Garden
Grove Organics is a business devoted to a better way to grow plants
and produce--sans chemicals. After tinkering with hydroponics, no-soil
organic, and traditional gardening since 1997, Casey Fraser and his
wife, Heather, opened Garden Grove three years ago. Fraser takes a
scientist's pleasure in finding solutions to gardening challenges.
Casey
Fraser was first inspired by his grandparents' love of growing things.
He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and earned a degree in Communications and
Electronic Media from Morehead State University. He started out in
garden supply retail, and later traveled the country as a sales rep for a
wholesale supplier - all the while pursuing gardening as a weekend
passion.
"While shopping locally, I noticed a lack of specific,
scientific garden supplies," said Fraser. "I also noticed that my own
gardening knowledge often surpassed that of the sales staff." By then
he'd met Heather, whose accounting degree from
NKU could hold up the paperwork side of a
small business. It was time to grow their own enterprise.
After
falling in love with downtowns on both sides of the river, Fraser found
his perfect urban location the old-fashioned way - on foot. East
Seventh Street in Covington is near City Hall, the
Mad Hatter, and
the
Madison
Theater.
The Frasers believe detailed knowledge of
hydroponics, grow lights, and organic gardening is their most valuable
currency. They're often invited to speak at local gardening classes, and
recently began selling organic gardening supplies at the
Farmers Market in Covington. Casey, Heather, and one
additional employee man the store six days a week.
Writer:
Elena Stevenson
Source: Casey Fraser, co-owner, Garden Grove Organics
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