Known brings technology to the backyard garden
GREENVILLE – Alan Johnson, a Greenville-based entrepreneur, is revolutionizing the way gardeners identify and care for their plants with his new invention, Known. Johnson, along with his business partner, Michael Watson, launched Known in December as a way to simplify the process of labeling and tracking plants in gardens, houses, and farms.
The Birth of an Idea
This innovative concept was born out of Johnson’s personal gardening experience. As a novice gardener, Johnson faced the issue of handwritten plant labels fading and becoming illegible after a single season. Frustrated by this problem, he began brainstorming technological solutions. The result was Known, a line of “semismart” digital plant markers.
How Known Works
Known’s plastic markers function similarly to smartphone payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Instead of transferring money, however, these markers allow users to access, record, and send information about plants to and from the Known database. The markers are completely sealed and do not require batteries, making them user-friendly and accessible to people of all ages.
To use Known, gardeners simply tap their smartphone on the marker and enter information about the plant. This can include care instructions, scientific names, locations, and any other relevant data. At the end of the day, all the information can be easily accessed and managed with a tap of a phone.
Rebranding and Expansion
The company initially launched under the name Leafy but rebranded as Known to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding entries in the plant and garden market. Known recently introduced an indoor plant line of markers to complement their existing outdoor markers.
As gardening season approaches, Johnson is working diligently to get the Known name and products into the market in time for planting and labeling. He acknowledges the challenges of transitioning from a software developer to a physical product creator but is enthusiastic about the learning process and the potential impact of his invention.
Implications for Gardeners
Known’s innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize gardening practices. By utilizing digital plant markers, gardeners can better track the needs of their plants, resulting in healthier and more productive gardens. The ability to easily access care instructions and pertinent information can prevent common mistakes and ensure plants receive the proper care they need.
Gardeners can also benefit from the community aspect of Known. The network of users allows for the sharing of plant information, tips, and troubleshooting, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among avid gardeners.
What’s Next for Known
As Known prepares to enter the market, Johnson is focusing on distribution and packaging logistics. While the product development phase presented its challenges, Johnson is excited about the potential impact Known can have on the gardening community and the broader agricultural industry.
With Known, the days of illegible handwritten plant labels are soon to be a thing of the past. This innovative technology ensures that gardeners can easily and efficiently track, care for, and share information about their plants, revolutionizing the way we approach gardening.
