Spring 2008

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Alum bridges generation of family nursery business

The Hughes family business began in 1908 when Dwight’s grandfather, William, sold nursery stock from this buckboard wagon displayed in the family’s museum. From left to right are: Megan, Hannah, Tom, John, Hillary, Dwight and Debby. The family will share the museum with friends and family in August when they celebrate 100 years in the nursery business.

The roots of the Hughes family tree run deep in the nursery industry. Born into a family landscape nursery business dating back to 1908, Dwight Hughes, Jr. (’70 horticulture and landscape architecture), began to accompany his father to nursery association meetings at the age of five.

Today Hughes carries on the family business, known for efficiency and innovation, in Cedar Rapids with his wife Debby and sons. Tom (’02 horticulture) and wife Megan (’02 horticulture) have one daughter, Hannah, and John (’05 industrial technology) married fellow ISU alum Hillary (’05 economics, ag business, finance). Together they own and manage 1,400 acres of farm ground and 40 acres of specimen nursery stock. His daughter Judy, a Northwestern grad, coordinates a music theatre program in Evanston, Ill. Like his father, Dwight introduced his children to the nursery business early.

“I’ve been teaching our boys like my father taught me, from the same textbook if you will,” Hughes says. “We designed the business around our family, we discussed business issues on a daily basis with the kids and I took them on field trips, conventions and meetings.”

Formal education has always been encouraged in the Hughes family, and Iowa State University has played a special role as three generations have studied in the Department of Horticulture.

“My mom and dad actually met at ISU and I was introduced to ISU personnel early through the state nursery association,” Hughes says.

Distinguished Emeritus Professor Bob Dyas’ courses in landscape design and plant materials rank high on Hughes’ list of useful information learned at Iowa State. Both Dyas and John Mahlstede, emeritus professor of horticulture, took a special interest in Hughes and served as his mentors.

“Mahlstede took me on a tour of the greenhouses and conservatory when I was ten. It was almost like a recruitment mission,” he says. “By the time I arrived on campus as a student he was associate dean and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station and hosted me for personal short courses at his home on Sunday evenings.”

In Hughes’s current role as president of the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) he represents what he describes as the fastest-growing industry segment in American agriculture.

“Nearly every building built in America today has some type of landscaping. Every community has a form of environmental beautification and future generations of people will continue to expect this level of beautification,” Hughes says.

With a long, celebrated career as a nurseryman Hughes sports an impressive resume. He has published a book and video on efficient strategies in landscape installation and nursery production and is a nationally recognized speaker on the topic.

Hughes is an active philanthropist and leader in numerous community organizations. Among his highest awards are the Nursery Hall of Fame Award from the ANLA and the prestigious Distinguished Eagle Scout from The Boy Scouts of America. However, it is his family that he prizes most.

“The most comforting feeling is having Tom and John come home to the family business,” Hughes says. “Our two boys are going to start the next 100 years. That’s the biggest honor in the world.”

Hughes’ Highlights:

Looking back on his life and career in the nursery industry, Dwight Hughes shares his top ten highlights.

1. Parenting three responsible, caring children who completed four year, double-major degrees and are successfully contributing to society.

2. Maintained a family business tradition through the third generation creating pleasing landscape experiences.

3. Provided leadership to the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) that built the Lighthouse Program from zero to 18,000 firms in 10 years.

4. Presented 150 seminars in 40 states and three Canadian provinces promoting professionalism, proficiency and profit.

5. Coordinated and moderated the ANLA “New Ideas Session” twice a year for 17 years; 800 shared concepts that impacted the entire industry.

6. Published a book and companion video/DVD that provides take home material for the seminars.

7. Chaired a national nursery mechanization thrust that received $1 million from the NASA Transfer Technology Fund.

8. Volunteered on numerous local non-profit boards to enhance cultural opportunities in the Cedar Rapids community.

9. Created a family museum that displays and captures 100 years of the family business.

10. Restored and preserved a 1917 historic barn on one of the family farms.

Online Extras

Read a personal account of flood clean up efforts in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area from the Hughes family

ISU Extension's Disaster Recovery website has resources for people dealing with flooding.