NGB marks America’s 250th anniversary with member company legacy campaign

National Garden Bureau (NGB) launched its America 250: Celebrating Our Roots initiative, a project highlighting the histories of horticulture companies that helped shape the U.S. gardening industry as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

The initiative profiles NGB member companies whose contributions influenced plant breeding, nursery production, seed distribution, merchandising and consumer gardening. Featured companies include Ernst Benary Seed Co., founded in 1843; Ernst Benary Seed Co., founded in 1843; Syngenta Flowers, founded as Sluis en Groot in 1867; and Burpee, founded in 1876.

NGB said the campaign is intended as a resource for industry media, members and stakeholders seeking historical context on horticulture’s role in the U.S. economy and marketplace.

“America 250 is an opportunity to recognize that horticulture has been part of the country’s economic and cultural development for generations,” said Diane Blazek, executive director of National Garden Bureau.

The initiative also highlights companies associated with industry developments that became standard practices, including container nursery production, branded plant introductions and advances in ornamental plant breeding. Companies featured include Sakata Seed, Star Roses and Plants, Ball Horticultural Co., Monrovia Nursery and PanAmerican Seed.

The America 250 campaign will continue sharing member company histories leading up to the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.