Most-read Garden Center magazine articles of 2016

Before we launch into the New Year, we are reflecting on 2016 and our most popular content.  We've compiled 15 of the most-read Garden Center magazine articles in 2016, as ranked by total page views. Here are the stories, originally published in the magazine, that readers read most online:

15. Making their mark: The 2016 Top 100 Independent Garden Centers
A map pinpointing locations of companies profiled in our Top 100 issue.
(For all 2016 Top 100 Independent Garden Center articles, click here.)

14. All the rage
Succulents are increasingly popular plants that sell themselves, but garden retailers can drive more profits by offering unusual plants, combinations and planters.

13. The 2016 State of the Industry Report
A regional look at the trends, challenges and overall health of the independent garden center industry.

12. Fresh faces of horticulture
We surveyed students to discover what drew them to the green industry and what they expect from a career in horticulture. Professors and hiring managers also weigh in on their experiences with this new generation of professionals.

11. Attracting amphibians
Introduce “frogscaping” to help customers create healthier backyard habitats.

10. Enhancing, evolving but remembering their roots
Wingard’s Market refreshed its branding and name to give the business a modern feel and promote a profitable new department, inspired by its founder.

9. Preserving the past, focusing on the future
Bachman’s treasures its more than 130-year, family-owned history, all while adapting to the evolving industry.

8. Containers take center stage
Catch up on the latest innovations and trends in planter design.

7. Behind the numbers
20 of the top retailers in the country share their stories, strategies and ideas.

6. Two names, same service
Armstrong Garden Centers and Pike Nurseries are committed to elevating customer service, not just in their retail stores, but throughout the industry.

5. Prepare for more pay
10 things employers must know about the Department of Labor’s new overtime rule.

4. 'Proud to partner'
After a devastating flood in Baton Rouge, LA., destroyed the 63-year-old Naylor’s Hardware & Garden Center in August, the owner and longtime staff were facing an uncertain future. That’s when Clegg’s Nursery stepped in.

3. Think big, plant small
Catching up with the miniature gardening trend, growers produce new varieties of small plants to boost garden center sales.

2. Fairy gardens get real
Customers lean toward more realistic elements in their miniature gardens.

1. The Top 100 Independent Garden Centers of 2016
20 of the top retailers in the country share their stories, strategies and ideas.

RELATED: The top 12: A roundup of Garden Center magazine's cover stories
Read all of our 2016 cover stories in one place.

Garden Center’s Top 15 most read news stories of 2016
See which industry topics made our 2016 most-read list, from politics and customer service to color trends and more.

The top 11 Garden Center videos of 2016
On-the-floor trade show coverage and interactions with industry personalities were popular with viewers last year.