Garden Center Expansion

Lexington County Chronicle - January 13, 1993

"Success by accident – and work"
By Nancy Hart

Judson and Margie Wingard really had no intention of going into business.

Mrs. Wingard had admired her neighbor's azaleas and just wanted a few cuttings for her own yard.

The next year she took a few more cuttings. Not being able to use them all, she set out a "For Sale" sign next to their home.

"When they all sold, I thought that's pretty good money," remembers Mrs. Wingard.

Her husband was still working for S.C. Electric & Gas. But they continued to raise azaleas in their free time. Their small nursery at the corner of Pilgrim Church Road and North Lake Drive was becoming well known.

"If we had depended on this for our living, maybe we would have done more, but we also could have flopped," Mrs. Wingard said.

"We couldn't afford that."

Each year they expanded a bit, using the years' profits to buy the next season's supplies.

And they rarely took any pay for themselves.

In 1983, Judson retired and the Wingards expanded again, getting into other varieties of shrubbery.

"We learned from experience, taking a few courses and by joining the Azalea Society of America and the S.C. Nurserymen's Association," said Mrs. Wingard.

They were fortunate to have the help of their children, who assisted with potting and selling plants during the busy spring and summer. Their daughters and their husbands, Gail and Wayne Buff and Marilyn and Jay Freeman, continue to help in the business which is expanding again to include more customer parking.

They also hired their first full time employee, Tommy Burkett, and now sell trees, bedding plants, perennials, and mulches.

"We started the business for a little extra money for our daughters. We enjoy the work and didn't want to feel cramped getting into more than we could handle," said Mrs. Wingard.

This has been an excellent outlet for Mr. Wingard since his retirement.

"I'd be out looking for another job if I didn't have this," he said.

"We love meeting people. We have a mutual interest."

The Wingards offer this advice to those wanting to start a small business:

1. Make your labor count. Hire help only when you can afford it.
2. Don't spend money on anything unless you can see a return from it.
3. Expand gradually. Don't get into to debt by taking on too much too soon.
4. Pick your location carefully. A good one is vital.