Peter Orum (Dec. 4, 1941 – Oct. 17, 2024) | Midwest Groundcovers
On Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, Peter Orum, founder of Midwest Groundcovers LLC and Midwest Trading Inc., died with family and friends at his side. Peter’s commitment to the Midwest companies and to the horticulture industry, and his leadership, have been instrumental in establishing Midwest Groundcovers and Midwest Trading as prominent leaders in the green industry.
“Peter Orum was a special and irreplaceable member of our industry. His humility, vision, and generosity taught me so much in my early days. No matter how big you get, never forget the little guy. Never forget to be generous. Never forget to stand up for what you believe. And never forget to love what you do. I will miss him,” says Scott Grams, the Executive Director of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA).
As the companies grew, so did Peter’s involvement in community, civic, cultural, and professional organizations, both local and international. He held leadership roles in several horticultural groups, including the Illinois Green Industry Association, AmericanHort, the International Plant Propagators Society, and the Horticultural Research Institute, earning numerous awards and recognitions. He also strengthened horticultural ties between Denmark and the U.S. through his work with APlant and the Norðîc brand.
“In the horticulture industry, Peter was a humble giant. His 2022 memoir, People, Plants and Politics, reflects his dedication to community and collective action. Known for setting ambitious goals, he tirelessly pursued them and became a national leader in civic engagement and philanthropy. Peter was a rare inspirational figure whose legacy will continue to impact the horticulture community for years to come,” says Craig Regelbrugge, the Executive Advisor of AmericanHort.
Since 1969, Midwest Groundcovers has prioritized quality and service, starting with Peter and his wife, Irma, growing plants in a friend’s backyard. In 1981, they established Midwest Trading to supply horticultural products to the Chicagoland area. Their daughter, Christa Orum-Keller, who grew up in the nursery, became full-time in 1995 and now leads both companies as Chairman. Her husband, Craig Keller, joined in 1999 and serves as Vice President and co-owner of Midwest Trading. With strategic plans in place for long-term success, Christa, Craig, and their dedicated team are poised for growth. Their commitment to excellence reflects Peter’s belief that everything starts with the customer.
