Ball Ingenuity hydrangea 'Tabletensia'

June 2023
Merchandising inspiration from California Spring Trials By Teresa McPherson

There was no shortage of creative displays at CAST 2023 — here are some scenes to inspire your own merchandising.

A little rain didn’t dampen the mood at California Spring Trials, where breeding companies had their new and notable varieties on full display. On the following pages is some creative inspiration you can bring to your garden center.

On Brand

Breeders emphasized branded packaging at CAST, saying that plants in branded pots tend to have better sell-through. We saw new branded pot wraps for Sakata’s Viking begonias — reflecting a softer approach to the series — and pots showcasing Danziger’s new Amore ‘Pink Princess’.

Danziger Amore pot Sakata Viking pot

Sucker for Succulents

Easy-care houseplants like succulents took new heights at Dümmen Orange in a pretty wreath display, and Syngenta Flowers’ clever succulent frame.

Environmentally Friendly

Danziger used a backdrop to display its “Get in Tune with Nature” theme, focused on pollinator-friendly plants and those needing fewer chemicals. A bee stick made for an easy way to identify pollinator-friendly plants such as this lobularia.

Danziger In Tune With Nature CAST 2023

Danziger bee stick

Hem Genetics introduced new tags to show its commitment to eco-friendly production and varieties that don’t require any plant growth regulators. Hishtil’s signage explained its commitment to producing organic herbs.

Hem Genetics eco messaging

Hishtil organic sign

Cut Flowers

Cut flowers continue to be a hot trend, with breeders at CAST promoting both the traditional (HilverdaFlorist’s Patio gerbera daisies) and the unexpected (ornamental kale from American Takii). Syngenta Flowers created a flower shop display with mixed bouquets surrounded by greenery.

Grab-and-Go Gifts

Benary displayed its new Benary to Go plants intended for gifts on a movable rack as well as in a shopping cart to emphasize their grab-and-go potential.

Benary grab and go rack andd Benary cart

Ball Ingenuity’s pretty tablescape highlighted the potential of hydrangea Tabletensia as a hostess gift option.

Ball Ingenuity hydrangea 'Tabletensia'

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Teresa McPherson

Teresa McPherson is the managing editor of Lawn & Garden Retailer. Contact her at [email protected].