Today we’d like to introduce you to Janine Griffiths
Hi Janine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been fortunate to lead a fascinating life with diverse interests beyond plants. Growing up, my family’s business revolved around plant nurseries, horticulture, and landscaping, immersing me in the world of plant propagation from a young age. Despite this, I initially sought a different path, earning my MA in Sociology with a focus on Women’s Studies in 2004. Uncertain about my career direction, I developed a keen interest in environmental issues and the preservation of wild places, crucial for protecting our flora and fauna.
My journey took an unexpected turn when a friend offered me the chance to purchase their interior plantscape business. I accepted and, while I still maintain a few interior plantscape accounts, I have primarily evolved the company to include native plant and landscape design and maintenance services, with a special focus on serenity and meditation gardens. Green Thumb emphasizes natural, environmentally safe, and non-harmful methods of garden management and pest control, adhering to Florida-Friendly™ landscape practices and principles for healthy landscapes.
Initially, I wanted to escape the world of plants and family-run business, so I pursued a career in entertainment production for about 15 years. In the 1980’s, I lived in New York City and London for over six years, working in the entertainment industry, and then joining Rough Trade Records, an influential independent “indie” record label based in London. The 1980s in London was a time of musical innovation, marked by the growth of MTV and the rise of international music. It was also a period of heightened focus on making a global impact around humanitarian concerns, as was exemplified by the 1985 Live Aid concert.
In 1990, I returned to South Florida and remained in the music industry. My roles included positions at the Cameo Theatre where I managed the historic Miami Beach night club and concert venue featuring such acts as the Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam, Peter Frampton, and more. I expanded into concert production joining Cellar Door Productions, and Fantasma Productions, two of the largest concert promoters on the East Coast. I became proficient in concert staging for outdoor venues such as Mizner Park in Boca Raton, and Lollapalooza 1994 featuring 31 performers in downtown Miami. Then I shifted gears to Garrett Sound & Lighting. While completing my undergraduate degree, I returned to running venues in Fort Lauderdale starting at the Bailey Concert Hall, located at the Broward College campus, and later at Parker Playhouse (now, The Parker) with performances from the likes of Faye Dunaway, among others.
The live music and nightlife world has its share of challenges. I chose to focus on personal growth and pursue a master’s degree while staying home to care for an ailing parent, and a teenager in high school. It’s always amazed me how I ended up back with the plants I loved and connected with in my youth. Currently, I serve as President-elect on the Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FANN) Board of Directors, and as FANN’s Education Committee Chair. I enjoy sharing my gardening knowledge with the public and regularly lecture on various gardening topics. I am a Florida Advanced Master Naturalist, NatureScape Broward Habitat Steward, member of the Broward Chapter Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) and have served as a Broward County Master Gardener volunteer for 20 years.
Additionally, I am an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) certified horticulture professional, University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (UF/IFAS) Certified Florida-FriendlyTM Landscape Professional, Florida Water Star Certified Landscape and Irrigation Professional, and UF/IFAS Certified Advanced Master Naturalist. I also hold a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Limited Fertilizer Application License. I love to learn and stay informed of the latest science and horticultural practices, networking with those involved in research and sharing knowledge with the public, as well as those in the field testing these findings. To this end, I have recently been training to be a Green Industries – Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Instructor for UF/IFAS which teaches science-based environmentally safe landscaping practices focusing on conserving and protecting Florida’s water.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Green Thumb has journeyed a long road from interior maintenance to becoming a thriving native plant landscaping business in South Florida. Economic cycles such as the financial crises of 2008 and COVID-19 in 2020 posed significant challenges. However, we managed to navigate through both periods successfully. Today, our company is stable and growing, with a loyal clientele of native plant enthusiasts. Our growth potential is immense, limited only by the challenge of finding good people who share the passion of working outdoors with an eye for details.
I have a fantastic team who are passionate about being part of Green Thumb and catering to our clients. As I look to the future, I am eager to find someone with the same passion I have, and often ponder mentoring a successor to continue the legacy. It takes a lot of dedication to be a business owner, and you have to be resilient and able to withstand the storms. Landscaping is demanding both physically and mentally, but it is incredibly rewarding.
For Green Thumb, it has been a long road to financial stability. I am not inclined to be a financially risky person; I like to plan and not be in debt if I can help it. Unfortunately, the financial crisis of 2008 and COVID in 2020 were very difficult, but we did manage to pull through both times. Currently, the company is very stable and growing, and we have a consistent clientele of native plant enthusiasts. The potential for growth is only hindered by finding good people.
Finding the right staff has also been difficult though I currently have a great crew. I am hoping to pass my business along to someone else with as much enthusiasm as I have. My current crew is older than me, so I am looking for someone outside the company. If you think this might be you, call me! This has been a definite challenge to growth, landscaping is hard physical and mental work.
As you know, we’re big fans of Green Thumb, Inc.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As an environmentalist, my mission has always been to create sustainable and natural landscapes that invite Florida’s native wildlife into urban settings. At Green Thumb, we specialize in native Florida plants and landscapes that encourage interaction with nature, promoting mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Our designs aim to recreate historical habitats, integrating non-invasive, non-native species for aesthetic value, often drawing inspiration from the Caribbean islands.
In my professional journey, I have led Green Thumb in creating numerous serenity and meditation gardens for private homes, churches, public schools, waste facilities, and large corporations. These spaces provide employees and students with a place to relax and recharge during working or class hours. Additionally, Green Thumb has contributed to the removal of invasive species and the restoration of beaches and maritime hammocks in two state parks in Broward County and for the City of Hollywood in the natural areas along the North Beach parking next to the beach.
My role extends beyond landscape design. I actively engage with the community through educational presentations in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties, and also trainings and industry seminars in Collier and Polk counties. My public speaking opportunities include educating both the public and industry professionals covering a wide range of gardening and horticulture topics. Public speaking has provided the opportunity to collaborate with grass roots organizations, and to have the honor of being a featured landscape designer in an episode of Flip My Florida Yard with host Chad Crawford. Our team of volunteers installed my design in only 8-hours while featuring the Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles developed by University of Florida’s Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences. This hands-on approach helps us connect with individuals who share a genuine interest in native plants and conservation, building the company through common interest and growing organically rather than using traditional advertising.
On a personal note, I am also committed to professional education and science-based practices. I volunteer as a Green Industries – Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) instructor for the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Service, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program. Since 2016, I have served on the board of the Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FANN.org), currently holding the positions of President-Elect and Chair of the Education Committee. My goal is to educate professionals on the latest science and best practices for creating healthy landscapes in both commercial and public spaces.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I collaborate with a diverse range of organizations, including NGOs, K-12 and higher education institutions, and local business associations. If you have any ideas or initiatives in mind, please reach out to me. Let’s explore how we can work together to support you and your organization.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.greenthumbinc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenthumb.go.native/
- Twitter: https://x.com/janine_at_gti
- Other: https://www.fann.org/info/News/fann-announces-election-of-2024-board-of-directors/
Image Credits
TeaJay Photography (all pictures of Janine Griffiths)
Janine Griffiths (all landscape pictures)
