Marketing
Consumer Talk: Secret Shopping
Lori, 50 Fargo, N.D. "I visited Lowe's, and because it was March in Fargo, N.D., the garden center did not have any bedding plants for sale. A sales associate immediately asked me if I needed... more »Independents: Setting Themselves Apart
Retailing horticultural products has come a long way in a short time. Do you remember when you produced handwritten signage? Now we have educational, brand-oriented, vibrant, professionally made signs. Do you remember when we sold... more »The Landscape-Enhanced Home
Homeowners can make a range of home improvements, and numerous sources will tell them how much of that home improvement can be recovered. Yet there isn't much information available to show how much value landscaping... more »Consumer Talk: Being Choosey
Amy, 26 Charlotte, N.C. "When choosing plants, I typically look for them to be hardy above all else. I have a tendency to kill things inadvertently. Also, having a backyard is a new experience for... more »Offering Everything Consumers Need
I'll be honest about the origin of this column topic: Late last year, my husband and I got a puppy (a rambunctious puggle), and since then, we have spent more time at the nearest PetSmart... more »Introducing Consumers To IPM
With agricultural sustainability on the minds of many people in the industry and elsewhere, you may want to consider ways you can share its message with your employees and customers, especially in the area of... more »Retail Makeover: Building a Fresh New Look
Are you ready to be among the ranks of swanky, upscale depart-ment stores? This season, make it a priority to keep key endcaps and island displays filled to the brim with new and exciting plants... more »Fashion In Flowers And Plants Marketing
The world is changing fast. There is an aging population worldwide. People are richer than ever before and have more leisure time in which to spend their money. Some are delaying retirement because pensions are... more »The Changing Face Of A Maturing Industry: Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
Last month, I wrote how the lawn and garden industry has reached maturity in the business cycle. The needs of aging Baby Boomers have shifted; a greater proportion of Boomers now have the financial resources... more »Getting to Know Mulch
When it comes to mulch, many consumers know the term but don't know exactly how to use the product in their gardens. They may not even realize how beneficial it is or the different options... more »Just Add Water
Retailers looking for a way to draw in new customers, build business with existing customers and give the bottom line a boost will benefit from connecting the dots between the two hottest leisure-time activities in... more »Consumer Talk: Promotional Learning
Donna, 45 Bethesda, Md. Donna attended a "Lighting A Tree" and "Ornamenting A Tree" event. She attended the promotion because she went to pick up a Christmas tree and found there was an event when... more »
Videos
News
August 3, 2026
AFE welcomes new leadership and board appointments
July 29, 2026
The Plant Co. expands leafjoy distribution through EHR
July 28, 2026
NGB releases harvest guide for home gardeners
July 28, 2026
