In early 2017, John Mark Courtney launched Kind Earth Growers in Ottsville, PA, driven by a passion for native plants and a desire to start a business that could make a positive environmental impact. His journey into the world of horticulture began years earlier as a grower at Aquascapes Unlimited, an aquatics plant company. It was there that Courtney recognized the untapped potential of native plants. When the opportunity arose to acquire the native assets of the company, he seized it.
By 2019, Kind Earth Growers had grown from a side project into a fully operational business. Today, the company offers more than 215 species of native perennials and aquatic plants, cultivating them in 20,000 square feet of controlled-environment production space and an additional 9,000 square feet outdoors.
Expanding Customer Base Amid Growing Demand
Kind Earth Growers caters to two primary customer groups: re-wholesalers who upsize plants for retail sale and landscape contractors, both large and small. The company also works with suppliers involved in public works projects, state parks, and green spaces.
Courtney attributes the steady growth of Kind Earth Growers—ranging from 10% to 25% annually since 2020—to the increasing demand for native plants, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, where there has been a rise in ecologically based landscape design. This diverse customer base, Courtney says, has been key to the company’s resilience, helping it avoid the industry-wide slowdowns experienced by others after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our flexibility has been a big factor,” he says. “The team is small, but we can all pitch in wherever needed—whether it’s on the production line, packing boxes, or pulling orders.”
The team includes Head Grower Joseph LaMent, Greenhouse Manager Diane LaRosa, and Erin Range, who handles shipping and logistics.
A Lifelong Passion for Native Plants
Courtney’s interest in native plants began during his time studying ornamental horticulture and environmental design at Delaware Valley University. In 1998, when he graduated, native plants were still considered a niche market. Over time, Courtney became increasingly drawn to the role these plants play in ecological resilience.
He furthered his understanding of native plant communities during an internship at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, where he was surrounded by trilliums and other spring ephemerals. This experience deepened his commitment to preserving and promoting native plants.
Kind Earth Growers specializes in plants from the Piedmont region, as well as select prairie and coastal species. Each year, Courtney adds new varieties, experimenting with germination protocols to ensure the plants’ adaptability to different environments. The company also follows trends in public garden design, such as the work in New York’s High Line and the ideas promoted by environmentalists like Douglas Tallamy.
A Strategy for Growth and Sustainability
To meet the diverse needs of its customers, Courtney emphasizes the importance of tailored solutions. Whether working with re-wholesalers or large-scale restoration projects, Kind Earth Growers maintains strict production schedules. For contractors involved in stormwater management or other municipal regulations, Courtney and his team offer valuable expertise, ensuring that the right plant species are used in the right places.
As the company continues to grow, Courtney’s goal remains the same: to build a sustainable, profitable business that supports the local community. “We operate with a strict budget, focusing on growing smartly,” he says.
Courtney credits his experience in Dr. Charlie Hall’s Executive Academy for Growth and Leadership (EAGL) program at Texas A&M University as instrumental in shaping his approach to business growth. He values the opportunity to learn from other professionals and apply those lessons to his own operations.
When it comes to technology, Courtney prioritizes efficiency. Investments in tools like a new soil batch mixer or root zone bottom heating are aimed at making the team’s work easier and more enjoyable, rather than replacing human labor altogether.
Future Plans and Market Expansion
In February of this year, Kind Earth Growers expanded its production space by 75%, adding two new greenhouses. While Courtney is open to further expansion, he remains cautious, ensuring that any future growth aligns with market stability and the company’s long-term goals.
One challenge Courtney faces is balancing the desire for growth with his commitment to developing habitats ideal for native plants. However, his ultimate goal is to increase awareness and demand for native plants.
“As an industry, we need to work together to educate people about the importance of native plants,” he says. “We must grow the market responsibly, making sure that our message is clear and controlled.”
Collaborating for the Future
As demand for native plants continues to rise, Courtney believes collaboration among growers is essential. “There aren’t enough of us out there making these plants available,” he says. “The more we can share knowledge and successes, the more we can meet the growing demand.”
Courtney’s commitment to sustainability, community, and the native plant industry is evident in his work at Kind Earth Growers. With a growing customer base, a dedicated team, and a focus on long-term success, the company is poised to continue making a positive impact on the environment and the local economy.
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