Since it’s almost time to start planting here in Maine, I thought I would share a past post with a gardening theme today. The following post (slightly edited and updated) was originally published on June 22, 2012.

I came across Gardener’s Supply Company when I was compiling a list of gardening resources for a blog post. My friend recommended them because they had a ton of information on their website, and she has had good experiences ordering from them.

After seeing their website, I signed up for their newsletter. I love gardening, but I’m not exactly an expert. So, their learn and share section immediately drew me in with all the how-to articles and planning tools.

Their mission is “to spread the joys and rewards of gardening, because gardening nourishes the body, elevates the spirit, builds community and makes the world better.”

The more I read about Gardener’s Supply Company, the more I liked them.

Gardener’s Supply is in Vermont, for one thing, so they’re not too far from Maine. They are also employee-owned and run by gardeners who actually care about customer service and answering questions about gardening. Their gardening products are spectacular and 100% guaranteed.

Gardener’s Supply Company also has a philanthropic business model. They’ve donated 8% of their profits since they opened in 1983. According to their website, they “support nonprofit gardening, hunger-relief and community organizations with volunteer time and donations of 8% of pre-tax profits.” Currently, Gardener’s Supply Company supports national organization such as The American Community Gardening Association, the Green Education Foundation, Kitchen Gardeners International and Ample Harvest. They are also committed to the environment.

Gardener’s Supply Company became a Certified B Corporation in January of 2014. If you haven’t heard of the term “B Corp,” it stands for benefit corporation. Companies that become certified are purpose-driven and create benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. You can take a look at Gardener’s Supply Company’s B Impact Report on the B Corp website.

The more you dig into the Gardener’s Supply Company website (pun intended), the more good you’ll find.

Have you started to garden this spring?

Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. Read past stories here.