On the Road
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 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,