David W. Smith/Daily NewsCindy Schott is the owner of Schott Gardens on Nashville Road.

Each week, the Daily News profiles a locally owned business.

Name of business: Schott Gardens

Location/Address: 2209 Nashville Road

Type of business: Garden Center

When did it open? Family owned for more than 65 years. I have owned the business since 2002.

Owner: Cindy Schott

Number of employees: Twelve in the busy season

Specialties: Schott Gardens offers quality trees, shrubs and flowers that grow best in the Bowling Green area. We offer professional advice for the home gardener. We also have fountains, unique sculptures and garden ornaments to turn your yard into a sanctuary. Unusual gift items are also a specialty.

How did the business get started? Mitchell Leichhardt and Sonny Barr started the business in the ’40s. They used a horse-drawn wagon and called on customers.

What is your background? I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in fine arts. I have been in the retail business on and off for 30 years.

What are your biggest challenges as a business? We have always faced challenges in the garden center business. Last year we had a late freeze followed by drought; now it’s tough economic times. I keep a positive attitude and know that the sun will come up tomorrow and the bulbs my customers plant this fall will bloom and be beautiful next spring.

What’s your business philosophy? To provide excellent customer service and stay current with what’s going on in the gardening industry and offer top quality products and plant material unique to this area.

What issues are affecting your industry? Independent garden centers are affected by the challenge of competing with Lowe’s, Home Depot and Wal-Mart. Immigration laws affect the production side of the nursery industry. Weather also plays a factor in the success of a season

What are the factors that make your business successful? I am fortunate to have a great staff that knows their plant material. I stay current with trends in gardening by going to market and reading lots of magazines. My staff and I are active in the community through volunteer work.

How do you handle competition? We take good care of our customers. We are here with friendly, professional advice and top-quality plants that we know grow well in this area. Schott Gardens also has unique plants, tools and gifts that customers won’t find at the “big box” stores.

What is your advice to someone thinking about opening a business? Starting a business takes a tremendous amount of time and effort. One should have a love for people and a passion for gardening. Be open to change and stay current with trends.