In this episode of the GH Squad podcast, hosts Bill, Seth and Mason dive into the latest trends in horticulture and beyond, discussing what’s in and what’s out for 2026. Some of what they explore during INs and OUTs include the rise of online learning as a valuable resource for industry professionals, generational shifts in consumer behavior—Bill thinks Millennials are OUT! They discuss trends, touch on the resurgence of flower bulbs and the decline of candles, emphasizing a shift towards more sustainable and meaningful consumption in home decor and gardening.

They seem to agree that nostalgic fashion choices like cargo shorts, double popped collars and 90s aesthetics are making a comeback. At some point, the conversation shifts to the use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs), the growing demand for native plants, the decline of business cards (vigorously debated by Mason) and the return of analog media like CDs and VHS tapes.

You need to listen all the way to the end of this one—or you’ll no doubt miss out on some future trends like light bulbs, smoke-flavored juices and Micro Machines.

This one gets deep. Following up on the 2026 Fantasy Plant Draft in episode 7, the Squad turns introspective this time. They discuss why taking time off work is essential for personal well-being—although 500 emails might crush you—and why balancing work and personal life can be challenging but rewarding. Seth, Bill and Mason share some of their 2026 resolutions and intentions and the shows and conferences they plan to attend this year. After shouting out a new hort podcast and some of the good work being done promote horticulture through different industry initiatives, the guys agree that showing what goes into bringing plants to market might help the overall value proposition.

They also talk about why Seth’s collared shirt and mobile office in the back seat of his own car are signs of sophistication, why Roblox needs Night Sky and Proven Winners, adult men wearing weighted vests, shoveling sidewalks in the suburbs and so much more.

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In GH Squad Podcast episode 7, Seth, Mason and Bill assemble their 2026 teams consisting of 12 plants in a classic, fantasy style draft. This is the ultimate horticultural showdown—three industry veterans selecting their best team from a list of more than 55 annuals, perennials and vegetables (plus two bench players not on the formal list). The draft is full of solid plant information, anecdotes and hot takes. There are definitely interesting sleeper picks, major crops that slipped down the board and potentially some debatable genus rostered quite early. Like any fantasy draft, some picks are made to block opponents and others to dominate in the trenches. Each team captain has a strategy (we think) and you’ll need to listen all to the end to see how it all unfolds.

Team Names/Managers:
Hosta La Vista (Seth)

Carlos Lantana (Mason)

Pulmonaria 51 (Bill)
Perhaps most importantly … you can join in the action BY VOTING FOR YOUR FAVORITE TEAM! Rank them 1-3 in the comments for this episode, on the Squad’s individual LinkedIn pages or on Instagram @GHSquadPod. Voting closes at midnight after the Super Bowl—February 8, 2026.

In this episode of the GH Squad podcast, the Squad reflects on their holiday experiences, discuss the dynamics of having guests on the show, thoughts on Christmas traditions and their kids’ gifts. They also introduce the concept of a Fantasy Plant Draft! Next week (on episode 7), they’ll select their teams of 10 starting-lineup plants and two bench players in a competitive format.

Of course, there’s much more in this episode … including the conclusion of Bill’s Costco Christmas tree saga, holiday meals, Big Ham, a recent trip to a local garden center, why New Year’s Eve is overrated, Mason’s lactose intolerance and plenty of other fun facts. The conversation wraps up with shout outs and hot takes.

00:00 Holiday Reflections and Work-Life Balance

03:04 Guest Perspectives and Show Dynamics

05:51 Christmas Celebrations and Family Traditions

12:03 Toys and Gifts: A Parent's Perspective

19:00 The Fantasy Plant Draft: Concept and Rules

26:09 Drafting Strategies in Fantasy Plant Selection

28:17 Holiday Meal Traditions and Family Gatherings

31:44 The Costco Christmas Tree Saga

32:51 Shout Outs and Family Activities

39:51 Reflections on Holiday Decorations

43:55 Closing Thoughts on the Holiday Season

In this episode of the GH Squad podcast, the Squad welcomes special guest (and now “friend of the show”) Stephanie Whitehouse. They all reminisce about their long-standing friendships and discuss various horticultural topics, including the old Seely Conference at Cornell, how plant breeders are our industry’s unsung heroes and the Pantone Color of the Year (which might be OK for our industry, but is generally pretty lame). Stephanie shares her journey into horticulture, her experiences at a couple leading greenhouses and garden centers and her current role at Dümmen Orange. The wide-ranging conversation also touches on memorable events and shows, highlights from their 2025 gardens and the importance of integrating horticulture into education.

They also discuss cheap chicken wings, money laundering, celebrity plant influencers, walk-in music, sourdough, more inspiration from Disney, Martha Stewart, raspberry plants and so much more—you never really know where the conversation is going to go!

In GH Squad Podcast episode 4, Seth, Mason and Bill dive into a variety of topics ranging from bad movie reviews to brilliant horticultural insights. They spend time on Firefly Petunia and the future of plant genetics (Oreo plants, carnivorous Snapdragons). The conversation also touches on importance of quality tradeshow swag, why Mason won’t eat invertebrates, and ends with shout outs (pickleball players, WC wrestlers) and hot takes on various subjects, including the merits of (and future of) novelty poinsettias.

Join Seth, Mason and Bill for the latest episode of the GH Squad podcast as they dive into the world of horticulture, share personal stories and discuss the official launch of their podcast on December 3. The guys talk about favorite Christmas gifts they got as kids and then turn it into a discussion of best gifts for people on the professional hort side of things.

They preview some winter trade shows, how to maximize the value of trade shows and tips for convincing your boss to send you to events for education and idea generation. In Shout Outs and Hot Takes, the Squad gives props to the Jason’s Nuts tabletop game and then brainstorms ways to turn empty greenhouses into kids’ party moneymakers in winter.

Also … How Taylor Swift and the GH Squad podcast are similar, why Mason AND Seth are both a lot like Sylvester Stallone, Roadhouse and Patrick Swayze, using an app to generate NIL money in horticulture, Mason’s old shoes might be worth big bucks and so much more.

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Jason’s Nuts (it’s safe to click the link): https://www.jasonsnuts.com/

In this episode of the GH Squad Podcast, Bill Calkins, MasonDay and Seth Reed explore the differences between botany and horticulture, debate the timing of holiday decorations, explain California Spring Trials and discuss the ideal attributes of a new AmericanHort CEO. The Squad also shares travelmishaps, the plan for an American garden party and why Pokémon belongs in garden centers.

Leave a comment below! We’d love to hear from you.

And follow us on Instagram: @GHSquadPod

Botany (according to Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botany

The Martian (official trailer): https://youtu.be/ej3ioOneTy8?si=lfBLFXI2qbTyCJG9