Jeff Kushner Plants Alive!

By Jessica Harden

How did the business evolve to what it is today?

The little bean-box market eventually dried up and Milt was left with thousands of these boxes. He offered a $50 bonus to anyone who could think of a way to use them in a different way. Someone suggested turning the box upside-down, leaving the opening at the top and putting a small plant inside, more like a real terrarium. The tropical plant version of Plants Alive! was born! That led to the company that began providing tropical plants to commercial accounts. We also had a small retail location in Potomac, MD, that is now closed.

At that point, we also began providing plants on a rental basis for special events in the DC/Baltimore area. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we lost 80% of our revenue, so we converted 9,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space off Layhill Road in Silver Spring, MD, into retail space. We now have three divisions: commercial, rental (special events), and retail.

What are your future plans for the nursery?

My goal is to create a plant mecca. From the time a customer arrives to the time they leave, I want to create an

“OMG!” moment. We get that reaction when customers enter the greenhouse, I want that to be the response when they enter our driveway. We also have plans to provide more than just plants in the coming years.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Without a doubt, it’s the customers who come into the greenhouse that is the most rewarding for me, personally as well as professionally. There are two parts to what we provide. The first is design for the commercial, as well as the plant rental, side. Customers on that side aren’t concerned with my technical knowledge of plants. The goal is to create an environment that is pleasing to the eye as well as functional. The retail side is pure horticulture. Customers come in with a thirst for knowledge, which I am more than happy to provide. I never realized how much I enjoyed talking about plants until I finally got the chance. Plus, I have learned so much more, after all these years, about different plants. I am as excited about the plants as our customers who purchase them! Teaching the Plant Parenthood 101 class is also very rewarding.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Who are your personal heroes and who has influenced your career the most?

Good question! First, without a doubt, would be my dad. I don’t know if he saw something or he just wanted to get this young teen out of the house by making that garden, but whatever it was, here I am 50 years later, still shoving my hands into potting soil. My dad was also my personal mentor for how hard a human can work. I would watch him, amazed at what he could do and how dedicated he was to his craft as a dry cleaner. I wanted to be just like him. Second would be Milt Millon. When I was a green 22-year-old coming out of college, he saw something in me that even I didn’t recognize until much later. He was my mentor until his passing.

What kinds of plants do you grow for yourself?

Snake plants! With thousands of plants in the greenhouse, which is literally in my backyard, I need something that is nearly carefree, my work schedule being what it is. I do have a ‘Dragon Tooth’ Alocasia that has become my favorite in my kitchen, too.

What do you do in your free time when you’re not working?

I listen to a lot of music, which is equal to my passion for plants. I also play in several bands—I play the drums. I like to play golf and I have a reef aquarium that keeps me busy.

Is there anything else you want to tell our magazine readers?

Find what you love to do and give it 110%. The return will be 10 times that!

How can our readers get in contact with you or find out more information about Plants Alive!?

I can be reached through our Instagram (@plantsalive) by sending a direct message or you can email me at jeff@plants-alive.com. You can also visit our website at https://plants-alive. com/. o

Jessica Harden is a junior journalism major minoring in law and society, with a concentration in criminal law, at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. She is an intern this semester with Washington Gar- dener and is from San Antonio, TX.