Page 38 - Free State Winter 2021

FEATURED MEMBER (Continued)

population. Customers landscaped and maintained their
own gardens and lawns. Now with mostly two-income
families, residential landscapers and lawn maintenance
companies have flourished.”
Another big change in the industry was the re-wholesaler.
Previously, products went directly from the grower to the
garden center or nurseryman/landscaper. “Businesses
like Shemin, Imperial, now SiteOne and Manor View have
filled a void in our industry,” he said. “Big box stores have
also improved (somewhat) and expanded their choices of
plant material.

“Our industry has a bright future. Our product is needed
to help correct climate change. Like in any other
industry, the labor force will continue to be a challenge
and regulations are not always helpful. Automation is
important and needed to curb labor cost and bring more
product to market. With cooperation from all sides, this
industry will survive these challenging times and expand
for the next generations.”
Verbrugge still enjoys his job, quoting, “If you like your job
you never have to work another day.” He has cut back
quite a bit but stays involved while taking more time
for traveling and for family. He described his 3-year-old
granddaughter, Hailey, as “the center of our lives.” Favorite
activities include skiing, walking, swimming, sailing and
hiking, and with two new replacement knees, Verbrugge
hopes to continue to remain active.

He and Lisa live in Stewartstown, Pa. where Lisa tends
to the garden and together they maintain a park-like
landscape around their home. A

Carol Kinsley
Kinsley Communications.
410-924-3582
cjkinsley@comcast.net

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT
Featured in a 1968 article about Sheridan Gardens in Bethesda, MD
Celebrating with granddaughter Haley at Disney World
Displaying some of his finer head ware

38 WINTER 2021 • Free State News