Apr 22, 2015
On the RoadBy Abby (Kleckler) McGarry

It’s pothole season, and after a rough winter – especially in the Northeast – these craters are costly. A AAA survey estimates potholes cost drivers $6.4 billion per year, but what if someone turned these eyesores into centerpieces?

I caught this video on the “Today” show last week, which shows Elaine Santore of Schenectady, New York, doing just that: She’s planting gardens in potholes!

It’s not just her either. Look at the pothole gardener in the U.K. He’s been creating miniature gardening scenes in potholes for a couple years now. True, pothole gardens may not be the most practical, but they are definitely conversation starters. Have you re-invented the idea of what makes a garden? Have any of your customers come up with creative ways to showcase plants in unexpected places?

Spring Trials

Lawn & Garden Retailer’s sister publication GPN hit the road last week for California Spring Trials. With nearly 20 stops along the way, the team explored new variety introductions and marketing concepts.

Although most of the varieties won’t hit your garden center until 2016, you won’t want to miss those that caught the eye of Jasmina Dolce, GPN’s managing editor. Here are her roundups:

Day 1: The Adventure Begins

Day 2: Breeding Breakthroughs in Watsonville and Salinas

Day 3: Standouts from Bulbs to Baskets

Day 4: Make Way for Begonias, New Guineas and Mixes

Day 5: Showstoppers in Ventura and Santa Paula

Day 6: The Journey Ends but the Real Fun Begins

There were also some great merchandising ideas at Spring Trials, which we will share with you in the June issue of Lawn & Garden Retailer.

In the meantime, head over to www.CaliforniaSpringTrials.com to see a large photo gallery, let me know what catches your eye at [email protected], and have a wonderful Earth Day.

Cheers,

Abby


Abby (Kleckler) McGarry

Abby (Kleckler) McGarry is the managing editor of Lawn & Garden Retailer. Contact her at [email protected].