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Former 40 Under 40 Member Chris Olsen on Staying Evergreen in Business

3 min read

In partnership with his father, Chris Olsen bought the Doramus landscape company in 1996, changing the name to Horticare and selling it in 2005. In 2003, he opened his second home and garden store, Botanica Gardens. In May, Olsen opened Plantopia Home & Garden Center in North Little Rock.

He graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in business and attended Oxford University in England, studying landscape architecture among other topics. n

Olsen appears regularly in home and garden segments on KTHV, Channel 11.

Is the millennial generation interested in garden and landscape design?

Yes, because they want to incorporate the green concept into their design and include that in their homes as part of their actual landscape. This has also been enhanced by the most recent trend of producing and growing for themselves —for instance, including a few edibles in their plantings. An obelisk of cherry tomatoes on the deck and some basil or thyme beside the walkway is a common example of how this is being incorporated into their landscaping.

Are your clients becoming more interested in xeriscaping and other efforts to reduce water consumption?

Not necessarily in Arkansas. However, many of my clients are in areas such as Southern California, where they are approaching severe drought conditions. It has actually become necessary as there are many restraints imposed for watering. This practice of landscaping has become popular as some of my clients begin to downsize. It’s all about low maintenance but yet achieving a beautiful landscape. Contrary to popular belief, a xeriscape yard or patio can still be used for a traditional home such as those that we have in the South.

What about the use of native plants?

Using native plants can help to reverse the trend of species loss. Although the methods may differ, native plants often require the same level of care in installation as ornamental plants. Because they are adapted to a particular region, however, they tend to resist damage from freezing, drought, common diseases and herbivores if planted in that same region.

Tell us a little about your latest venture, Plantopia, and competing with the big retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Wal-Mart.

Plantopia Home & Garden Center is a “wholesale to the public” business in the old Lakewood Gardens location at 3101 North Hills Blvd. in North Little Rock. We carry a huge assortment of shrubs, trees, roses, perennials, annuals, pottery, fountains, chemicals, tropicals and even bulk materials. Plantopia is a balance among quality, low price and unique plant selection and carries my exclusive line called “jhemajang.” These plant combinations, which are Arkansas grown, are grown to be not only tough, but also beautiful. I have also designed a jhemajang furniture line for indoor and outdoor use. Jhemajang means the mixing up and arranging of different elements, both garden and unrelated, old and new, in a funky way that brings the pieces together in a whole new light.

Your business has several elements: seasonal decoration, landscaping, etc. What’s the most profitable?

We do well in all areas, but landscaping is our chief profit center.

You were a 40 Under 40 in 1999. What advice would you give our new class about succeeding in their careers?

Your greatest competitor should be yourself. By focusing on what you have done in the past, be sure you do better in the future and this will lead to great success.

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