The 5 Most Important Things I Learned From 30 Years in Business.
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2016 marked 30 years of designing and installing gardens in Ulster County. Here are 5 things that Victoria has learned after 30 in business.
#1. Diligence and Integrity create Trust
If you do what you promise to do, using quality products, paying attention to detail, resulting in something beautiful, you and your clients will bond.
I have been in the business of gardening for 30 years and I have retained many of the same clients over the years even as my business has evolved and changed. One set of clients that I have known since the beginning just moved for the third time, hiring me to once again help them transform their new property into “home.” Recently, I was lucky enough to work on a large garden expansion for another set of clients who last summer joyfully celebrated their wedding right in their own newly enhanced backyard. They trusted me to make their garden into something spectacular.
Getting to know my clients, building a relationship, and gaining their respect and trust are some of the most gratifying parts of my business.
#2. Employees Matter
Receiving compliments on my staff is a daily occurrence at Victoria Gardens and exceeding clients’ expectations is a standard.
Not only do I hire good employees, but I retain them by accommodating them when they need support or flexibility. My employees are students, parents, and caregivers, sometimes facing logistical challenges, but when they are able to care for their families and fulfill their obligations, they return the consideration and are dedicated and hard working.
#3. Partner with Companies of Similar Integrity
The quality of vendors is directly related to the quality of products.
I have spent 30 years getting to know my growers, visiting their green houses yearly. My affiliation with them allows me to purchase the quality and variety of plants that I do. In fact vendors have grown specific plants just for Victoria Gardens. My Spring plant selection, including 20 varieties of Hellebores and 12 varieties of Pieris are hardy, deer resistant plants that you can’t find elsewhere which keeps what we have to offer on the cutting edge of horticulture.
Similarly, the other goods I sell in my shop are chosen carefully and when possible, locally. My landscaping crew field tests all the tools—if a tool can stand up to professional abuse, we carry it the store. From pots to gifts to garden furniture I source the products that align with my values.
#4. Shop Local Businesses and Pass The Good News On
Utilizing other local businesses enhances my business.
When my clients ask for recommendations from restaurants to fine jewelry I can confidently provide several options: Tim at Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits makes everyone feel welcome remembering which rosé is their favorite, at Green
Cottage Dennis and David wow shoppers with their offerings as they greet everyone at the door, and the folks at the Bywater Bistro make an effort to learn everyone’s name. We support and learn from each other as well.
When I expanded my business in 2003 and added a retail nursery to my landscaping business, I knew that I wanted to make people feel as welcome when they walked in the door as they did.
We live in a community with a wealth of amazing businesses some of which I support directly from my Shop. For instance, Dynamulch, my recommended goto mulch, is produced right up the road from us by Croswell Enterprises. We sell seeds from a fabulous local seed company, Hudson Valley Seed Library. And our newest local vendor is Made with Love, a hand made all natural skin care line, produced right in Gardner.
Visitors are drawn to our area by the amazing natural resources and parks of the Rondout Valley, but they fall in love with us because of the
small businesses and sense of community.
#5. Become Part of Your Community
Joining in and being community-minded helps your neighbors and they respond in kind. Becoming a board member of the Rosendale Chamber of Commerce and the Rondout Valley Business Association has helped me help my community. And my community has helped me.
In 2012, when my husband passed away suddenly, Sue Benz and Steve Hack from Ulster Savings Bank came to me to offer their support before it was even needed. My friend and lawyer, Sara McGuinty along with Billy and Linda Liggins, who also happen to be my insurance agents were standing by my side, as were so many others, ready to take action on my behalf. I cannot emphasize how much community support has played a part in my life and in my business over the last 30 years.
Personal and intertwined relationships are so important. Knowing each other allows people to respond to changing circumstances and life events, good or bad, and for you to do the same for them.
And that is truly the lesson I’ve learned, wisdom that works in the garden also works to grow a business, you reap what you sow. Invest in your customers, your employees, your vendors, and your community and your business will grow and thrive.
Victoria Coyne, founder of Victoria Gardens in Rosendale, NY.
Victoria Gardens is located in Rosendale, NY on the corner of Rt 213 and Cottekill Road. We are a fully stocked plant nursery, garden center, and garden gift shop. Victoria Gardens landscaping division has been designing, installing, and maintaining gardens in Ulster county for over 30 years.
Throughout the season we have classes and special events, including private garden tours from March through November.
At Victoria Gardens you will find a selection of trees, shrubs, and perennials that are chosen specifically for our area and for our customers most frequently voiced problems: deer, dry soil, wet spots, and shady areas.
Our knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect combinations, so you only have to plant once!