Finding merchandising inspiration at CAST 2024
By Teresa McPherson
These innovative displays at California Spring Trials (CAST) will inspire your retail merchandising.
In addition to the new and improved genetics being introduced at California Spring Trials, attendees can also find retail inspiration to bring back to their stores. Following are a few standout displays from the event.
Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets aren’t just for annuals anymore — breeders were showing hydrangeas in hanging baskets. (Left) Ball Seed hydrangea ‘Hanging Basket Haba Pink’, (center) Green Fuse hydrangea ‘Game Changer Giant Pink’; on the right, Dümmen Orange elevated its lavender in a hanging baskets display.Edibles were elevated to baskets as well, with PanAmerican Seed’s new Kitchen Minis in hanging baskets, aptly named Basket Bites.
On Brand
In addition to branded containers, several breeding companies were showing POP materials and branded carts ready for retail. (Left) Branded carts and pots promoted Benary’s Nonstop begonias, while (center) Pacific Plug & Liners’ new POP for retail encouraged early spring gardening with hellebores. On the right, Syngenta Flowers’ Kwik Kombos featured badges on the pots indicating early-, mid- and late-season mixes.Sakata Seed’s signage makes it clear its Viking series is award winning.
The Great Outdoors
Variations on outdoors promotions were seen at several stops, including golf displays throughout the Benary property, which would be easy to replicate with merchandise in a garden center.Schoneveld Breeding’s Gerbera ‘Joybera Milkshake’ display followed the beach theme at the southernmost stop at Trials — Green Fuse Botanicals in Somis, California.Pacific Plug & Liner greeted visitors with a trail map showing its new varieties as stops, with National park-themed staff ready to assist.Selecta One showed that merchandising calibrachoa can be easy as child’s play.
Ready for Gifting
Grab-and-go gifts were a theme at CAST, with many breeding companies promoting their potted plants as gifts spanning multiple occasions. Syngenta Flowers promoted cyclamen as a gift for multiple seasons with its long-lasting flower power.Selecta One’s dianthus series Pink Kisses and Early Love make perfect gifts for Mom or a special someone.
Setting the Table
Tablescapes made a pretty setting for plants at California Spring Trials. A cozy low table at Quality Cuttings featured a main course of coleus, surrounded by lush and fragrant lavender.
Tablescapes made a pretty setting for plants at California Spring Trials. A cozy low table at Quality Cuttings featured a main course of coleus, surrounded by lush and fragrant lavender.
Ball Seed’s Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Tabletensia Pink’ low-growing habit makes it a pretty centerpiece.
Teresa McPherson
Teresa McPherson is the managing editor of Lawn & Garden Retailer. Contact her at [email protected].
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