Johnson’s Garden Centers operates two Wichita retail stores, a production facility, and a landscape distribution center, maintaining a fourth-generation family business that originated as a truck farm in the 1920s. Jeremy Johnson serves as President of Johnson’s Garden Centers in Wichita, Kansas, while his father, Marty Johnson, owns the company.
The enterprise traces its roots to Jeremy Johnson’s great-grandfather, who arrived in the Wichita area to establish a small agricultural operation. He started a truck farm, and had a little stand to sell,
Jeremy Johnson said regarding the company’s founding.
As the city expanded and consumer interest in gardening grew, the operation shifted its primary focus from produce to plants and gardening supplies. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, the business established the retail location that continues to anchor its operations today. Subsequent decades brought greenhouses and expanded production capabilities, with each generation building upon the infrastructure established by its predecessor.
It feels good that we’ve been able to survive, thrive, and adapt, and change,
Jeremy Johnson said.
Dual Operations Balance Seasonal Swings
Johnson’s serves both retail consumers and professional landscape contractors locally, across Kansas and beyond. The business model combines two Wichita retail stores, an online shop, a dedicated production facility, and a landscape distribution center.
We’ve been somewhat strategic in adding any locations,
Jeremy Johnson said, explaining that testing potential expansions before making long-term commitments prevents the organization from overextending its footprint.
The retail and distribution sides of the business operate on different seasonal schedules. We’re heavily dependent on good weather on the weekends,
Jeremy Johnson said, noting that retail sales experience sharp peaks during the spring and fluctuate based on weather conditions. Conversely, landscape distribution moves at a steady pace throughout the entire calendar year. This dual structure allows the company to absorb a slow spring weekend without jeopardizing the entire seasonal outlook.
Broadcast Media and Unique Product Assortments Build Awareness
Regional recognition extends well beyond the immediate physical footprint of the two stores, bolstered by long-running broadcast media involvement. We’ve done a television show for probably 30, 35 years,
Jeremy Johnson said, noting that decades of television broadcasting alongside radio programming helped build broad local awareness.
Inside the stores, product selection focuses on distinct varieties rather than standard offerings. We try to offer a unique assortment, not just the mundane,
Jeremy Johnson said. Inventory ranges from houseplants and seasonal crops to tools and holiday merchandise.
Customer preferences heavily influence purchasing and staffing recommendations. They want a ‘set it and forget it’ mentality,
Jeremy Johnson said, explaining why the inventory heavily features resilient plants requiring minimal ongoing maintenance.
Sales Data and Crop Scouting Shape Production Cycles
Production scheduling begins directly on the retail floor at the conclusion of each season. The team evaluates sales data to determine inventory depletion and future crop requirements. What did we run out of? What do we need more of?
Jeremy Johnson said. This post-season review shapes the subsequent growing cycle based on actual consumer demand rather than speculative forecasts.
Growers monitor crops closely to identify potential issues early. Our growers do a good job of scouting before problems arise,
Jeremy Johnson said, emphasizing that catching complications early prevents disruptions during peak retail periods. It’s not easy work… you still have to come in,
he added.
To maintain consistency, Johnson’s utilizes PRO-MIX growing media integrated with AGTIV biologicals across its production facilities.
We saw just a huge increase in quality and way less instances of root rot,
Jeremy Johnson said, noting the reduction in disease events during high-volume weeks. According to Premier Tech, incorporating these biological technologies into root development provides landscape contractors with stronger plant performance and fewer callbacks.
That initial survivability is key,
Jeremy Johnson said, adding that the retail floor focuses primarily on delivering reliable plants that ensure customer success rather than aggressively marketing specific growing inputs.
Decentralized Decision Making Supports Peak Operational Periods
Operating a multi-faceted business through a spring rush relies heavily on decentralized decision-making. Jeremy Johnson manages operations through delegated authority from his father and owner, Marty Johnson.
I expect people to make decisions as if they are owners,
Jeremy Johnson said. Allowing staff to resolve issues immediately when they arise enables the multi-store production and distribution network to maintain stability during peak operational periods.
We’re kind of all Johnson’s working together,
Jeremy Johnson said.
