Apr 24, 2013
A New Way to GardenBy pmihalek

As of Sunday, April 21, I won’t mind if you call me a Phoenician. I’d actually prefer it. That’s because I’ve relocated from Chicago to Phoenix, now working out of my company’s Scottsdale office. Needless to say, it’s different down here … very different. The rules for patio gardening in the Midwest, well, I’ve thrown those out the window already. This weekend my wife and I will be taking out first trip to our local garden centers — Berridge Nurseries and Baker Nursery — for some much needed guidance.

And speaking of trips, come Monday and Tuesday, I’ll be on my own little garden center tour of Arizona. From Tucson to Flagstaff, I’ll be hitting as many locally-owned garden centers as I can to get a feel for how things are done down here. If you know of some must-stop places in this region, I’d love to hear your suggestions.

Just email me when you have a chance.

Spring Bling

Are you up on all the new variety introductions that were on display during the recent California Spring Trials? In case you missed it, don’t fret. We have you covered. Check out all the pretty pictures of new and improved varieties, thanks to our sister publication GPN’s photo gallery page on www.CaliforniaSpringTrials.com.

Hey Merchandisers!

We’re ready for your best attempts at merchandising. The call for entries to become the 2013 Merchandiser of the Year has now begun and we want you to show us what you’ve got. Impressive past winners include : Smith’s Acres, Beaver Bark Nursery, Calloways Nursery,Rutgers Landscape & Nursery and The Great Outdoors.

Need a little motivation? For the 2013 winner, this year’s trending and profit-generating prizes include : a $500 Wholesale Gift credit and a 15% discount for Braun Horticulture’s 2013 catalog offering (1 time); and a fully-stocked and colorful Dramm 60501 Assorted Gardening Display worth SRP $2,864.76. The winner will also be featured in the announcement issue, September 2013.

For more competition details, click here.


pmihalek