Dogwood Nursery
Partnered with Vital Earth for Success

by Daniel Shipman with Jon Allen and Don McGee

Excellent quality flowers grown with Vital Earth media and fertilizers.

Dogwood nursery is nestled on a secluded hill west of Athens, Texas. It was founded in 1972 by Don McGee and his dad, Jake. Originally it was built to help satisfy the growing demands of McGee's Nursery.

In the early days Dogwood Nursery grew primarily trees and shrubs. In 1982 they began to grow tree seedlings, but by the mid 1980's the economy and new construction slowed and, as a result, the nursery's business declined. In order to combat the declining economy, Dogwood diversified and in 1987 began growing bedding plants.

Today, Dogwood Nursery sells primarily bedding plants to discount stores and independent retailers. During peak times, they employ more than twenty employees. Dogwood has 65 greenhouses under production and more than 100,000 square feet under roof.

Dogwood Nursery places its greatest concern on customer satisfaction. Jon Allen, the Sales Manager, said, "We go the extra mile for service. We work to meet the needs of the store, not the needs of Dogwood Nursery." The reality is that mistakes from time to time may happen; the challenge is solving those problems to the satisfaction of the customer. Jon considers himself first and foremost a problem solver. He asks the customer how to rectify the problem and works with them to resolve it. Focus is placed on solving the problem at hand and then how to avoid it the next time.

Don McGee has grown a wide variety of plants over the years including trees, shrubs, and bedding plants. This experience has prevented many potential problems. He also has surrounded himself with quality people. Office manager Nita McGee greets people with a cheerful voice and helps them in any way she can.

Grower and foreman Robert Cerrillo takes pride in his work and his plants reflect that. He has worked for the company for many years and gives Dogwood's customers confidence that they will purchase the same quality plants year after year.

A small part of the 65 greenhouse area.

A successful company teams up with vendors that are dependable and deliver what they promise. Jon Allen says he can count on Vital Earth for quality, service, and fair measure.

Dogwood Nursery began using Vital Earth products in early 1997, including aged fine pine bark by the semi-load and bagged products such as Premium Potting Soil, Landscaper's Peat Replacer, and Custom Bagged Fine Bark. Dogwood also has used Vital Earth's Tropical Mix with a fertilizer package incorporated. Included in this blend were Carl Pool's Fine Lime, Micropak, and Control Release 13-13-13. Jon recommends Vital Earth products to other growers and landscapers whenever he can.

As Dogwood Nursery looks to the future, they hope to put more greenhouses in production and reduce the time between crops without compromising their excellent quality. Vital Earth will continue to work closely with them to help them achieve this goal, and both companies will profit together.

The Vital Earth News / Horticulture Edition / Summer 1998