“I love the challenges and creativity that this job requires.”
Spanning 15 acres, Verde River Growers (VRG) in Cottonwood is spreading its roots throughout Northern Arizona. “I’ve been here since 2013, and we have really grown,” said Manager Lindsey Curé.
Synchronous with the expansion of Verde River Growers is Curé’s growth within the company. “I started part time watering plants here. I showed up every day and they kept giving me more to do. Then they let me get creative and I started implementing changes and growing the nursery. I love the challenges and creativity that this job requires.”
With a degree in horticulture from the University of Arizona, Curé says she put in her “sweat equity,” to get where she is today. “I built my resume working at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden for one summer and I did a lot of volunteer work in the Tucson area. I learned the most from volunteering at Tohono Chul Gardens, also with the food bank’s Las Milpitas Community Farm, and with the Watershed Management Group’s urban beautification. I also taught residents how to redo their yards.”
Her hard work paid off, and Curé could not be happier where she is.
Growing the majority of their plants, Verde River Growers is a forest of trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, fruit trees, cactus, vegetables, herbs and houseplants. Around this rich bounty of vegetation is the clapping sound of Radio Flyer red wagons rolling over gravel. “It evokes a touch of nostalgia and the simple pleasure of gardening,” she said. “Our beautiful setting makes VRG a destination experience.”
“I like shopping at Verde River Growers because they have the best variety of herbs, they are all clean looking and healthy,” said retired Camp Verde cosmetologist Mary Radtke. “I also like the fact that everything you buy from there grows.”
Curé says she’s always amazed when she drives around town and recognizes trees from VRG years later. “I think, ‘Hey that’s our tree.’ It’s so fun to see your work all around you. People are happy to be here and you can see that in their gardens, too.”
With a seasonal staff of 50, Curé is excited about their upcoming expansion. “We’re improving the growing areas and our retail area. We started with a counter under a yellow tent and then a metal roof with an open-air entryway. Our new retail store will be 3,600 square feet with a large register area and checkout space, along with house plants, fertilizers and other items for sale.”
“I’m thrilled to see Verde River Growers expanding,” said City of Cottonwood Tourism and Economic Development Director Trisha Lewis. “This not only signifies their success but also contributes to the vitality of our local economy by creating more jobs, attracting new customers and bolstering our community’s reputation as a hub for innovation.”
“People who come here are happy to be here and you can see the evidence in their gardens all over Northern Arizona,” said Curé. “Some customers travel as far as Northern Nevada, New Mexico and Southern Utah, where climates are comparable to ours.”
Clarkdale resident Beverly Culver began working at VRG about a month ago. “I’m learning so much and I just love being outside. It is so gorgeous here and the people are wonderful. I love working with Lindsay, she’s a good boss. I often listen to her consult with customers and she’s very thorough and really knows her trade. I’m learning a lot from her.”
Verde River Growers has cut its water usage in half by using shade cloth over growing areas. Also used are AquaMats for efficient plant root filtration. “We also installed drip line irrigation, which can be fine-tuned to deliver a specific amount of water to different plants.”
Believing in responsible growing practices, VRG has implemented a pest management program that includes biological methods, which use predatory insects to prey on pests like aphids, thrips and spider mites. The business also recycles and reuses plastic pots.
“It’s fun working with Lindsey because we are both very detail-oriented, which is nice,” said Inventory Manager Annie Stewart, who has been working at VRG since 2017. “We both have a background in science, so it’s really easy for us to communicate with each other.”
VRG engages with the community and teaches about plants by working with schools, conducting field trips and providing guided tours. “In the fall, we sponsor A Day In The Garden, a free event offering educational classes,” said Curé.
Recently, Curé’s husband, Mat, began working as the VRG retail manager. Their off-time is often spent cooking and traveling to Oregon, where they have family.
LAST TIME I THANKED MY YOUNGER SELF
We will be so busy and something will come up or a big order will come in that I wasn’t expecting and I’ll discover that I have already prepped for it. I’ll think, “Thank you, me from the past.” I’ve got my back even if I forget I did!
FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT
I like to visit my parents. Whenever we get together, we have to stop and check out the garden before going inside. My mom will keep plants alive for decades. She had this one portulacaria for 40 years.
PERSON I MOST ADMIRE
I admire the first person who thought to put a seed in the ground to grow food.
FAVORITE QUOTE
My elderly great uncle, who is a World War II veteran, once said, “As long as you’re true to yourself you’ll be OK.”
MY SUPERPOWER
Cooking. We cook all our own meals and don’t eat out. It’s being really frugal, but it’s healthier, too. FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
For more about VRG, visit www.verderivergrowers.com.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: With a degree in horticulture and experience with botanical gardens and farms, Manager Lindsey Curé thrives among living things at Verde River Growers.