • Creator
    idigyourstory
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    I Dig Your Story

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