Moving a Giant: Etera’s Holistic Approach to Nursery Relocation
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Rows of Etera’s Color Max Sedum tiles at their previous location in Mount Vernon, Washington. Photo: © 2013 William P. Wright
Introduction
The horticultural industry is rapidly evolving, adapting to the increased need for climate activism. This call to action presents many unique challenges directly and indirectly related to greening. One such complex and interesting challenge is nursery relocation. Etera Sedum has been a well-known name in the green roof industry for the last 20 years. The West Coast based company supplied a wide variety of sedum products across the US and Canada. In 2019, after more than two decades of service, the decision was made to relocate their operation 260 miles south from Mount Vernon, Washington to Forest Grove, Oregon. During this period, they would need to re-establish over 30 acres of sedum which made maintaining operations impossible. It seemed like Etera had vanished, but they were hard at work creating a new foundation from which to grow.
This time was utilized to meticulously plan the relocation. The primary focus being Seasonal timing, site preparation, plant health, and a significant commitment to the integrity of the local ecosystem and community.
In the intricate process of relocating a nursery, the timing of the move is a pivotal factor to success. The importance of synchronizing the relocation of plants with the seasons cannot be overstated, particularly when dealing with a plant’s growth patterns and natural dormancy periods. For example, sedum plants include both deciduous and evergreen varieties. Those that are deciduous lose their leaves in the fall and regrow them in the spring. Evergreen sedums keep their vegetation but may change colors due to the fluctuating temperatures. Plants are less likely to experience shock if you relocate during seasons of active growth in spring and summer. Geographic location of the new nursery is also a factor. The Pacific Northwest is made up of temperate climates that experience four seasons and extremely varied temperatures throughout the year. Etera’s new location, 260 miles away from its original home in Mount Vernon, Washington may seem like a short distance in terms of climate, but there are some key differences. On average, Oregon experiences higher temperatures, more drastic temperature fluctuations, and less annual rainfall per year than Washington. (1) All of this greatly affects best care practices for plants. Sedums also require time to adapt to their new environment and become well-rooted before going into dormancy so they can survive the winter. By aligning the relocation with the optimal season, Etera sought to provide the sedums with the best conditions for robust re-establishment in their new home, setting the stage for a thriving future.
When finding a site for the new operation, ensuring it had the means to not only sustain, but expand, was crucial. This was especially true for the most valuable of growing resources, water. With the change in climate and the expansion of the global population, estimates show that the world will face a forty percent shortfall in water supply between forecast demand and available supply of water by 2030. (2) This is what made the new site in Forest Grove so compelling. It utilized an innovative nine-acre reservoir that can provide 23,000,000 gallons of water for the nursery annually. This much water has the capacity to irrigate just over 60 acres of farmland.
Aerial view of the irrigation reservoir at Etera’s new location in Forest Grove, Oregon. Photo: © 2023 Samuel Hoefler
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Utilizing a water reservoir for irrigation significantly enhances farming operations in multiple ways. First and foremost, it improves irrigation efficiency by ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply. This reliability makes the system self-sustaining, as the reservoir can store water during periods of abundance and provide it during times of scarcity. Consequently, this consistency streamlines farming practices, allowing for better planning and predictability in crop management. Second, the reservoir adds groundwater recharge, which is crucial for maintaining the long-term health of an aquifer. By allowing water to percolate into the ground, it helps replenish the groundwater levels, ensuring that the water table remains stable and accessible for future use. Additionally, the reservoir controls tailwater – the excess runoff from irrigated fields – by capturing and reusing it, thereby minimizing water wastage, and preventing potential soil erosion and nutrient loss. Most importantly, the reservoir provides much needed water conservation as it reduces the need to extract water directly from natural sources, thus preserving these ecosystems. To support this advanced irrigation system, they equipped the farm with the necessary mechanics and infrastructure, such as pumps, pipelines, and monitoring systems. All of which were built to scale and adapt as farming needs evolve. This comprehensive approach to site preparation was a calculated decision. It is a testament to Etera’s commitment to creating a sustainable and productive farming environment to continue growth.
Environmental stresses negatively impact both the growth and productivity of plants. Stress responses can manifest in diverse ways but are the result of a plant trying to achieve homeostasis amid less-than-ideal conditions. These reactions can be harmless, but stress can alter plant genetics and create permanent undesirable traits if not addressed. (3) Ensuring the well-established single variety sedums did not fall victim to the move was an important piece of the puzzle. Healthy plants were crucial to re-creating acre upon acre of thriving stock beds. Utilizing creative solutions, the team was able to make this plan a reality. Climate controlled trucks were a big part of keeping the Sedums as happy as possible during their journey. When arriving in Forest Grove, the team took the utmost care in planting 272,000 square feet of new stock beds in the first year, comprising 18 different sedum varieties. Etera now has 400,000 square feet of thriving stock beds.
Aerial view; rows of mixed Sedum tiles in early spring at Etera’s nursery in Forest Grove, Oregon. Photo: © 2023 Samuel Hoefler
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Currently, there are trials being done with another seventy-five varieties in their onsite greenhouse. Their hope is to scale production of these test subjects, with the goal of supplying sedums native to regions all over the US and Canada.
Close up of a honeybee pollinating Sedum rupestre 'Angelina’ at Etera’s nursery in Forest Grove, Oregon. Photo: © 2023 Samuel Hoefler
Etera's relocation goes beyond the confines of business goals, exemplifying a commitment to balancing commercial success with environmental responsibility. The overarching goal in re-establishing the Sedum farm transcends mere cultivation; it envisions a harmonious coexistence with the local ecosystem. The team that was chosen not only possessed specialized skills but also shared a profound commitment to the growth and success of Etera. Throughout the relocation process, community engagement and collaboration were not mere afterthoughts but integral components of the new approach. By maintaining a nine-acre shared reservoir onsite, actively communicating with the neighboring farms, businesses, and vital members of their team to foster a sense of shared responsibility and pride in the project. This collaborative spirit cultivated vital partnerships throughout the community. One such partnership is with the local bee farmers whose apiaries live on the farm.
Honeybee hives from local farmers spread along the perimeter of Etera’s farm in Forest Grove, Oregon. Photo: © 2023 Samuel Hoefler
Over 30, 10-frame hives pollinate the sedum and surrounding crops, providing a vital food source and safe breeding ground to these important pollinators.
This spirit extends beyond the immediate relocation, with long-term benefits envisaged for both Etera and the community. By aligning business goals with environmental stewardship, the aim is to not only cultivate thriving Sedum varieties but also contribute positively to the local ecosystem and build lasting connections that offer environmental profitability.
Etera Sedum's relocation underscores the significance of a holistic approach in nursery transfers. By meticulously addressing seasonal timing, plant stress management, and water and site preparation, it optimized the health and growth of Sedum varieties while demonstrating a profound commitment to environmental responsibility. A flourishing nursery was re-established in the summer of 2020. This new operation has provided 30 to 40 percent installation growth year over year since being implemented.
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The green roofs they supply are heavily focused in Northwest regions, especially Canada and the northern US, however they have been expanding in the last year to cover the southern US and have even reached as far as the east coast.
Beyond the nursery, positive contributions extend to the local ecosystem and through continual mindful engagement and collaboration with local sustainable housing coalitions and important organizations such as The Green Roof information Think-tank (GRIT) in Portland.
Conclusion
Etera’s 1’ x 2’ Color Max Sedum tile in bloom. Photo: © 2013 Justin Howard
This success story invites others to embrace challenges and keep sight of the potential for harmonious growth where business goals align with sustainable and community-centric principles. It is not always an easy task, but it has proven to be worthwhile. Etera is proud to have completed this arduous journey and their commitment to providing healthy, thriving sedums remains steadfast.
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Ashley Gilbert is a sales and office manager with Etera.
For more information, go to Etera.com. Etera offers multiple products from tiles, cuttings, custom mixes and more! Etera is always looking for innovative ways of growing sedum and collaborating with different clients based on the job requirements, from large multi-acre projects to residential ones. Email sales@etera.com to learn more!
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