Working at Roger’s Gardens has intrinsic benefits, in addition to getting paid to spend time at a beautiful home and garden center.

Employees enjoy perks still rare in the nursery industry. That includes 401(k) retirement plans with a company match, and health insurance, with 100% of the premiums paid, for employees who work at least 32 hours a week.

The family-run company has earned the loyalty of workers who stick around for years, even decades. And the company returns that loyalty. Production manager Toni Parsons, who is retiring this month after 34 years, just returned from an all-expense paid week in Maui, a gift from the company.

“You have to empower (your employees), allow them to do their job in their own way, and give them the resources necessary to accomplish their goals,” says Gavin Herbert Jr., president and CEO of Roger’s Gardens. “When they come up with great new ideas, you make sure it really happens.”

Creative director Eric Cortina – who started as a production assistant 21 years ago – credits the company for giving him the freedom to grow into his current job, and to launch his own line of glass-blown Christmas ornaments. And yes, he adds, the job’s other benefits don’t hurt.

“Just to walk through the garden to get to the office is worth it,” says Cortina. “It’s calming to work surrounded by beautiful things and beautiful plants.” OCM

—Kelly St. John